“Likely.”
She sat.
Ethan stood behind her.
The hotel room felt too small.
Clara whispered:
“All these years.”
No one answered.
“He let me grieve him.”
Her voice sharpened.
“He made me stand at that grave.”
“I blamed myself.”
“For being relieved.”
Tears came now.
Angry tears.
“I thought I was wicked because part of me felt free.”
Ethan crouched beside her.
“You were free.”
“No.”
“You were.”
“He was gone.”
“Whatever lie he told the world, he was gone from your life.”
Clara shook her head.
“You don’t understand.”
“I spent three years feeling guilty for being happier because a man died.”
“And he wasn’t even dead.”
Ethan’s voice softened.
“Then the guilt belonged to him too.”
Clara covered her face.
Jonah quietly left the room.
Ethan stayed.
Not speaking.
Eventually Clara lowered her hands.
“What happens to us?”
“I don't know.”
“Legally.”
“I don't care today.”
“I do.”
“Why?”
“Because I chose you.”
The words hung between them.
Ethan stared.
Clara continued:
“And if our marriage isn't real—”
He interrupted gently.
“Clara.”
She stopped.
“Was yesterday real?”
“Yes.”
“Was breakfast?”
“Yes.”
“The kiss?”
Her cheeks flushed.
“Yes.”
“Then maybe paper can catch up later.”
She looked at him.
“You make everything sound simple.”
“No.”
“I make one thing simple at a time.”
That evening a letter arrived at the hotel desk.
No return address.
Clara recognized the handwriting.
Her hands began shaking before she opened it.
Ethan stood beside her.
The letter contained only three lines.
You always were foolish about running.
Bring me the brass key at Black Pine Church tomorrow at noon.
Come alone if you want the mountain man to stay alive.
No signature.
None needed.
Clara sank into chair.
Ethan read it.
His face remained unnaturally calm.
“No.”
She looked up.
“You’re not coming.”
“You think I’m letting you meet him alone?”
“He threatened you.”
“Which means he assumes you care whether I live.”
“I do.”
“Good.”
Ethan folded letter.
“Then we use that.”
Jonah agreed.
Sheriff Amos Bell agreed less enthusiastically.
“He hasn't committed a crime in this territory we can prove.”
“Window?” Ethan asked.
“No witness.”
“Threat?”
“Letter helps.”
“Still need identify him.”
Clara said:
“I can.”
The sheriff looked at her.
“You sure?”
“No.”
“Good enough.”
The plan was simple.
Clara would enter Black Pine Church.
Ethan would remain hidden nearby despite hating every second.
Jonah and Bell would cover exits.
No brass key.
Only an empty envelope.
If Gideon appeared, Clara would confirm identity.
Then sheriff would arrest him on threat and suspected assault while eastern warrants were verified.