The Unexpected Bride

©2019 by Stella Clark

All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, events or locales is completely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

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Chapter One

Wheels clacked noisily across the cobblestone streets. Rocking in her seat, Emma Redmond tried to find a melody in the clatter as she concentrated on the project before her. This was supposed to be a simple fix, but that was what they all said. When it came down to it, few people understood the complexity of stitching.

“You’re still working on that dress?” a voice hissed from the seat beside her. “Emma! You need to move faster.”

The voice stirred her from her thoughts, causing her to catch her thumb on the needle. Emma winced before turning to her friend. “I appreciate the advice, Elizabeth, but Madam Chapin is a very particular customer. I have to do it right or she’ll make me do it all over again.”

Elizabeth made a face, realizing her mistake. “Oh, I thought that was for Mrs. Temme. My mistake. Take all the time you need on that one. Do you remember the last item Madam Chapin brought here? A scarf. A scarf! Oh, I worked on it all through the night and she cried such a fit. As if I’d ruined the thing. Me!” Scoffing, she pushed her blonde hair out of her face. “What a horrible woman. Do you need help finishing anything else in your basket today?”

With a shake of her head, Emma shared a tired smile. “I can handle this, but thank you. I know you have enough work to do. And more to come soon,” she added, hinting to the woman’s swollen belly.

The other girl chuckled and shook her head. “It’s so soon! Can you believe it? Marcus is frantic, you know. We have so many blankets and nappies now. More than we have of anything else in our little home. It won’t be much, but I know he’s going to smother this boy with so much love.”

“Boy?” Emma raised her eyebrow. “How can you tell?”

Elizabeth leaned forward with a sly smile, urging Emma closer with the crook of her finger like she had a secret. “My mother always said that if you crave more cheese during your time, then it’s a boy.”

For a minute, Emma considered Elizabeth’s words. Then she wrinkled her nose. “That sounds silly.”

The two women giggled, leaning against one another as they tried to keep quiet. They worked in the largest seamstress shop in Chicago. Twenty women gathered around tables in the top floor on Main 21st.

It had sounded like a wonderful opportunity five years ago when Emma first took the job. But summer was coming, and the room was warm. Most of the women had already tied their skirts and pinned their hair up. There was a soft buzz of people talking quietly. That’s how the two girls had met. Elizabeth had arrived three years ago from New York with her husband and had kept Emma company at work ever since.

Emma’s heart was full for her dearest friend. The woman had prayed so long for a child. And now it was happening. Happy moments such as these were what kept her going. Without a family of her own, she craved any opportunity to be with others. It was here at work that she had found companionship and a dear friend.

“Ouch.” She caught a finger on the needle. Emma put her finger in her mouth and sucked, tasting bitterness. Elizabeth made a face as she turned back to the cape she was working on. “Oh, a baby of your very own.”

As she sighed, her friend nudged her and pointed to the dress in her hands. “Enough chatter. You need to finish that stitching. That way, perhaps tomorrow, you can come have supper with Marcus and me?”

Emma brightened. “Yes! I mean, if that’s all right. I’d enjoy that.”

***

They talked as they stitched until the sun set and it was time to be leaving. Somehow, Emma had finished her stitching in time. Together, the two women strolled out of the shop and down the street, talking until they reached the split in the lane.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Elizabeth hugged her tight.

Emma returned the hug. “Of course. Get some rest, Lizzie. You look tired.” She winked and headed on her way. Clutching her bag close, she made her way ten blocks west to her own place. It wasn’t much, and she tried not to walk around too late at night, but it was all she could manage on her own.

Before she opened her door, however, someone cleared their throat. She recognized that voice. After all, she’d spent the last week avoiding him. Emma made a face for just a second before turning around with a smile. “Mr. Graham. Good evening. What … how’s your wife?”

Bruce Graham followed her up the steps and ignored her question, as usual. “Miss Emma Redmond, what a sight you make. I’m afraid I come with bad news. Rent is going up again.”

Her face paled. She’d already asked and received an extension on this month’s rent, still trying to get the money to pay him. And it was going up? “I—but, I … Mr. Graham,” she stammered as she began to wring her hands. “What … I don’t understand … I thought you said last year was the last time?”

The man shrugged. “It’s not up to me. The maintenance, the city policies, I can’t control it.”

She tried to think of how she was supposed to manage to pay even more for rent. That’s where most of her money went already. “I can’t afford anything more. I’m not even—there’s not enough food, I don’t … please, is there anything you can do?”

Taking the final steps to reach her floor, the man shrugged. “Well …” Emma swallowed hard and waited. She’d been a good tenant for so long. Surely, they could work something out. “I suppose I could,” Mr. Graham agreed slowly. “If … we could come to an agreement.”

He stood so close to her now, his breath hot on her face. She took a step back and ran into her door. “A—an agreement?”

“Sure. After all, it must get cold and lonely in the night.” His hand reached out and touched her waist. Even as she jumped, the man took it as an invitation to pull her close against him.

Emma immediately put up her hands between them, trying to push him off. Frantically, she squirmed and freed herself, running into her apartment without saying anything. The scream in her lungs never came out. She locked the door behind her and leaned against it. Her heart pounded loudly as she shuddered.

The insinuation in his suggestion had been more than clear. It made her body seize just thinking about his filthy mind. How could anyone think such a thing? She would never degrade herself no matter how grim her situation became. Anything would be better than resorting to that solution.

But, Emma realized, she would have to do something about her rent. Chicago was growing, and every year it was harder to survive in the city.

Chapter Two

It was sunny, without a cloud in the sky, on the day they buried Thomas Marsh. The ground was damp. Grass grew thick and green. Everything looked beautiful from above the ground. Just not in the ground.

Jay stared, trying to think. Trying to feel. His eyes focused on the box, unable to see anything else. His hands hung limp at his sides, useless. A lump had formed in his throat overnight and hadn’t gone away. His eyelids felt heavy, and it had been days since it felt like he had slept.

Life was hard. He knew it was supposed to be that way. Challenges were given to mankind in order for them to grow.

But this was too much.

There was a tug at his pants. He had to figure out something to do. After losing his parents, then his wife, his brother’s wife, and now his brother, he had to think. He had to learn again how to move on.

“Uncle Jay?” Amber squeaked as the preacher closed his book. His six-year-old niece tugged on his pant leg again.

Right, the kids.

He blinked, drawn back to the moment. The sun was shining. And he was not alone. Glancing beside him, he found little Amber clutching his leg with those straw-colored curls framing her face. In her other hand, she clutched her little brother Slade. He was sucking his thumb. Four years old, and he was sucking his thumb again.

“What is it?” Jay ran a hand through his hair as he knelt, taking Amber’s hand. Just so she’d stop tugging on his clothes. Her hand was sticky, though, and he didn’t know why. He didn’t know what to do about it. So he didn’t let go.

“I’m hungry,” she tried to smile but mostly just showed off her teeth.

Nausea churned in his stomach. Jay fell back to sit on the grass. Both kids took it as an invitation to sit on him. Usually, it was fine. They loved to spend time with Jay, often playing all over him. But that was a lifetime ago.

“Where’s Papa?” Four-year-old Slade whimpered as he wrapped his arms around Jay.

It felt like a noose, but he couldn’t find the strength to pull the kid away. Instead, he wrapped his arm tighter around the boy. Jay knew he needed to say something. But he didn’t remember how to talk. What could be said to reassure them? He needed reassurance for himself.

He sighed, shaking his head when the preacher offered his support. “We’ll be fine,” Jay managed.

Soon they were alone. After a few minutes, he finally gathered up the strength to move. Jay groaned as he climbed up, one child in each arm. He cradled them close as they left the cemetery.

Their Nebraska town held few graves. Millstone had only been around for twenty years, and the name had been around for an even shorter amount of time. There were only ten grave markers in the ground. Before they left the hill, he glanced back one last time.

Thomas deserved better. A better life, a better death, more time with his family. Jay would come back next week to put up the cross, once the grass had begun to take root again. The one beside it was already taken by Julie, Thomas’ wife who had died in childbirth.

And the one in the corner belonged to Jay’s own wife. Daisy. He tried not to look, but it was impossible not to. He couldn’t help himself. Five years had passed since her abandonment and death, and it still stung. She was buried with the man she had run off with, Marcus Hester.

Jay turned away, refusing to give her anymore of his time. He carried the children down the rest of the hill until they reached his horse. “Come here,” he murmured. First, he sat Amber on the saddle, and then placed Slade in front. “Hold on tight, you two. Let’s get some food.”

Once they were secure, Jay grabbed his horse’s reins and led them back through town. A few people stopped to greet them, to offer their condolences, but the rest kept their distance. Jay had only been trouble in town, after all. One terrible occasion after another.

The horse was dropped off at the stables. Nathaniel was covering for him and took the animal as Jay passed through his forge and then headed to the house just around the block. When he’d first married at nineteen, he’d built on top of his blacksmith forge and shop, which had been a good home. Thomas had kept the house after their parents passed. It was a bigger home, one meant for children. He’d have to move back to the house now.

Amber moved around the kitchen after seating her little brother. Jay watched as she found four apples, rubbed them carefully with an apron, and set them on the table. One for her, one for Slade, one for Jay, and the fourth one she stared at before finally setting it in the middle of the table.

He forced himself to take a bite, uncertain of when he had last eaten. Probably before Thomas accident. That was three days. Rubbing his face, Jay put the apple back down. His appetite was nonexistent.

“Uncle Jay?”

