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Chapter One

E rna Brown and her sisters approached the dance hall with hearts fluttering. Erna’s fingers intertwined with Faith’s, her only biological sister in the group, their clasped hands swinging slightly between them.

“Here we are,” Erna whispered, her eyes sparkling with the promise of the evening as they stepped onto the wooden porch of the church-turned-dance-hall.

“Think you’ll meet someone special tonight?” Faith teased, her voice light as she nudged Erna playfully.

“Maybe,” Erna replied, her cheeks warming at the thought. She patted her neatly pinned hair and smoothed out the front of her dress, a simple but lovely patterned cotton that danced around her ankles.

As they entered the hall, the thrum of fiddle music greeted them, lively and inviting. The room was filled with laughter and the shuffling of boots on the polished floorboards. Erna’s gaze swept across the sea of faces, looking for one that might hold a spark of interest.

“Quite the crowd,” Erna murmured, her anticipation building like the crescendo of the music. Faith nodded, her eyes also scanning the room, always supportive, always understanding.

“Let’s have fun, Erna. That’s what matters,” Faith said, a reassuring smile gracing her lips.

Erna took a deep breath, the scent of sawdust and sweet perfumes mingling in the air. With each step, she felt more at ease, the excitement of new beginnings coursing through her veins. Tonight was not just about finding love; it was about joy, companionship, and the simple pleasure of a dance shared among family.

Erna wove through the throng of people with her sisters. Amy’s gentle demeanor was a calming presence, her soft laughter bubbling up like a sweet melody. Brenda, ever the beauty, drew admiring glances with her confident stride, while Cassandra’s curiosity had her peering over at the musicians, analyzing their technique.

“Mind the step, Deborah,” Erna called softly, as the youngest almost tripped in her excitement. Deborah’s giggle was a clear bell in the din, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Always looking out for us, aren’t you?” Gail remarked with a grin, flexing her strong fingers that more often played in earth than piano keys.

“Someone has to,” Erna replied, her tone light, sharing a knowing look with Faith, who squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Hannah, quiet and observant, leaned close to whisper, “I reckon we’ll have a grand time tonight.” Imogene nodded eagerly.

“Let’s find ourselves some partners, then,” Brenda said, her voice cutting clear and decisive through the clamor.

Erna’s smile widened, and she stepped forward to greet a group of young men leaning against the wall. “Evening, gentlemen,” she said, her brown eyes lit with friendliness.

“Care to honor me with a dance?” asked a gentleman with a hopeful look.

“Of course,” she agreed, and they spun into the lively set. As the fiddle soared, Erna danced with ease, her dress swishing around her ankles. She laughed when the gentleman attempted a complicated step and nearly stumbled, but she caught him with grace.

“Seems I’m no match for your skills,” he said, his embarrassment fading under her good-natured chuckle.

“Keep practicing. You’ll outstep us all yet,” Erna encouraged before they parted ways with a friendly nod.

As the night unfolded, Erna floated from partner to partner, each dance a new conversation, a shared laugh, a moment of connection. She became a part of the rhythm of the room, of the heart of the community. And though she knew not what the future held, Erna reveled in the joy of the dance and the warmth of the bonds that tied her to this place and these people.

Amid the laughter and fiddle music, Erna squeezed Faith’s hand with a sisterly affection that spoke volumes. They watched as Amy twirled by with a tall cowboy, her giggles almost louder than the music. Deborah and Cassandra were deep in conversation with a pair of brothers from a neighboring ranch, their heads close together as they shared stories. Brenda flitted from one group to another, her laughter a bright trail behind her.

“Erna, you’re next with Mr. Jenkins,” Gail called out, already keeping score of who had danced with whom. A nod and a playful wink were all the encouragement Erna needed before she made her way to the dance floor again.

“Mind your step, Genie,” Hannah cautioned gently as Imogene adjusted the skirt of her soft pink dress, a gift from the women at church. With youthful exuberance, Imogene beamed at her, the brightness of her smile rivaling the lanterns overhead.

