“From wanting something I did not think I could keep.”
Rose stepped closer.
“You do not get to decide for me what I can keep.”
The sentence struck cleanly.
Will nodded.
“You’re right.”
Outside, wagon wheels rolled past.
Rose looked toward the window.
“Marsh comes tomorrow evening.”
“I know.”
“He intends to ask.”
Will’s throat tightened.
“And what will you tell him?”
Rose faced him.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether you speak plainly before he does.”
Her voice softened only slightly.
“This is not about pride.”
“It is about choice.”
Will took a breath.
Then, finally:
“I love you.”
Rose closed her eyes for half a second.
“Say it again.”
“I love you.”
She opened them.
“What does that mean?”
Will had expected relief.
Instead, Rose demanded meaning.
He loved her for that too.
“It means I am asking you not to build your life with a man who sees you as good land.”
Rose’s mouth curved.
“And how do you see me?”
Will stepped closer.
The counter pressed lightly against his hip.
“I see you every morning before I open the stable.”
“I hear you laughing from across the street.”
“I know when you change the ribbon in your hair.”
Rose’s eyes widened slightly.
Will continued.
“I remember how you held my mother’s hand the night she died.”
“I remember you pretending not to cry because you thought I needed someone steady.”
His voice roughened.
“I notice when you are tired.”
“When you are angry.”
“When you pretend not to be.”
“I see you.”
The air between them shifted.
Rose did not move.
“You waited until you were almost too late.”
“Yes.”
“If George had not spoken to you?”
Will hesitated.
“I don't know.”
Rose looked away.
“That is what frightens me.”
Will reached forward.
Stopped himself.
“I am not asking you to wait without reason.”
Rose looked at his hand.
Then his face.
“I am asking for the chance to show up.”
Her shoulders lowered slightly.
“You have until tomorrow.”
“That is all?”
“That is enough if you mean what you say.”
“I do.”
“Then come to the house tonight.”
Will stared.
“Your house?”
“Yes.”
“Speak to my father.”
That challenge sat between them.
Will put his hat back on.
“I will.”
He turned.
Then stopped at the door.
“Rose.”
“Yes?”
“If you choose Marsh, I won't stand in your way.”
Rose held his gaze.
“If I choose Marsh, it will be because you stood still.”
Will nodded.