“Yes, Amber?” He tried to smile but nothing worked.

“Are we going to be all right?”

Biting his tongue, he forced back the frustration and exhaustion. For a minute, Jay was angry. He was furious. Why had this happened to him? What was he supposed to do now? He wasn’t meant to be a father. He didn’t know how to have a functional family, he didn’t know how to raise two children, and he didn’t know how to live without his brother.

But he was going to have to learn.

“Yes.” Jay took the fourth apple and pushed it in front of Slade who was already finishing with the one in his hands. “Everything is going to be just fine.” It might not be true now, Jay admitted, but eventually it would be.

It had to be.

Chapter Three

It had been a simple enough idea. In the same week Emma had realized she needed to find something better than what she had in Chicago, she found a solution that could change her entire life. Elizabeth had the idea and shared it with her.

“The magazine is called The Matrimonial Times.”

It landed on the table loud enough to make Emma jump. The magazine was thin, just eight pages. There was artwork of a happy couple on the front, reminding her of Elizabeth and Marcus. Those two were so much in love that it was almost sickening. But she adored them.

That evening, Marcus handled the dishes so the two ladies could talk. They curled up by the open window, enjoying the evening breeze as they explored her opportunities. She couldn’t stay in her apartment anymore, and it was time to consider her other options. Inside Chicago as well as outside.

“This is crazy,” Emma whispered as they flipped through the pages. “Marrying someone I don’t know? They … they could be anyone.”

Her friend nudged her. “Everything feels crazy at first. I told you how I met Marcus, remember? Market day in New York City? I remember walking down the street with so many people that my feet hardly touched the ground. And then this handsome man saved me.”

Emma had heard the story several times. But she never tired of hearing it. The idea of finding happiness in a hard life was too attractive to ignore. Happy stories always lifted her spirits after a hard day at work. Grinning at her friend, Emma shook her head as she stared at the magazine.

“I know,” Emma mumbled. “But what if he ends up like my landlord? I couldn’t possibly marry someone like that.”

Elizabeth patted her hand. “We’ll help. We’ll read the letters with you, and help you write and ask the right questions. And if anything terrible happens, you can always come back here. Just think of it, Emma. You could get out of Chicago like you’ve always dreamed. Find someone, build a family.”

And just like that, Emma found herself looking to the West. They considered a few gentlemen’s ads in the magazine before settling on the right man and carrying on a correspondence with him. It had happened all so quickly for her.

***

“Mrs. Emma Marsh,” she whispered the strange name for the hundredth time.

The stagecoach she was riding towards Nebraska was a bumpy one. Every minute pulled her away from Chicago and everything she knew. Her stomach felt queasy. Perhaps she’d let Elizabeth talk her into too much.

Nebraska. A new husband. A family. Children, even.

Unable to help herself, Emma pulled her purse open to reread the letters for courage. The correspondence she had begun with Mr. Marsh had lasted just a few months, enough for five letters. The man had offered a marriage of convenience, she reminded herself. He wouldn’t be like her landlord. He would just be a gentleman who needed a wife. That was something she could do.

Or so she hoped. But how did she trust a man she didn’t know? Trust him to care for her, to watch over her? Her parents had not been around long enough for her to know what marriage was like. The best examples she had were her unhappy landlord and her joyful friend who’d just given birth to a beautiful baby boy.

The letters were put away. Her stagecoach moved along the bumpy path. Sighing, Emma leaned back and tried to get comfortable. When she couldn’t, she prayed. She prayed for peace and comfort. And for a kind and decent man who cared for his children. The more she prayed, the more Emma felt her body relax. It would be fine, she told herself. All would be well.

***

Her stagecoach made it safely to Millstone. Gray skies welcomed her as the only passenger who was stopping there. Everyone went into the nearby café to rest up as the driver changed horses. Clutching her bag close, Emma took a step towards the town.

She swallowed hard, glancing around. Where was she to go now? As she thought back through the letters, Emma realized they hadn’t decided on how they would meet once she arrived. He had sent her the ticket and said he would expect her soon. But neither of them had been certain of the exact time she would arrive, and certainly he would be too busy to just stand around.

Or would he? Emma glanced around at the people she could see. A few folks wandered the streets or stood in the shade talking to one another. No one appeared to notice there were new strangers around.

“I suppose I’ll just have to do this the hard way,” she murmured. Emma decided to start with the two women just down the lane who were looking into the window display of the mercantile.

She walked over with her largest smile. “Good afternoon,” she offered loudly to get their attention. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but can you please point me towards the post office? I’m looking for Mr. Marsh.”

They shared a glance she didn’t understand. The taller of the two leaned forward to put a hand on her arm. “You must not have heard. The post office burned down. You can most likely find Mr. Marsh around the blacksmith shop.”

“You can’t miss it,” the shorter one added. “Turn there and go around the corner. Everyone smells it before they arrive. Burning metal and the horses, I mean.” Her cheeks flushed. “Nathaniel can help you. He’s the one with straw-colored hair.”

Emma nodded, feeling she was missing part of their story. Their faces only said so much. The post office had burned down. Her grip on her bag tightened as the women excused themselves. What had happened? Emma began to walk where they directed. She was in Nebraska, and she needed to find her fiancé.

Chapter Four

When he tallied up the numbers, Jay didn’t like what he saw. Rubbing his forehead, he double-checked and triple-checked. He must have gone wrong somewhere. But numbers had never been his area of expertise. Working with his hands was so much easier. If only Thomas was still there to help him with the paperwork.

Jay gritted his teeth. It had only been two weeks, but every moment was open to reminders. Every loss hurt in its own way and he worried that this one would ruin him for good. Rubbing his eyes, he tried to pull himself together.

“Jay Jay!”

He jerked as Slade came running over. “Hello!” Jay managed a smile as he spun the boy around, who laughed with delight before they sat down. “And where have you been?” Jay poked him on the nose.

“Horses,” Slade beamed. “I want to ride horses.”

The boy always wanted fun. Jay didn’t blame him. But it was exhausting. How had Thomas been a single parent and hard worker? He had run the post office and raised his two children. Jay had run his blacksmith shop and the livery stables. His brother had never complained, and he wondered how he had survived.

“Not now.” Jay shook his head, glancing back at the numbers.

If Thomas had still been around, they could talk. But Jay was alone. He didn’t know what to do or how to do anything anymore. Especially with the kids. Being an uncle was easy, but he had to figure out how to feed them, when to wash them, and how to keep them busy. Those efforts didn’t even count the income he needed to support all three of them.

A knock at the door caught his attention. “Come in,” Jay called, and Nathaniel stuck his head in the room.

“Howdy. I have three things. First, your girl is crying in the stables. Second, we’re low on sugar cubes. And third, can you pay me before tomorrow?”

Jay took the pencil from Slade. “Yes, I think I can. I’m working out the final numbers … wait, my girl? Amber?” He jumped up. “Where?”

He followed Nathaniel’s gesture across the shops and through the alley into the stables. Horses huffed quietly, the loudest sound only that of people passing on the street. Jay let Slade down as he glanced around. Where had Amber run to?

“I want horses.”

Pushing the boy’s hand down, Jay shook his head. “Let’s find Amber, okay? Where’s your sister? Amber?”

Too many pens and too many stalls. One by one they looked through them, trying to find the familiar little girl with soft-colored hair. It wasn’t until they checked the final stall, the large one sectioned off for the goats and donkeys, that Jay found her.

“Amber!” Jay sighed in relief. He touched the girl’s shoulder as she curled up in the hay. “Amber, are you hurt? What’s wrong?” Checking her for damage or blood, he furrowed his brow. He couldn’t see anything broken.

Sniffing, Amber peeked an eye open. “They said Papa was dumb.”

“What?” Jay tensed and looked around. “Who said that?”

She stuck out her bottom lip. “Is Papa really never coming home?”

Nathaniel called out, “Jay, are you still here?”

Jay gritted his teeth as he pulled Slade back from the horses. “Not now,” he called over to Nathaniel and then turned back to Amber, trying not to feel overwhelmed. Tugging on Slade’s shirt, he put his other hand on the girl to get her up. “Papa … Papa can’t come home. Remember? We talked about this. He’s with God. God needed him more than we did, and …”

But he couldn’t remember anything else because that just didn’t feel true. Looking at his full arms and hearing Nathaniel call him, Jay couldn’t see how anyone could need Thomas more than he did.

“Jay?”

“Just a minute,” he called, groaning as Slade protested. The boy was attempting to take off his shirt to escape. Jay needed to get the boy clothed and Amber out of the stall since they had three goats expected that evening. “Amber? Please. Papa can’t … Thomas is gone. But he’s not really gone. He’s always with us. Remember what the preacher said? He’s always in our hearts.”

Amber sniffed. “But I want him here. I don’t want him in my heart. I want my papa.”

“I know,” Jay agreed miserably. “I want him too. I’d do anything to bring him here, but … but I can’t, Amber. I’m sorry.” He paused and tugged on her arm lightly. “Can you get up, please? You don’t have to play with anyone who says something mean. But I need you out of here now for the goats.”

That caught Slade’s attention. He turned and ran into Jay’s arms, knocking him hard in the chin. Jay winced, catching the boy so they didn’t fall. “Oof,” he managed. “Thanks, Slade.”

“I want goats,” the boy chattered. “Can I ride goats?”

Nathaniel’s head popped up over the stall. “Jay? There’s a woman here. Just wants you. I think she’s a customer? I don’t recognize her.”

