Carmelita called. “I hear a carriage.” Ruby threw open the door and stepped out onto the back porch. Reverend Dan Simpson was just helping his wife, Jade, from the fancy white-and-gilt carriage she had brought from San Francisco. “Dan. Jade.” Ruby hugged them both. “I’m so glad you could come to supper.” “We wouldn’t miss it,” Dan said with a grin. Though Jade still dressed in the silk of her mother’s homeland and carried herself with the cool elegance of one born to a life of opulence, she appeared to be more comfortable with the role of a simple, small-town minister’s wife. The loving glances exchanged by the happy couple spoke volumes about their happiness. They looked up as Pearl and Cat rode up in their wagon. In the back were their adopted sons, Gil and Danny. Riding alongside on their spirited mounts were Diamond and Adam. “Looks like we’re all here,” Adam called as he tethered the horses and strode hand in hand with his wife up the stairs. Carmelita dried her hands on her apron before embracing their guests.