“Thank you, Hannah! I’ll be fine,” Imogene chirped, eager to join in the dance. She stepped forward, but in her excitement, caught the edge of her hem under the heel of her boot. Time seemed to slow as Genie’s arms flailed, seeking balance that eluded her. With a gasp from the crowd, she tumbled, landing in an unceremonious heap on the wooden floor.

“Oh, Genie!” Faith exclaimed, rushing to her side along with the rest of the sisters. Erna knelt beside her fallen sibling, concern etched across her features.

“Are you hurt?” Erna asked, scanning Imogene for injuries.

Imogene sat up, brushing off her skirts with a sheepish grin. “Just my pride, I think,” she admitted. The room held its breath for a moment longer, then erupted into supportive applause as Genie stood with the help of her sisters.

“Let’s get you fixed up,” Hannah said, leading Imogene to a chair. In no time, the sisters formed a protective circle, Erna kneeling to smooth out the crumpled hem while Faith fetched a glass of water.

“Next time, I’ll pick a shorter dress... or taller boots,” Imogene said, her cheerful spirit unbroken. The sisters chuckled, easing the tension with light-hearted banter.

“Or maybe just watch where those happy feet are taking you,” Brenda teased, winking at Imogene.

“Absolutely,” Erna agreed, her hands deft from years of mending clothes and spirits alike. “But where’s the fun without a little adventure?”

“Exactly!” Imogene beamed, accepting the hand Erna offered to help her back up. “Now, who’s ready for another dance?”

“Careful now,” Gail said as they returned to the throng, “We’ve only got so many dresses to spare.”

As the music swelled once more, the sisters joined arms, their unity unshaken by the minor mishap. Together, they stepped back into the dance, their joy infectious and their bond as steadfast as ever.

As Erna moved through the throng of dancers with her sisters, her gaze landed on a new face—a man standing at the edge of the festivities, watching the celebration with an air of quiet contentment.

“Who’s that?” Faith whispered, following Erna’s line of sight.

“Let’s find out,” Erna said, a spark of curiosity lighting up her eyes.

They wove through couples spinning to a lively tune, and as they approached, the man’s features came into clearer view. Tall and solidly built, he had the look of someone who wasn’t a stranger to hard work. His eyes, sharp and observant, seemed to hold stories of their own—stories Erna found herself wanting to hear.

“Evening,” Erna greeted, her voice steady but friendly.

“Evening, ma’am,” the man replied, tipping his hat in a gesture of respect. “I’m Joel Trinity.”

“Erna Brown.” She offered him her hand. His grip was firm and sure, yet there was gentleness in his touch that surprised her.

“Enjoying the dance?” she asked, a subtle invitation hanging between them.

“I am, but I reckon it’d be better if I were partaking in it,” Joel confessed with a half-smile that softened his stern expression.

“Then why stand on the sidelines?” Erna tilted her head, challenging him playfully.

“Suppose I haven’t found the right partner,” he said, his gaze holding hers steadily.

“Maybe you have now.” The words slipped from Erna’s lips before she could think better of them, but she didn’t regret them. There was something about Joel that felt... right.

“Is that so?” Joel’s smile grew. “Well, Miss Brown, do you enjoy keeping house and cooking?”

“Every chance I get,” Erna answered, surprised by his question. “How did you know?”

“I didn’t. I just wanted to make sure.” He looked her up and down. “Do you bake as well?”

“Right again, Mr. Trinity.” Erna’s cheeks warmed with pleasure at being understood so quickly. “And you?”

“I enjoy my land and my cattle. I’m a rancher,” Joel said, looking down at his calloused palms. “I’m building a dream with these two hands.”

“Sounds like a story worth hearing,” Erna said earnestly. “Perhaps while we dance?”

Joel extended his arm. “It would be my pleasure.”