What? Oh, I … all right. All right, Nathaniel, thank you … I’ll be there in a minute.” Jay considered asking him to watch the kids, but he knew that was too much. Standing up, he patted Slade on the back and took a deep breath.

“Goats?” Slade pouted.

“No goats,” Jay shook his head. “Maybe tomorrow. Amber, can you please watch your brother? I have to work.” She nodded obediently. Slade whimpered, but Jay didn’t have time for that. He didn’t have time for a lot of things. If he could, later that night he’d try to make it up to the kids. Life was hard and he didn’t want to make it harder for them.

He took a deep breath and followed after Nathaniel, who pointed toward his forge. Jay rubbed his hands, wishing the ink and the soot weren’t so hard to wash off. The job he had definitely qualified for the chance to always look like a mess. No matter how much he washed, it seemed like there was always dirt somewhere.

When he looked up, Jay found an unfamiliar woman standing in front of his blacksmith shop. He stopped, wondering who she was. Her gaze wandered. What did she need? Nathaniel would have mentioned if she had a horse. Jay noticed the carpetbag in her hands and his curiosity piqued.

“Good afternoon,” he offered, startling her. Jay offered a sheepish and polite smile. “I’m the owner. You wanted to see me?”

She inhaled, offering a smile. The woman studied him for a heartbeat before asking softly, “Mr. Marsh? I’m Emma. Emma Redmond? I just made it into town.”

Chapter Five

Her heart pounded as she waited for him to react. Searching her eyes, she hoped he wasn’t disappointed. It was a warm day and she felt sweat begin to drop down her forehead. She knew she didn’t look her best, but she had tried.

Yet Mr. Marsh didn’t do anything. There was no sign of recognition as he rubbed his hands. “Miss Redmond. Were we expecting you?”

She couldn’t stop her mouth from dropping open. She didn’t have it wrong, did she? Frantically, Emma tried to understand if she had missed something. Rethinking the letters in her mind, she felt certain she was where she was supposed to be. “Yes, I mean I … I came from Chicago,” she volunteered awkwardly. “From … from the Matrimonial Times? We’ve been writing letters for months.”

The man took another step forward. “Isn’t that a bride magazine? Are you sure you’re looking for Mr. Marsh?”

“Yes,” Emma nodded. “Yes, Thomas Marsh. My intended, that … isn’t that you?”

When she said that name, his face paled. Emma hesitated, wondering if something was wrong. Did it have to do with the post office? Surely whatever it was, they could work it out together. After all, she had come from Chicago to be with him in Nebraska.

“I, you, I’m sorry, I …” he stammered. “That is, actually, my brother. I’m Jay. Jay Marsh.”

Her eyes widened, her cheeks turning pink over her mistake. He had mentioned a brother, hadn’t he? Cheeks flushed as she nodded. “Oh, I-I didn’t realize … I apologize. I just assumed when I asked for Mr. Marsh … Is he here? I arrived on the last stagecoach,” she added. Emma knew she didn’t look like much now, but Thomas Marsh just had to give her a chance.

In his next words, her hope disappeared. “I … I don’t know how to tell you this,” Jay’s voice cracked. “But Thomas died. Two weeks ago.”

Emma dropped the carpetbag. Her smile faded as she searched the man’s face for any lies. But there was nothing cruel about him. All she saw was pain, the kind she was beginning to feel inside the tightening of her chest.

“I …” she tried to think. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Nodding slowly, Jay stared at his hands. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the pain. She had lost family before, and her heart went out to him. Though her heart ached, it was for a man she had never met. To lose a brother, Jay had to endure so much. “Thank you.”

For a minute they were quiet. Neither of them had the courage to look up. Emma felt a lump in her throat as it began to dawn on her that she didn’t know what to do now. With Mr. Thomas Marsh was gone, what was she to do?

Jay inhaled deeply, his entire body heaving with the effort. “I apologize. I’m being impolite. What was your name again?” He scratched his head, ruffling his hair so it went every direction.

She tidied her skirts. “I—Emma. Miss Emma Redmond.” She wanted to say something more, but her voice failed her. There wasn’t much else she could say.

“You were going to marry my brother?”

Emma nodded slowly. “Yes, I … well here. I have proof,” she offered, uncertain if he cared. Grabbing her purse, she brought out the bundle of letters. “This—he wrote me these letters, you see.”

The man accepted the offering. “Yes,” Jay murmured, studying them curiously. “That’s his handwriting. May I …”

They were polite letters, though she wouldn’t call them love letters. “Please,” Emma nodded. She didn’t know what else to do. She shifted where she stood and swallowed. Perhaps the letters could bring him some form of comfort. Clasping her hands together, she waited as he rifled through them.

“I didn’t know,” Jay confessed, pausing after he was two letters in. “I had no idea. I mean, he said there was something he wanted to talk about, but I thought … I thought it would be about something else. He was trying to buy farmland, so I thought …” his voice kept failing him. The man returned the letters. “I’m sorry; I wish I had known.”

She shook her head, reorganizing the papers. “I’m sure he wanted to wait for the perfect moment. I … I’m only sorry you’ve lost him. A marriage of convenience is a small thing to lose compared to family.”

“Any loss is still a loss,” he volunteered.

Nodding, her eyes skirted around the shop. A post office should have been much safer than a place like this. As her stomach clenched, Emma found herself wondering. “Do you mind … can you tell me? What happened to Thomas?”

He took a step back to lean against his table. It was a blacksmith shop, a place she had never explored before. Everything looked so strange and dangerous. Hot and sharp. But the large man looked right at home with the dark streaks against his bare forearms and wrinkled clothes. It matched his dark hair and eyes.

“My brother …” he hesitated. “Thomas was not sick. He was the picture of health, really. But it’s been a dry summer, you see, and we’ve already had a brushfire or two. We don’t know how it happened. Some hay bales caught fire on a wagon. The horses ran, sideswiping the post office.

“Thomas was the only one there.” Her hand covered her mouth, hating what she could imagine. A knot formed in her stomach. The confusion, the fear, the heat. Jay continued softly, carrying on though it had to have pained him. “It was an old building. Everything collapsed. We tried to get to him, but it was too hot. I told him to fix the straw roof before, I told him that, but … we couldn’t get to him until we put out the flames. By then, it was too late.”

She swallowed hard, wondering if she was supposed to feel better. Asking him had been a cruel request and Emma realized her mistake now. A pit in her stomach began to grow, but she didn’t know what to do.

“I … I’m sorry,” Emma offered again as she glanced down at the letters in her hands. “I can’t imagine the pain of—of losing a brother. It’s tragic. Would … would you like these?” She offered the papers back, taking a step forward to him. “Since your brother wrote them …”

Jay shook his head. “No. No, they’re yours. Do what you like with them.” He hesitantly glanced her way. “What will you do now?”

It was a question she was trying to avoid. Emma took a moment to fold the letters and put them back in her purse. Finally, she shared a grim smile. “I’m not quite certain.” She couldn’t have stayed in Chicago, but had it been a mistake to come here? Emma swallowed. “I suppose I can see if—if anyone needs any work done, or perhaps I’ll try to take the next stagecoach … somewhere.”

Chapter Six

The young woman tried to smile. It was a pretty smile. In her eyes, he could see the same uncertainty that he had felt lately. Jay realized how strange it must be, coming to a strange place to marry a stranger, only for him to not be there. The pain in his heart faded the more he studied her.

Thomas had decided to remarry. They had discussed the idea before, and Jay knew his brother was growing more open to the idea. Thomas’s wife had passed away in childbirth, after all. They hadn’t wanted to lose each other. It was different for Jay, whose wife had left him before her own sudden passing.

Footsteps sounded behind them. “Jay? The goats arrived early.” Nathaniel called from outside. “Should I put them up?”

Right, there was still work to do. Jay turned toward the door. “Can they wait? We haven’t removed the hay.”

“Yeah, uh … those kids are playing in the hay now.” Nathaniel stepped forward hesitantly, giving him a reluctant smile.

Jay closed his eyes. Goats, hay, Amber, Slade, horses, horseshoes, fire, nails, Nathaniel, money. There was so much to worry about. He had to get back to work, but he hated to leave Miss Redmond like this. He had so much work that he didn’t know if he was supposed to help her or desert her. Jay didn’t know how to do either. She had come to town to be a wife, but now her husband-to-be was gone.

The concept of taking on a wife made Jay uncomfortable even if Thomas had felt ready. But his brother had always been the better of the two of them. Faster, smarter, kinder, just better.

An idea came to mind. One that Jay immediately dismissed and then reconsidered. It was practically laughable. He glanced at the woman. She looked sober now, hesitant. He thought again of the words his brother had offered her. A marriage of convenience. That meant little love, right?

“Jay?” Nathaniel asked, still waiting on him. “What do you want me to do?”

He didn’t know. The thoughts in his head were swirling quickly and loudly as he tried to think. But he knew he couldn’t waste too much time in his head. First, Nathaniel. “Tell Amber and Slade to—” Jay didn’t have to finish as the two kids ran in, squealing and covered in hay.

“He pushed me, he pushed me,” Amber called. “He pushed!”

“No,” Slade was crying. “No, no, no, no, no!”

They ran in circles around Jay until he managed to grab them each by a hand. Trying to keep them from hitting each other, he glanced back to his only employee. “Move the hay into the next stall. Then you can put the goats in,” he told Nathaniel, who left to obey.

