Not courage exactly.
Urgency.
He had spent years treating time as though it belonged to him.
As though Rose would always be behind that counter.
As though Marsh could wait.
As though love politely remained where you left it until fear became convenient.
George came out of the livery.
Saw Will’s face.
“What happened?”
Will looked toward the store.
“Rose said something.”
“What?”
Will told him.
George stared.
Then slapped both hands over his face.
“What?”
George dropped them.
“You still standing here?”
Will looked confused.
George pointed across the street.
“Go.”
Will crossed Main Street so quickly a wagon driver swore at him.
He did not knock.
He opened the general-store door.
The bell rang sharply.
Rose looked up.
Her expression did not soften.
Will removed his hat.
“I heard Marsh is coming back tomorrow.”
Rose folded a blanket.
“Yes.”
“Don't give him your answer yet.”
She stopped.
“Why?”
Because he loved her.
Because he was terrified.
Because he had wasted years.
Because hearing his own name in her future suddenly felt more necessary than breathing.
Instead:
“I need time.”
Rose’s fingers flattened against the blanket.
“You have had years.”
The words were not loud.
That made them worse.
A farmer entered.
Will moved aside.
Rose helped him measure flour.
Neither spoke until the man left.
Then the door closed.
Silence returned.
Will stepped closer.
“I heard what you said.”
Rose raised her chin.
“Which part?”
He swallowed.
“About saving your heart.”
“I did not say it lightly.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
Will took one step forward.
“I have been standing beside something I should have reached for.”
“I thought it was out of reach.”
Rose looked at him.
“And now that another man is reaching, you suddenly found your voice.”
He flinched.
“Yes.”
Honesty surprised both of them.
Rose waited.
Will continued.
“I was certain you would always be here.”
Her eyes sharpened.
“That is not romantic.”
“I know.”
“It is selfish.”
“I know.”
“It is also foolish.”
“Yes.”
Something in Rose’s anger shifted because he did not defend himself.
She came around the counter.
“You told me I was too beautiful for you.”
Will looked down.
“I was hiding.”
“From me?”