Eleanor returned to the page.
There were other clauses.
Either party could choose to dissolve the arrangement after the review.
If they both chose otherwise, the marriage would simply continue legally.
No automatic annulment.
Interesting.
She reached the final page.
“One condition.”
Caleb waited.
“You do not change the terms once I sign.”
“I won't.”
“If my name is on this agreement, I have equal standing in anything involving the household during these three months.”
He thought.
“That includes spending?”
“Household spending.”
“Within reason.”
“We define reason now.”
Margaret leaned against the stove, delighted.
Caleb pulled another chair out and sat opposite Eleanor.
They negotiated.
Food.
Repairs.
Supplies.
Visitors.
Livestock.
Access to accounts.
Emergency decisions.
Eleanor changed six clauses.
Added two.
Crossed out one entirely.
By the end, Caleb looked almost pleased.
“You do this often?”
“Argue?”
“Read contracts.”
“My father taught me.”
“He a lawyer?”
“Bookkeeper.”
“Good one?”
“Yes.”
The answer came too fast.
Pain followed.
Caleb saw it.
He did not ask.
That was the first thing Eleanor liked about him.
Not his shoulders.
Not the money.
Not the mountain land.
The fact that he saw pain and did not immediately demand ownership of it.
He signed.
Then turned the pen toward her.
Eleanor held it.
Two hundred fifty dollars.
Three months.
A mountain.
A stranger.
No home waiting behind her if she refused.
The pretty serving girl whispered near the doorway:
“He could have picked anyone.”
Eleanor heard the implied second half.
Why her?
She looked at Caleb.
He was watching only her face.
No impatience.
No pity.
Eleanor signed.
They married the next morning.
The county clerk smelled of tobacco and ink.
Margaret served as witness.
Caleb wore a clean dark coat.
Eleanor wore her best brown dress.
No flowers.
No music.
No ring at first.
Then, as they stood preparing to leave, Caleb took a small plain gold band from his pocket.
Eleanor stared.
“That wasn't in the contract.”
“No.”
“Then?”
“People trying to prove a marriage false notice missing rings.”
Practical.
Of course.
He held it out.
She extended her hand.
His fingers touched hers for less than a second.
Still, Eleanor felt it.
Warm.
Rough.
Careful.
He slid the band onto her finger.
Perfect fit.
Her eyes lifted.
“How did you know?”
“Margaret.”
Eleanor looked toward the tavern owner.
Margaret shrugged.
“He asked.”
Caleb put on his own ring.
The clerk smiled.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Eleanor froze.
Caleb looked at the clerk.
“No.”
The clerk blinked.
“No?”
“It isn't required.”
Margaret coughed to hide laughter.
Eleanor looked at Caleb.
He offered his arm instead.
“Ready?”
She took it.
“Yes.”
Silver Hollow talked before they reached the stable.
Of course it did.
A mountain recluse marrying the heavy tavern woman after one day?