The children started to calm down as he kept them apart. But there was still Miss Redmond. Did he dare follow through with his strange idea? Jay’s hands were full, he was dirty, and he knew he was not his brother. But he also knew he couldn’t do all of this on his own.

“Miss Redmond,” he swallowed and prayed for God’s strength. “Thomas is gone, so you’re not bound here or to anyone. I’m here though, and so are Amber and Slade. If you’re still … if you’d still like a family, I … I’ll marry you.” The words felt sour in his mouth, but he forced them out. “A—a marriage of convenience. With the other Marsh?”

It wasn’t a great offer. There was little he had to give. Not his heart and not money, just two loveable although occasionally difficult children plus a lot of work. He swallowed hard, waiting to see what she thought.

“I …” her eyes fell upon the children. Having noticed a stranger in their presence, the two had fallen quiet as they wrapped themselves around his legs. Just as he was going to speak up, Miss Redmond turned back to him. “Yes.” She offered a shy smile. “I’ve come all this way, after all. If you’ll have me, then I will marry you.”

He couldn’t explain the suddenly thick knot inside his chest. Jay took a step back, leaning against his work table for support. The kids were quiet as they stared. Everyone was staring at him. At least Nathaniel had left, Jay thought to himself.

Only then did he realize that the next move was up to him. “Right.” Jay looked back at her. “Thank you. I mean, good. We can … I guess we should get married?” It came out as a question because he didn’t know about the timing. He’d proposed to his first wife and married her a month later. This situation seemed a little more dire, however.

“I suppose,” his bride-to-be volunteered. She took a step forward before gingerly setting her bag on the table beside him. They were so close that he could touch her. But no, Jay reminded himself. He didn’t want another wife, nor she a husband. “If you have a moment,” she continued, “we could see if your preacher is available?”

Jay nodded hurriedly. “Right. Right! Yes, we’ll …” he glanced around, realizing he was still dirty. But she’d already agreed, Jay reminded himself. She couldn’t expect anything more than what she saw now. “Amber, Slade, come on. We’re going for a walk.”

“Where?” Amber pouted.

“To church. You like the church, don’t you?” He lifted her off the ground before setting her back on her feet. When he tried to do the same for Slade, however, the little boy refused to stretch his legs out and Jay was stuck carrying him. He ruffled the boy’s hair before offering Miss Redmond a short smile. “I suppose we should be on our way.”

The walk was a quiet one. Amber clung to his vest, keeping her distance from his bride-to-be. Slade was shy as well, tucking his face away into Jay’s neck. Sweat trickled down his forehead and Jay tried to ignore it. The day was warm, that was all.

“Excuse me?” Their preacher, Mr. Handel, asked when Jay made his request. The short man glanced at the party of four. “This is … sudden.”

“I know,” Jay managed a sheepish grin. But people had to take what the Lord gave them, right? Clearing his throat, he glanced at Miss Redmond. “Do you have a few minutes? I have to get back to work.”

Mr. Handel closed his mouth and slowly nodded. He grabbed his Bible and his wife for the witness before starting the ceremony. The children started playing on the benches as the adults gathered in the front of the chapel. It was only as the preacher began talking that Jay got a better look at Miss Emma Redmond.

She was pleasant-looking, he decided. More so than he had noticed before. Her features were soft and kind with her honey-colored hair that framed her pink lips and light eyes. Blue and gold and green, he decided, reminding her of the river. He’d never seen eyes like those before. The woman was young, but she seemed eager enough for this daunting role. His heart hammered in his chest, knowing he could have never guessed this was how his Wednesday would turn out.

“And now, I pronounce you before God and our witness, husband and wife,” Mr. Handel announced.

Chapter Seven

She had a husband. Emma pinched herself in case she was still sleeping. But it was real. Her heart pounded loudly, echoing in her ears. The man was a stranger, even more than what she had expected. It should have terrified her. But somehow, she wasn’t.

As he walked her through her new home, she studied him. He towered over everyone like a bear. Dark hair that needed trimming, and scruff that meant he hadn’t shaved for a few days. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows and covered in black smears. Some of it had rubbed off onto her, but she didn’t mind.

And the children adored him. Perhaps that’s why she wasn’t so scared. He was affectionate with them, listening to their stories and letting them play all over him. That had to be a good sign.

“Miss Redmond?”

She realized she had been staring. “Sorry, I … you can call me Emma,” she interjected quickly, flashing a quick smile. “We are married, after all.”

A lock of dark hair curled across his brow and she had the sudden urge to brush it away. “Yes, right. Emma. Then you can call me Jay. I’m sorry, but the livery stable needs me,” he gestured towards the door awkwardly. “I don’t know when I’ll be back. There’s food in the kitchen. Amber can help you find anything. Is that all right?” Jay furrowed his brow.

She nodded slowly. “Yes, yes of course. You’re very busy, and—and it’s been quite a day.” Emma tried to smile. He was nice enough, she told herself. If he was a brother to her former intended, surely he had to be a good man. “Will you join us for supper?”

He scratched his cheek, leaving a black mark next to his brow. “I’m not certain. But don’t plan on it, I suppose.” Glancing around, Jay fixed his shirt. “Amber? Slade?” They grabbed their blocks and came running over to him.

Jay nudged them to stand in front. Squatting down, he squeezed their shoulders. “I have to go back to work. Emma is going to stay here, all right? This is your Aunt Emma. She’s going to play with you. Will you two be good?”

They nodded. Jay kissed the tops of their heads. “Thank you. If you need anything, I’m just around the corner. I …” he trailed off before offering her a final nod. All three of them quietly watched Jay leave.

Once alone, Emma looked at the children and the children looked at her.

“You’re pretty,” Amber announced in the silence. “I’m your niece. That means you’re my aunt. That’s what Uncle Jay said. Hello!”

Crouching down, Emma put on her biggest smile for them. She didn’t know what to do with children, but she supposed she would figure it out. They at least looked easy to please. Thomas had written in his letters that both of his children were mostly well behaved and were always looking to make a new friend.

She nodded. “Yes, I am your aunt. You can call me Emma. What shall I call you?”

“Amber!” the little girl shouted her name before giggling. Then she touched her brother as he was spitting on a block. “And that’s Slade. No, Slade. Papa said no spitting on the blocks. Slade! Say hello!”

The blocks were covered in drool. Both children burst into laughter, falling to the floor. They eventually put the blocks back in their basket and moved to other games. Most of them didn’t make sense, but Emma let them choose and it kept the three of them occupied. It was fun to see their imaginations come to life. Both of them were energetic, bright, and sweet.

Soon the entire afternoon had passed away. It was only when she glanced out the window that Emma realized it was growing late. She left the children playing on the floor as she went to see what she could do about food.

After a quick hunt through the kitchen, Emma prepared potatoes, boiling them and tossing in more vegetables as she worked. By the time both of the children were starting to whine, she had put something together for them to eat.

There was food on the table and children around the table.

It was mostly what she had expected. But now that she was here, Emma wondered how she would do this with the rest of her life. Stitching was easy enough to understand, whereas children and learning about a new husband felt very complicated.

“I can do this,” she told herself.

***

Once she was alone after putting the children to bed, Emma cleaned up. It was dark and she didn’t know what to do then. Was she supposed to go to bed on her own? Did you share a bed in a marriage of convenience?

She jumped as the door opened. She and Jay stared as though they were trying to remember who each other was. Rubbing the back of his neck, her husband locked the door behind him. Then he showed the bag in his hands. Her bag.

“Here.”

She accepted it. “Of course. Good, thank you.”

Another moment of silence. Jay finally looked away. “It’s clean,” he noted. “And quiet. Where are Amber and Slade?”

“They’re asleep. It’s late, after all. I … I wasn’t certain when you would be home, but I cooked potatoes. They should still be warm.” He went to the covered pot. “Would you like company?” Emma volunteered.

Jay glanced up. He hesitated before giving a nod. “Sure. I’d like that. How were the kids?” he offered as they sat at the table. Emma offered him a napkin and started talking.

Chapter Eight

“You did all this?”

Jay glanced up to find Emma studying his work table. He thought he had heard her footsteps. A few weeks had passed since they had met and married, and they were learning to live with one another. In one hand she carried a large covered basket. In the other she held tightly onto Slade who was reaching out to him.

“Jay Jay,” he whined.

Moving away from the fire, Jay wiped his hands and nodded to the boy. Only then did Emma let go. Jay ruffled the boy’s hair as Slade ran over and hugged him. “Hey, Slade. What a surprise!”

“Jay Jay!” Slade shouted cheerfully. “Auntie Emma and I made cake. Lots of cake!”

“Cake, huh?” When he glanced up, he noticed a blush splash over Emma’s cheeks. It made the freckles stand out, even from across the room. Noticing she wouldn’t look at him, Jay wondered how dirty he must be. Only then did he realize he’d left most of his shirt unbuttoned due to the extreme heat. Clearing his throat, he hastily fixed it and tried to ignore his own blush.

This time, when he looked up, she was looking back at him. A smile reached her lips before she glanced away, setting the basket down before studying the work on his table. Jay brought Slade over.

He was working on a little of everything. Her fingers ran over the belt buckles curiously. “These are amazing,” she murmured. “Are they all orders from the town?”

“For the most part,” Jay stammered. His first wife had never cared about his work. Instead, she had complained about him never being home. And when she was home, he was too dirty and too smelly. “I … I just like trying new things.”

As he bit his tongue to hold back his shoptalk, Emma studied him. “That’s incredible,” she said finally. “I wish I were talented enough for something like that. All I can do is fix your socks and shirts. All of your work … it’s beautiful.”

