Faithful Heart (32 page)

The next day at San Francisco’s Union Station, Dottie and the children stood on the crowded platform with Breanna as she was about to board her coach. The whistle blew, and the conductor’s loud voice called for everyone to board.

James wrapped his arms around Breanna and said tearfully, “I love you, Aunt Breanna.”

“I love you, too, James,” she replied, kissing his forehead.

“Will you come back and see us?”

“Someday. I sure will.”

James stepped back, wiping tears, and allowed his little sister to embrace her aunt. Breanna hugged her and said, “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you, too, Molly Kate said. “Promise? You
will
come back and see us?”

“Just as soon as I can,” Breanna said.

Breanna was about to embrace her sister when she saw Dr. Matthew Carroll hurrying along the platform. She smiled and said, “Look who’s coming, Dottie.”

Dottie turned and smiled when she saw the doctor.

Dr. Carroll rushed up, out of breath, pulled the children close to him, and said, “I’m glad I made it before the train pulled out, Miss Breanna. I just wanted you to know that I’ll take good care of Dottie and these kids. Don’t worry about them.”

“I won’t, Doctor,” Breanna said with a smile.

“Could … could a prospective brother-in-law hug you goodbye?” he asked.

Breanna winked at Dottie. “I think that would be appropriate.”

Matthew Carroll gave Breanna a gentlemanly hug, then moved back between the children.

The sisters hugged each other in a tight embrace. Both had tears streaming down their faces.

Breanna whispered in Dottie’s ear, “I want to hear from you when you set the wedding date. You deserve some happiness.”

“You’ll hear from me,” Dottie whispered back. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Bye-bye.”

Dottie wiped tears from her eyes as her sister climbed aboard the train. From the platform at the rear of the car, Breanna called, “I love you all!”

The whistle screeched, and the big engine hissed and chugged forward. Breanna stood on the platform and waved until the train passed from view.

Still crying, Dottie drew close to the doctor and her children. She looked back where she had last seen her sister and said, “That’s the most wonderful woman on earth.”

Dr. Carroll smiled, looked into Dottie’s eyes, and said, “Breanna is a wonderful woman, Dottie, but right now I’m looking at the most wonderful woman on earth!”