“Better.”
“Rose.”
“Yes?”
“I have been a fool.”
“For years.”
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome.”
Word spread before sunset.
George Alcott came into the livery with the expression of a man personally responsible for civilization.
“You're welcome.”
Will looked up from a saddle.
“For what?”
“Your entire future.”
“I didn't ask you.”
“You needed me.”
“Go away.”
George saw the ring on Rose’s hand from across the street.
Then shouted so loudly three horses startled.
The next three weeks moved quickly.
Rose ordered fabric.
Daniel pretended wedding expenses did not concern him while arguing over every receipt.
Will repaired the small house above the livery.
Rose inspected it.
She found cracked plaster.
Two bad shutters.
A stove that smoked.
And a bedroom so plainly masculine that she stood in the doorway and stared.
Will appeared behind her.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“That face means something.”
Rose walked inside.
“One chair.”
“Yes.”
“One washstand.”
“Yes.”
“No curtains.”
“No.”
“No rug.”
Will looked confused.
“I have floors.”
Rose turned.
“We are going to have conversations.”
“About?”
“Being civilized.”
Will laughed.
“You agreed to marry a stable owner.”
“I know.”
“You cannot be surprised by the stable part.”
“I am surprised by the lack of curtains.”
She began measuring the window.
Will watched.
“What?”
Rose looked over her shoulder.
“You are staring again.”
“Yes.”
“You have work.”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you here?”
Will stepped closer.
“I live here.”
Rose lowered the measuring ribbon.
“That answer will become dangerous after the wedding.”
His smile changed.
Rose felt heat rise into her cheeks.
“Will.”
“Yes?”
“Behave.”
“I am standing six feet away.”
“Your face is not behaving.”
He laughed.
Rose tried to remain stern.
Failed.
The wedding came beneath a clear November sky.
Snow touched only the highest mountains.
Half of Crestfall filled the church.
George sat in the third row pretending he was not emotional.
Daniel stood beside Rose at the back.
She wore ivory.
Simple.
Elegant.
Her hair pinned beneath a small veil.
Daniel looked at her.