“Oh.” He swallowed, not certain how to respond to that. “But sewing and stitching are important. This place smells, and it’s hot.”

She shook her head, cutting him off as she went back to the picnic basket. “Don’t be ridiculous,” Emma told him while clearing a spot on the table for the food. “I’ve heard good things about your work. Right, Slade?” She turned to the boy who was playing with a buckle Jay had given him. “Isn’t Jay wonderful?”

“Yes! Jay Jay is fun,” Slade nodded. “And me!”

Emma laughed, ruffling his hair as he hugged her. Amber was in school, which left him with Emma during the day. It had caused Jay some worry about them adjusting to her, but he soon realized it wasn’t necessary. The children adored Emma.

She looked up at him as Jay wondered again about this strange miracle worker. “See?” Emma pointed out. The way her eyes met his made his heart leap. “Well said, Slade. I thought we would join you for the entire meal,” she added as she gestured. There were two servings on the table that day. He stared, wondering why she would want to join him in such a stuffy shop.

“Is this all right?” Emma hesitated when he didn’t respond. “I thought perhaps you might like some company. You said work was slowing down, and …”

Realizing his mistake, Jay shook his head. “No. Yes! I would. Like your company, that is.” He swallowed. “I’d like that just fine.” Noticing he only had one chair, however, he glanced around. “We should have another chair in the stables.”

Before he could move, Emma put up a hand. “I can get it. I know you don’t have much time, so please, start eating.” His wife smiled and waved to him and Slade before excusing herself.

Jay considered waiting for Emma before eating. But his stomach growled, soon winning the battle. He picked up his fork and dug in. Another delicious meal. The life he had now was stranger than anything he could have imagined. And yet, he was glad of it.

There were still rough moments and pain. Everything was still an adjustment. But everyone was moving forward. The house had never been cleaner, and he’d never been so well fed. Jay could hardly describe how grateful he was to have Emma. She was unlike anyone he had ever known.

He was halfway done eating, lost in thought, when he realized she hadn’t returned. Bouncing Slade on one knee, Jay glanced at the empty plate.

“Come here,” he muttered to Slade and they walked over to the livery stable. As they entered, Jay heard Emma’s familiar laughter.

They turned the corner and Jay stopped at the achingly familiar scene. He wanted his chest to open wide for breath since the scene before him looked so innocent. Too innocent. Emma was there, still laughing, as she talked to a young gentleman. His last wife had done that before, too. Days before running off with the man that had made her laugh.

It took Jay a moment to think before realizing he knew Bryan Jackson, the cowboy from the Royale Ranch. The young man was handsome and confident, offering a dimpled grin and frequent winks to the ladies.

Jay watched uneasily. It felt like history was repeating itself, but he didn’t know what to do. After all, they weren’t in love. He tried to convince himself that he didn’t really care. He just needed help with the children. He swallowed, wondering how careful he had to be to make sure his second marriage didn’t end like his first.

But this time, Jay realized, it would be worse. There were the children. A lump formed in his throat as the doubts gnawed away at him. He had to stop, he told himself. Stop telling himself that the future was full of possibilities and stop considering the future with Emma. It was just a marriage of convenience.

Chapter Nine

“You’re real sweet,” Bryan leaned over his horse to give Emma another dashing smile when she finished laughing at his joke. At least, that’s what it looked like he was trying to do. All she could see was how much it looked like he wanted to bite her, chew her, and swallow.

Her throat constricted as she forced a smile. “You’re too kind.”

“Just honest,” he winked.

Taking a step back, she dropped her gaze to look at the horse. That’s why they were really talking, after all. It was beautiful, with a gray coat and white spots. She cocked her head to take another good look at the animal and wished he would stop staring. “He really is beautiful.”

Bryan Jackson’s arm slid around the horse’s back, awful close to where her hand had been. “We could always go for a ride.” That’s when it struck her what felt so strange. This cowboy, however young and charming, reminded her of her landlord. There was something about the look in his eyes and the way he smiled that made Emma want to run far away.

She stiffened and glancing around, realized were not alone. Relief danced across her shoulders. Jay was there, watching them with that stern expression as he held Slade in his arms.

“Jay!” Emma yelped and cleared her throat. “There you are. I-I’m sorry. I couldn’t find the chair, and …” she didn’t know what to say, but she motioned vaguely towards Jackson.

The cowboy waved. “Howdy, sir. Bryan Jackson. Just putting up my horse.”

Her husband gave a short nod. “I know.” Then he turned to her. “Nathaniel must have moved the chair.”

“Oh.” Emma hesitated, suddenly wondering if his brow was creased more than usual. “Well, that’s all right.” She had looked forward to lunch with her husband, but perhaps another day. She started for the door, but propriety stopped her from walking through it before addressing Jackson one last time. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jackson.”

She led the way back to the forge, everyone quiet. Jay’s plate was empty, already used. Had she been gone that long? Emma sighed, wishing she’d thought through her plan a little more carefully to spend the afternoon with her husband.

“I’m sorry,” she volunteered again. “Would you still like to join me?”

Her husband glanced around the forge. “I’m done.” Jay gestured to the chair. “Go ahead. Maybe next time.”

She wanted to protest. She wanted to tell him no, that’s not what was supposed to happen. They were supposed to sit and talk together. Instead, Emma swallowed. She accepted the chair but had lost her appetite.

Twiddling with the fork, she watched Jay show Slade how to use some of his tools. Jay made a good father, a good protector. Emma found herself studying him as usual. There were few men like Jay. He was careful in everything he did, taking care of his work and his family.

After all, he had taken her in. There had been no reason to commit to such a delicate and binding decision. They had hardly known each other’s names. It was only a week ago that she had learned he had even been married before her.

“Can I go to school?” Slade asked, wondering again where Amber was.

Jay fixed his sleeves. “Of course you can. When you’re older, like your sister.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re having too much fun with you,” the man chuckled, opening his hands up for the boy to toss the belt buckle. “And you’re too young. When you’re older, you can go.”

Slade tossed it, but it only went a foot out. “Why?”

Emma held back a small smile as she watched Jay search for an answer. “That’s just the way school is, Slade. You have to be old enough to be ready to go. It’s like getting a horse ready. You need a saddle before riding him.”

“Why?”

It wasn’t her favorite game, the Why game. But she was patient, just as Jay was. He was incredibly patient. Patient and kind and intelligent. Always smarter than he liked to admit, she had noticed, like he wasn’t always sure of himself. That was nonsense, of course. He was a very clever man. Just looking at his work proved that true. She was lucky to have him.

“Emma?” She jumped and looked up at her husband. Jay rubbed his neck. “I said I should get back to work. There’s a few things I need to finish.”

“Oh.” She stood, realizing how foolish she had been. “Yes, of course. I shouldn’t have stayed so long. I’m terribly sorry.” Clearing her throat, she scrambled to put everything back in the basket.

He noticed her plate. “You’re not hungry?”

At most, she had taken three bites. Emma swallowed, not certain of how to answer that. “Well, I-I’ll eat later, I’m sure. But we had best be going home. Will we see you for supper?”

The man’s gaze trailed out of the forge and through the doorway. It took him a minute to answer her question. “I’m not sure,” he answered finally. “Perhaps don’t plan on it. Slade? Behave for Emma. You’ll be nice to her, won’t you?”
“I’m very nice,” Slade nodded automatically.

“Be safe,” Jay added to Emma as they headed towards the door. When she glanced back, he was fixing his shirt and rubbing his cheek. Another smudge. It made her smile as her stomach did a flip-flop. He looked so handsome in the middle of the forge that she could kiss him.

“Bye,” she managed, wondering again about the man she had married.

She stood frozen for a moment, realizing the thought she’d just had about him. Emma had meant it, too. But why would she want to kiss him? They didn’t have that type of relationship. Forcing herself out the door, she tried to think as Slade sang on the walk home.

Maybe they could have that type of relationship? If not now, then perhaps someday. Suddenly it was all that she wanted. She’d give up everything if Jay would just wrap his arms around her.

She swallowed hard, trying to understand the rush of emotions. The first one had broken through and now the others wanted to follow. There was so much she didn’t know, so much she didn’t understand. But the one thing she knew for sure, Emma discovered, was that he was a better man than anyone else she knew. And she wanted him to be hers.

***

It was only that evening, after putting the children to bed, that Emma found herself looking out the window for Jay, waiting eagerly for him to return home. As she sat and waited, she wondered why. Why had her thoughts changed? And what were these feelings inside of her? She wondered if they would make sense when she saw him again. She just wanted to stay up to see his face before retiring for the evening. What was there to do once he arrived? Tell him about the garden? About Amber had done well in class? What did she want to say to him? Biting her lip, Emma wondered if she was going crazy. Elizabeth had made marriage and love make more sense than this.

Emma paused at that word. All that she knew was that every time she thought about her husband, her heart skipped another beat and she longed to see him again. Certainly, that meant nothing, she told herself. It wasn’t love. It couldn’t be.

But, Emma pondered, what was love?

Chapter Ten

When the hymn ended, everyone sat down. Jay’s gaze drifted around the chapel as the preacher started talking. They sat in the back row, just like he always had. Slade still often tried to chatter during the sermon, and they needed the distance from the pulpit. And besides, he was one of the tallest men in town, so he wanted to stay out of the way.

