Not because they needed supplies.
Because Jack wanted to speak to the preacher.
Emma wanted their arrangement named by their own choice before the town named it for them.
Walter Briggs happened to be outside the saloon when they arrived.
Of course he was.
His eyes moved between them.
Then toward Emma’s hand resting lightly on Jack’s arm.
His face tightened.
“So it's true.”
Emma looked at him.
“What?”
“You're with him.”
“Yes.”
Walter laughed bitterly.
“Didn't take long.”
Jack’s expression hardened.
Emma touched his sleeve.
He stopped.
She looked at Walter.
“You rejected me before I spent one night in town.”
Walter said nothing.
“You do not get to be offended by what happened after.”
“I was confused.”
“No.”
“You were cruel.”
Walter looked around.
People were watching.
Again.
Emma saw the shame rise in his face.
This time she did not need revenge.
“I hope someday you become a better man than the one who met my stagecoach.”
Then she walked away.
Jack followed.
Walter called after her.
“Emma.”
She stopped.
He took a breath.
“I was wrong.”
The street went quiet.
Emma turned.
Walter struggled.
Not with pride this time.
With honesty.
“I thought I wanted a capable woman.”
“Then I saw you.”
“I got scared.”
“People were watching.”
“I said what I thought would save my pride.”
He looked toward the ground.
“It didn't.”
Emma studied him.
“I cannot give you back what you lost.”
“I know.”
“But I accept the apology.”
Walter looked up.
That surprised him.
Emma continued.
“Do something useful with it.”
Then she left.
Jack remained silent until they reached the church steps.
“What?”
Emma asked.
“You are kinder than I am.”
“No.”
She smiled.
“I simply have better things now.”
The preacher married them two weeks later.
Small ceremony.
Storekeeper.
Eli.
Two ranch neighbors.
Three women from town who had whispered when Emma arrived but later apologized.
Walter did not attend.
That was for the best.
Emma wore a plain cream dress.
Jack wore the only black coat he owned.
Before the ceremony he stood outside behind the church staring toward the mountains.
Emma found him.
“You're hiding.”
“No.”
“Nervous?”
“No.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
Emma smiled.
“About marrying me?”
“About whether I deserve you.”
Her smile faded.
“Do not start that.”
“What?”
“You do not decide my worth.”
“I decide whether you deserve me.”
Jack laughed softly.
“Fair.”
“And?”
Emma stepped closer.
“You do.”
Jack’s shoulders relaxed.