A crisp voice sounded in the courtyard as Miranda was grappling with the unpleasant sensation of chicken droppings beneath her feet. "Who's this?"
From the shadows of the house emerged a young girl, her hair neatly arranged in twin braids.
This was Nina Neils, Carson's youngest sister, a vivacious seventeen-year-old who was eleven years younger than him.
Her gaze darted between Miranda and Carson, her expression morphing from confusion to unbridled joy as she recognized her brother.
"Carson! You're back! Why didn't you let us know? Mom's been wondering when you'd come back this year!"
"Left in a rush. Didn't have time for telegrams."
Nina's attention swiftly shifted to Miranda, her curiosity piqued by this unfamiliar face. "And who might this be, Carson?"
"Who else? My wife!" Carson