“One of the most sacred blessings we receive is the gift of marriage,” the preacher started his sermon. Mr. Handel beamed at his congregation. “As much of a blessing as it may be, marriage is also a responsibility. We are tasked in this sacred union to care for one another, to understand one another, to cherish one another.”

So that was the topic. Rubbing his hands together, Jay found a smudge on his hand and frowned. He’d bathed last night, trying to remove all the grease, soot, and other dirt off his body. Apparently, that hadn’t worked.

“As our faith must be firmly set upon the Lord, our families must be firmly set upon our bonds in this sacred union. We support each other. We care for each other. We listen to each other.”

He shifted uncomfortably. It wasn’t that Jay disagreed with Mr. Handel. He knew the importance of a good marriage. His eyes skirted over to Emma, whose gaze had drifted to the children who were elbowing each other, and she began whispering to them. Jay thought back to his first wife, Daisy, and the day they had married.

A rainy Wednesday. Daisy had worried it was a bad omen, but he had assured her it was nothing. Perhaps she had been right all along. Their relationship had not been as good as he had thought it was. Whether it was because they had married too young or didn’t fit right, he didn’t know anything except that he had learned his lesson. Marriage and love weren’t for him.

When he glanced at Emma the next time, she was looking at him. A heavy weight settled over his shoulders. He was married again, and he realized he didn’t regret it. Not really. Suddenly Jay wished to know what she was thinking more than anything in the world.

***

The walk home after church was quiet. Slade was tired, curling up in Jay’s arms. To his right, Amber clutched his shirt sleeve as she counted her steps, practicing her numbers. And on his left, Emma kept her gaze lowered. Jay found himself wondering what she had thought of the sermon about marriage. He wanted to ask, but his tongue stuck to the top of his mouth.

“Thank you,” she murmured when he opened the front door for her. Emma ducked her head in and waited in the doorway as he closed the door behind them. Once everyone’s hats were off, Emma put them away and he set Slade down on a chair for a nap.

Amber tugged at his shirt. “I want to see the horses, Uncle Jay. You said I could see the horses. I didn’t see them yesterday because it was laundry day. Please? Can I see the horses now?”

Jay had forgotten. He glanced up as Emma returned, tying her apron around her waist as she headed towards the kitchen. Frowning, he considered saying no, but he saw the pout Amber wore and knew he should keep his promise. “Emma?” He cleared his throat. “Amber and I are going to stop by the stables.”

Emma glanced back with a smile before nodding to Slade. “I’ll keep an eye on him, don’t worry. Supper should be ready in a few hours.”

Cheering, Amber danced around Jay’s legs as he took her back out the door. Though the little girl chattered as they walked, he found himself unable to stop thinking about Emma. Her soft expressions told him so little. Jay wished she would tell him more, that she would share all of her thoughts. She shared some, certainly, but there were moments where she fell quiet and he’d give anything to know what was on her mind.

***

It was after supper when he decided to try and ask her. The children went to play with the blocks as Jay helped collect the dishes for the sink.

“Thank you,” Emma beamed. “You can sit, if you like. I know you’ve had a long week.”

His muscles were sore just thinking about all ten wagons he had worked on. Work had slow moments and it had very fast ones. But that wasn’t what was on his mind. Jay looked for the courage to speak up. “We had a good sermon today?” He winced since that wasn’t supposed to be a question.

Her hands were already elbow deep in the suds. A strand of her honey-colored hair fell into her eyes as she looked up. Jay wondered if he’d eaten something wrong from the way his throat closed up. “Yes.” Emma’s smile widened. “I enjoyed it. What did you like from his sermon?”

He tried to think. “The scripture passages were good.”

Emma nodded thoughtfully. “Yes. When he brought up charity, I thought that was lovely. Marriage is a—quite a sacred union,” she offered slowly. “There’s a lot of potential good from it.”

“A blessing from God,” Jay offered. Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried to remember why he had wanted to bring this up to her. “Right.” Now he just looked like a fool.

The strand of hair on her face was bothering him. It was in their way. When his hands started to itch, he couldn’t suppress the urge any longer. Reaching forward, Jay swept his hand across her cheek, carefully pinning the hair behind her ear. Emma held perfectly still even after he pulled his hand back.

When he blinked, the moment was over, and he realized what he had done. Jay took a step back. “Sorry,” he muttered awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to …”

“No, it’s all right.” She took a step forward, arms dripping wet on the edge of the sink.

“I should …” Jay hesitated one last time before forcing himself out of the kitchen. He needed a moment alone.

Chapter Eleven

As she found herself in love with her husband, Emma didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t ignore her heart any longer. Every time they were together, she was looking for an excuse to be closer. She tried to find funny stories to make him laugh and tried to keep track of all the smiles he shared with her.

All morning she tried to keep her mind focused. But they kept returning to him. Jay. He was her husband, after all. This should have been natural, normal. If only she hadn’t agreed to the convenience part of their marriage. She sighed through her porridge and watched the children play with her yarn and knitting needles.

By lunch, she couldn’t just sit around the house anymore. Clapping her hands together, Emma caught the children’s attention. “Shall we go on another picnic?”

“Yeah!” the children cheered, standing up to dance around in circles.

Her first week there, Jay had taken her around town. He had pointed out the mercantile, the river, and a particularly nice grove of trees on the outskirts of town that made for a perfect picnic spot. They’d started using it on a regular basis. While they’d already enjoyed one picnic that week, Emma saw no reason that there couldn’t be another.

On the way, they passed Jay’s two workstations. The forge’s doors were closed which meant Jay was busy. She didn’t want to interrupt, but they waved when they spotted Nathaniel. After that, it was easier to stop thinking about Jay and his hot forge and his strong arms and kind smile and quiet manners.

A little easier, Emma amended. “Help me with the blanket,” she instructed the children when they arrived in the grove, tugging the blanket out. They set everything up and dove in, playing and eating as the afternoon passed them by.

Emma’s attention focused on the children as they played and ran and ate. The sky was beginning to darken before she even noticed any time had passed. Hastily she stood, realizing she’d be late to cook supper if they didn’t return home then. Spotting the children by a tree, Emma waved her arms. “Kids! It’s time to go home.”

She was just folding the napkins around the plates when a shadow crossed her path, blocking the sun out. Emma squinted up, trying to make out the dark figure.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Emma,” drawled a familiar voice.

Bryan Jackson stood with his hands on his hips, smiling down at her. She shifted uneasily on her knees before standing. Glancing around, she found his horse tied to a nearby tree and wondered how she hadn’t noticed his arrival.

Emma offered a polite smile, wondering why he was there. “Mr. Jackson. How are you?”

He tipped his hat, but she noticed how his eyes trailed across her from head to toe. It made her squirm, but he didn’t notice. Or he did and he didn’t mind. “I’m well. Better now that I’m seeing you. I must say, this is a beautiful little spot you found yourself.”

Nodding, she glanced around. “Isn’t it? I come often with the children.” There were large oak trees offering plenty of shade, large berry bushes nearby, and even a clump of colorful flowers by the trickling stream. That’s where the children were. Emma noticed Slade had his feet in the water and hoped he had taken his shoes off first. She waved to them, beckoning them to return. They really needed to leave.

But Mr. Jackson tugged her attention way, blocking her view of the children. “Really? I’ve never seen you here before. I consider myself quite the expert in all things beautiful. Beautiful groves, beautiful women …” he trailed off, eyeing her again.

A shiver ran down her spine as Emma flushed at his impropriety. He knew she was married, after all. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think you should …”

He waved away her concerns. “And beautiful horses. I just brushed out my Appaloosa’s mane, you know. Thought you’d like to see for yourself. He’s right here.” Emma hesitated. “Just for a moment,” Mr. Jackson winked as he ran a hand through his thick blond hair. “Better do it before we wind up in the dust again.”

Perhaps that would be enough to get him to leave. Offering a tight smile, Emma nodded and followed after him. Mr. Jackson patted his hand against the animal’s neck in a friendly manner. It was so casual that she couldn’t help but smile, admiring the creature. He was nearly blue with cloudy spots, like the sky.

“Here.” He grabbed her hand when she didn’t move closer and put it on the horse’s mane. Her eyes widened but he didn’t let go. Carefully, he guided her touch up along the neck. She tried to concentrate on the animal and not the man, wishing her hand would stop shaking.

She attempted to tug her hand back. “He’s lovely,” Emma volunteered. “Beautiful.”

“Just like you,” Mr. Jackson said agreeably as he swung into the saddle. She started, wondering how he clutched the reins and still her hand. “Don’t you want to go for a ride?”

Clearing her throat, Emma wondered if she’d given him the wrong message. She’d only tried to be polite. Hurriedly she shook her head. “I-I’m sorry, I don’t think that’s proper. You should go. We shouldn’t—”

“Nonsense,” he ignored her protests as he tugged her closer. When she stumbled against the saddle, he leveraged that stumble to grab her waist and lift her into the saddle. The ground disappeared from beneath her as she gasped at this sudden change. She was half sitting, half lying across the saddle, and completely frozen.

Squirming, Emma could hardly tell which way was up. Her heart thumped as she tried to understand what had just happened. “Mr. Jackson! Let me down, please. This is—please, I can’t—” she scrambled for something to hold onto and found only him. But she didn’t want him. Her hair spilled around her face, blocking her view as panic climbed through her limbs. What was he thinking? They weren’t alone. There were Amber and Slade. Where were the children? Emma felt a scream build up inside her.

“Let’s go for a ride,” she heard Mr. Jackson say above her.