As they stepped onto the dance floor, the room seemed to blur around them. They moved together, two kindred spirits sharing the simple joy of connection. And as the music played on, Erna knew that this dance was just the beginning.

Erna found herself swept into the rhythm of a dance by Joel’s confident lead. Twirling under his arm, she couldn’t suppress a giggle as her skirt billowed around her.

“Ever herd cattle in a dress like that?” Joel asked, his eyes twinkling.

“Can’t say I have,” Erna laughed, matching his light-hearted tone. “Do you think it would give me an edge?”

“Perhaps,” he conceded with mock seriousness. “It might dazzle them into submission.”

“Or send them running for the hills,” she countered, her own eyes filled with humor.

“Then it’s settled,” Joel said, spinning her once more before catching her hand and pulling her close. “You’re to wear it next time we round them up.”

“Only if you promise not to step on my toes,” Erna teased back.

“I think I’d be too busy watching the dress to mind your toes,” Joel replied, the laughter in his voice making her heart skip a beat.

As the song came to an end, Erna clapped her hands, still caught up in the thrill of their playful banter. She sought out her sisters, who were gathered at the side of the dance floor, faces flushed with delight.

“Erna, you looked like you were having the time of your life!” Faith exclaimed, squeezing her twin’s hands.

“Joel has quite the sense of humor,” Erna shared, her gaze drifting to where Joel had stepped aside to allow another eager bachelor to ask for a dance. “He’s a man full of surprises.”

“Seems like he’s got a good hold on you, too,” Amy observed, nudging Erna playfully.

“Let’s just say, he’s an excellent dance partner,” Erna replied, the warmth in her cheeks betraying her growing affection.

“Come, let’s all join in the next one!” Cassandra urged, and soon they were moving together, a cascade of skirts and laughter blending into the music and festivities.

Erna danced with her sisters. They moved as one, a circle of love and support. The night was alive with possibility, and as Erna glanced over at Joel, her smile deepened.

“Looks like this dance might just be the start of something special,” Gail shouted over the music, and Erna nodded, her heart soaring with agreement.

The lively tune of the fiddle tapered into a soft hum, and the dancers slowed to a halt. Erna’s eyes met Joel’s from across the room, his lopsided grin sending an expectant flutter through her chest. He tipped his hat in her direction, a silent invitation that quickened her pulse.

“Erna, look, he’s coming over!” Faith whispered, giving her sister a gentle push forward.

“Go on,” Hannah said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

With hesitant steps, Erna made her way toward Joel. Joel’s confident stride closed the distance between them with ease.

“Miss Erna,” he said, his voice warm, “would you honor me with a stroll outside? The evening is too fine to waste solely on dancing.”

“Would I ever,” Erna replied, her words laced with a thrill she couldn’t contain.

They stepped through the dance hall doors, the night air caressing their faces. The stars seemed to twinkle with approval, and the moon cast a gentle glow on the path ahead.

“Quite the night, isn’t it?” Joel remarked, his arm brushing against hers.

“Sure is,” Erna agreed, her gaze lingering on the way the moonlight played upon his features. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen stars shine so bright.”

“Nor have I,” Joel said, stopping in his tracks. He turned, facing her with an earnestness that stilled the night. “Erna, there’s something I’d like to—”

A distant call interrupted him, a voice summoning them back to the dance hall. Joel’s brow furrowed slightly, a silent apology in his eyes.

“That’s Mrs. Jackson. She was the matron at the foundling home where I was raised. Guess we need to head back,” Erna suggested, though her heart yearned to hear what he had been about to say.

“Of course,” Joel replied, offering his arm. “But this isn’t the end of our conversation, Erna. Not by a long shot.”

As they walked back, the music swelled—a promise that filled the space between them. Erna felt the edges of a beginning, a story waiting to be told. And as the chapter closed, with her hand resting lightly on Joel’s arm, the possibility of what lay ahead was enough to leave anyone’s heart dancing in anticipation.

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