“No!” Emma tried to shout. Trying to wave her arms around, she kicked and tried to see through her hair. She thought of the children, craning her neck to look around. They couldn’t be left alone. They were too young. Fear strained her heart as she gasped for breath. As the horse began to move, she grappled awkwardly to control any of her movements. “Mr. Jackson! Please, stop!” But her punches got her nowhere and she felt the world begin to spin.

Chapter Twelve

Jay headed home early, eager to surprise Emma and help finish preparing supper. But when he stepped in the front door, no one was there to greet him. Immediately, the silence bothered him. He wasn’t used to it anymore. Jay rubbed his neck as he went inside and wondered if they were hiding from him. Amber liked that game.

“Emma?” Nothing. “Amber, are you there? Where are you, Slade?” No one was there.

An uncomfortable pit developed inside his stomach. His smile faded. Something was wrong. Swallowing his confusion, Jay headed back to the forge in case they had gone to see him.

“All right, boss?” Nathaniel offered when he arrived.

Jay glanced around and asked, “You haven’t seen my family, have you?”

“They passed by a few hours ago. Looked like they were going on one of those picnics.”

Right, a picnic. He hadn’t considered that. His shoulders straightened a little. That was definitely an option. “Thank you, Nathaniel,” Jay nodded, but before leaving, decided on a whim to ride a horse out there. The kids would enjoy coming back on one, after all.

But why would they still be out? Emma made a point to always be at home in the evening for him. They always had supper at the same time so they could clean up and read with the children before they went to bed. She was smart like that, and responsible and clever. And pretty.

He shook his head, trying to get outside of his mind. There were too many of those thoughts floating around inside his head lately. But he wanted to talk to Emma about some of that. First, he had to find them. Jay rolled his sleeves up and headed down the lane. The warm evening led sweat to drip down his spine. Brushing back his hair, he squinted towards the grove.

Before he reached it, he noticed a familiar blanket in the grass. Frowning, Jay picked up his pace and slid off the horse. There was no one around the picnic spot. Most of the food and plates were tucked inside the basket, almost as if Emma had just stepped away. As he looked around, he didn’t see his wife.

“Jay Jay!”

He sighed in relief as he found Slade running with open arms. Amber followed close behind. They came from the direction of the road, however, where he had told them not to play. Still, he opened his arms to them as they hugged him and began chattering loudly.

“We found three frogs!”

“It was really pretty! Then Emma went really fast there.”

“Then we found the rabbit.”

“I wanted to tell him. Uncle Jay, a rabbit!”

Jay went back and forth between them, only half listening as he looked around for his wife. Only she wasn’t there. Emma never appeared from the path the children had come from or near the river. He felt his body begin to tense. She was never far from them. Where could she be? Was she all right?

“Emma!” he called over the children’s heads. “Emma! Where are you? Amber, where’s Aunt Emma?”

It was Slade who answered. “She went past the rabbit. Auntie Emma didn’t see the rabbit.”

Amber pouted. “She went too fast.”

“Fast?” Jay crouched down, grabbing both children by their shoulders. He looked at them sternly and used his serious voice. “I need her. Where is she?”

They continued to point the same direction they had come from. “It was the cowboy,” Amber explained. Slade quietly repeated the same thing, but he was staring at his shoes. They were soaking wet.

Cowboy? Jay glanced down the road as Bryan Jackson came to mind. The young, handsome cowboy, closer to Emma’s age, who had made her laugh. A man who had a reputation for talking big, who dressed well and would never be caught with soot on his hands. Jay swallowed hard.

Then it was happening all over again. His wife was about to leave him. For some reason, he was never enough. Where had he gone wrong? He sat back, stunned. Jay dropped his arms from the children, trying to think. He couldn’t keep losing people like this.

Amber wrapped her arms around his neck. “We need Auntie Emma, Uncle Jay. Are you going to help her?”

“What … if she wanted to leave, I won’t stop her,” Jay forced the words out. He shook his head and turned to them. They were alone again. “Maybe we should go home.”

Then Slade tugged at his arm. “Auntie Emma was mean.”

“Mean?”

“Mean people scream,” Amber said proudly. “And she was screaming.”

His troubled thoughts paused when she said that. Jay tried to read the child’s expression. But she was busy playing with his bandana, trying to unknot it. Emma wasn’t a loud person. “Screaming?”

Slade nodded wildly. “On the horse! Auntie says—she says—she says it’s like the sky. Lots of clouds! Can we have a cloud horse? Auntie can make them nice. And—and the cowboy. He’s not nice.”

Jay stood and squinted. The winds changed direction and his despair melted into concern. Emma was a responsible woman who had never left the children unattended. She wouldn’t have abandoned two small children to fend for themselves; she was better than that. If they were saying what he thought they were saying, then Emma was in trouble.

And he was just standing there, doing nothing for the woman he loved.

The truth hit him in that moment. It was a punch to his stomach, so strong that he could hardly breathe. She was his wife, and he cared for her. He probably cared more for her than his first wife. Jay loved Emma. He couldn’t lose her. She was possibly in danger and needed his help. Just like he needed her.

“All right.” Jay scooped the children up quickly. “We’re finding Emma.”

Both children cheered, obeying as he climbed into the saddle with them. It was a snug fit, but the children didn’t mind as they started down the path. As they hurried without directions, Jay offered a quick prayer to God.

Glancing into the dirt, he found a trail of hoof prints that rounded their way back towards town. They looked fresh. Jay’s heart skipped a beat. He nudged his horse forward and they’d reached the first building when he heard something.

“Get off,” a familiar voice cried out.

“Auntie Emma!” Slade shouted, recognizing her voice as well. Everyone jumped, including the horse. He shifted restlessly, dancing forward several steps before Jay could rein him in. But it was enough to see into the next alleyway where a gray horse was standing next to two people.

She was there. Before Jay knew what he was doing, he was off the horse and stalking towards them. He thought he heard Emma say his name, but when Jay saw her, he only saw the blood on her lip and the fear in her eyes. Anger ripped across his body as he turned to Bryan Jackson.

The kid had talked big about everything for so long that everyone had taken him as a joke. This wasn’t funny. He’d made Jay question his marriage, endangered his niece and nephew, and hurt his wife. Jay didn’t hesitate as he swung his right fist at Bryan.

“Hey!” the kid yelped. “She wanted it!” He tried to fight Jay, but he didn’t have the skills or experience. Jackson soon fell to the floor in a bloody mess. Jay reeled back for another punch when a soft hand covered his hand.

“Jay, please.” Emma whispered shakily.

It brought him back to the moment. He could feel his entire body shaking. The tension in his shoulders didn’t go away, however, until he took a step back and reconsidered whether or not he really wanted to kill the young man.

Bryan Jackson deserved it. The town would agree. Men who acted like that around women had a tendency to try over and over until someone stopped them for good. No one would blame Jay for stopping him. That felt right until he thought of Emma right there.

He inhaled deeply. Emma still held his hand, rubbing a thumb across the palm. Neither of them was certain if she was doing it to comfort herself or him. Jay forced himself to swallow the rage. Emma was safe, and that was the important thing.

Chapter Thirteen

He was looking at the body, but she couldn’t stop looking at him. Everything had happened in such a rush that Emma couldn’t think straight. Adrenaline pumped through her heart and every part of her felt raw. There were spots on her body that felt dirty from Bryan Jackson’s grabby hands. She wanted to lie down, run, and melt all at once. All she knew was that Jay had found her. He had found her and saved her.

“I found Auntie Emma!”

“No, I found her first!”

The children’s voices stirred Emma from her daze. She turned to the street. They were safe after all. Relief loosened the tension in her shoulders. Emma wanted to go to them but first she turned back to Jay. He was still breathing hard. But he looked at her then and brushed his fingers against the edge of her jaw. His brow was creased, but she knew he wasn’t glaring at her.

“I’m all right,” she assured him just as he touched the arm she had tucked up against her ribs. She had noticed the dirt and some bruises but had forgotten about that limb. When he touched her wrist, Emma gasped as blinding pain tore through her.

He shook his head. Dark hair fell across his forehead as he turned back to the body and then back to Emma. Like herself, he was still thinking. “Doctor,” Jay managed. “I’m taking you to the doctor.”

“But the children,” Emma shook her head. “And the picnic—and supper—Jay, I didn’t mean to leave them.”

They started towards the children and she bumped into him several times, the shock still wearing off. After the fourth bump, Jay looped an arm around her waist. It was a soft touch for such a strong man.

It was different than Mr. Jackson’s grip in many ways. Mostly in how Jay respected her and how well she realized they fit together. “The doctor is down the street,” he said softly when they reached the children. “We’ll stop there, and I’ll tell him …” Jay didn’t have to finish it.

“Auntie Emma!” the children chorused.

Emma managed a smile, her uninjured hand squeezing their legs. “Are you all right? I’m so sorry I left you.”

Though she planned to walk alongside the horse with Jay, he dropped his hand from her waist. “May I? I need you to hold onto the children,” Jay added after a moment. His voice was rough and low. Slowly she nodded, allowing him to lift her into the saddle.

The children talked eagerly, telling her of what had happened after she was taken away. Amber and Slade had attempted to follow after their aunt but had quickly grown distracted with a rabbit. Both children were uninjured, untouched, and happy with their adventure that day.

Her eyes closed as she offered a short prayer of gratitude. She could still feel her heartbeat moving faster than ever before. Every time she looked around, Emma expected the cowboy to pop up and whisk her back to the shadows. Just thinking about his hot breath on her neck made her shudder.

“Emma?”

She avoided his gaze, clutching the children tight and not wanting to worry him. “I’m all right.”

They reached the doctor’s place. Amber and Slade ran to knock on the door as Jay tied the horse to the post. Then he turned to Emma and hesitated. When he raised his hands to her, they both noticed the drying blood on his knuckles. His eyes met hers and she nodded without hesitation.

That was enough for him to wrap his hands around her waist, lifting her back onto the ground. She didn’t shudder.

Dr. Hunt ushered them in, telling the children to find his cat on the piano and inviting Emma and Jay take a seat in the next room. “So you’re the new Mrs. Marsh. I’ve been wanting to meet you. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances.”

“As am I,” she offered a tight smile.

“She was attacked,” Jay cleared his throat, diving right in. His eyes drifted towards the children before pointing to her arm. “It might be broken.”

The doctor immediately noticed his hand. “And it looks like you might be bleeding.” He hesitated and glanced between them. She shifted uncomfortably, wondering what it was until he asked his probing question. “Mrs. Marsh, who were you attacked by?”

“Not Jay,” Emma supplied, noticing his concern. Jay glanced at her before glancing at his hands. He flexed them carefully. She could see one hand was already swelling and worried about him not being able to work at the forge. This was all her fault. Swallowing, she turned back to the doctor. “It was Bryan Jackson. Jay rescued me. I don’t know how, but he found me and—and well …”

Jay sighed. “I beat him. He’s lying in the alley by the saloon.”

Seeing that the doctor hesitated, Emma tugged at the shawl she had pinned to her blouse. She tore it off and shifted her blouse to reveal her aching shoulder. Both men shifted uneasily at the bare flesh but there was no reason to be shy. She was in front of a doctor and her husband, after all. It was this one or her ribs. She could tell the latter would be the most painful, but she could tell the ones on her shoulder would look like fingers. Fingers too small for Jay.

Her husband stared darkly at her shoulder. “I need to tell the sheriff.”

Dr. Hunt sighed. “You had best bring him back here. He’ll need to hear my opinion,” he pointed out when Jay hesitated, “and you need to get those hands taken care of. Go see my wife in the kitchen. She should have a piece of raw meat you can set against them on your walk to the jailhouse. In the meantime,” he motioned to Emma.

Jay hesitated as though he had just realized he would have to be leaving Emma alone. She didn’t like the sound of being apart from him either, but she nodded anyways. “I’ll be fine,” she assured her husband. “Just hurry back.”

***

While he was gone, the children played with the cat and Emma learned it was a sprain, not a broken bone, in her wrist. She was given ointment for her bruises and split lip. What she needed most was rest, Dr. Hunt told her.

Jay returned soon with the sheriff. They talked as Jay’s swollen and bloody hands were taken care of. Fortunately, their story was believed.

“He won’t be bothering the town again,” the sheriff assured them. “Kid could hardly walk straight on his way out, but he heard it straight from me—he can’t step back in this here town again. Everyone knows what kind of yellow-bellied crook he is. Don’t worry,” he directed this line to Emma. “You’ve seen the last of Jackson.”

Clutching her bandaged arm, Emma nodded. “Thank you.”

“We’re grateful,” Jay added. Then his voice turned softer. “I think it’s time we all went home. Does that sound all right?”

“It sounds perfect,” she confessed, shifting uncomfortably before stepping closer to Jay.

His arm reached around her waist again as the two of them gathered the children and the horse to return home. After the children were tucked into bed and the doors were locked, Jay and Emma sat down beside each other in the front room.

Emma didn’t want to go to bed, but she didn’t know what else to do. Jay joined her there wordlessly, not wanting to leave her alone. They stared ahead, accepting the inevitability of the night. But still neither of them moved, not having the energy and not wanting to disturb each other. They eventually fell asleep with her head on his shoulder.

Chapter Fourteen

It had been a week since the incident. Jay didn’t know what else to call it, and they hadn’t talked about it since. All he knew was that the next morning, he carried her to bed and told the children they were going to have a quiet morning. No work, no school, just a quiet day as a family.

“Can we eat it?” Amber pleaded when the doctor’s wife, Marie Hunt, dropped off a fresh rhubarb pie with some more ointment. “Please? Please?”

Jay nodded. “Just don’t make a mess.” When he glanced back in the bedroom, Emma was still asleep in bed. She had dark circles under her eyes and the bandage around her arm intimidated him. Returning to the kitchen, Jay cut the pie and kept the kids busy for a while more.

It was only when the sun began to set that Jay returned to the bedroom to gently nudge Emma awake. Every time he touched her now, he worried that it would remind her of Jackson. But she offered him a smile and his concerns faded.

“You should eat something,” he whispered. “It’s suppertime.”

She glanced out the window and inhaled sharply. “Why didn’t you wake me? I’m sorry, I don’t …”

Jay shook his head. “You don’t need to apologize for everything. Besides, you need your rest. Come on out, the children have been asking about you. Once we get some pie in you, I’ll let you come right back to bed.”

Following him out of the room, she ruffled her hair with her uninjured arm. Emma stumbled and bumped into Jay. “What about the forge, Jay?”

“Family is more important.” He shook his head and helped her grab a bite to eat before she returned to bed. Amber and Slade felt the tiredness sweep over the house as well, so everyone was in bed before the stars were shining.

***

It took a few more days before everyone started back to normal.

His thoughts turned to Emma more often than usual. She was a strong woman, a strong and beautiful young woman who Jay couldn’t take for granted. He needed to do better by her. This woman, this wife of his, deserved so much more. She deserved to feel safe, to feel loved, to have everything she ever wanted. Almost losing her had made him realize that he needed to do better. Jay just hoped what he had would be enough.

Now, he wanted to do something for her. Another picnic, one further into the grove. He didn’t want all of her memories there to be terrible. There was too much beauty and light for that. So he closed up shop early that day, stopping by the mercantile and café on his way home.

“Jay!” Emma beamed when she saw him walk through the door. Slade peeked out from the chair he was hiding behind. Whatever game they were playing was forgotten as he entered. “You’re home early,” she studied him carefully. “Are you all right?”

“Of course.” He nodded, showing off the basket. Her eyes widened and Jay was glad to see that the dark circles around her eyes had faded. “We’re going on a picnic.”

Amber arrived from the bedroom and the two children shouted in excitement. Emma removed her apron and joined him in the hallway. Her injured arm swung lightly to the side. “Is everything all right?”

His eyes widened. “Yes, yeah.” He nodded, wondering why she was worried. “I thought we could have a night where you don’t have to work. Where none of us do. Just a—a night for us to enjoy. As a family?”

After a moment of studying his face, Emma smiled. “That sounds lovely.”

They took a horse and wagon down the road. Emma’s knee nudged his twice on the way, making his heart flutter. Once they reached the grove, the blanket and food were laid out. Everyone ate eagerly, enjoying the meal he had splurged on. Everything was picking up for them, after all. The work, the money, everything.

“So? What’s the occasion?” Emma spoke up as the children took off running. Jay’s heart skipped a beat as he looked up to find her scooting closer to him after moving aside his plate.

He glanced at his hands, finding his stomach in a knot. “What do you mean?”

Shrugging, Emma scooted even closer, careful with her injured arm. “Delicious food and no work? We used a horse and wagon to drive here. Something must be on your mind.”

Kind, beautiful, and too sharp to deceive. Jay felt the back of his neck burning up at her curious stare. He tried to remember the words he had been spending the last week trying to put together. “Well, I … I wanted to talk. To you.”

“You can talk to me whenever you like.”

“I know,” he chuckled as she cocked her head. “But I wanted to … to really talk.” Taking a deep breath, Jay put out his hands. She stared at them before putting hers in his. “This started as a marriage of convenience. A rather unexpected one.” He cleared his throat and squeezed her hands lightly. “After my first wife left me, I didn’t think I would love again.

“There wasn’t a part of me that wanted to make that mistake again. Especially with Amber and Slade, I wanted to take every precaution. But last week …

“It reminded me that I was being a coward,” Jay admitted, glancing at her hands. They were beautiful and thin and sprinkled with freckles. And they were easier to look at than her face. He swallowed, trying to use the right words. “Remember that sermon? The preacher was right. God was right. Marriage is a—a sacred bond and I haven’t done right by you. But I want to. Now, more than anything. I love you, Emma.”

He heard the sharp inhale but couldn’t convince himself to look at her. Everything was out there before them. Now she knew she held his heart in her hands.

“Come here.” Emma tugged them to their feet. “Look.” She gestured to the children attempting to catch a frog. “They’re precious. You’ve been wonderful with them.”

Jay didn’t know what to say. Perhaps she was just trying to let him down easy. His eyes studied the children as they laughed. They didn’t care if they never caught the frog. They just had fun trying. Finally, he gathered the courage to look at Emma

She was looking at him with the biggest smile he had ever seen.

Now that she had his attention, she touched his cheek. “That first day when I saw you with them,” Emma explained softly, “I knew you were a good man. You’ve done nothing but prove yourself a hundred times better every day. I’m sorry I didn’t have the courage to tell you before. I love you too, Jay.”

His cheeks hurt before he realized it was because of how wide he was smiling. Both of them stood there, grinning at each other. The despair and the doubt were gone. All that was there was the lightest feeling of dancing on clouds.

Jay could hardly believe it. He wanted to sing and dance and shout. But more than anything, he wanted to hold his wife. Scooping her up, the two of them sealed their words with a kiss.

The End