And that no child should ever have to steal supper from behind a wall because she believed she had no place at the table.
One winter evening, several years after the mystery, snow began falling heavily again.
The cabin looked almost exactly as it had that first Sunday.
Warm firelight.
Copper pots hanging from the beams.
A large iron pot simmering on the stove.
The scent of chicken, onions, celery, and herbs filling the room.
I stood beside the stove in my favorite ocean-blue dress and white apron.
William stood behind me holding a bowl of vegetables.
His beard carried a few more gray hairs.
His shoulders remained broad.
And his smile was just as handsome.
Annie sat at the table reading a book.
She was older now.
Strong.
Curious.
Confident.
William leaned toward me.
"Darling."
I smiled.
"Yes?"
"Do you know why I married you?"
I laughed.
"For my cooking?"
He grinned.
"That's one reason."
I playfully slapped his hand when he reached toward the pot.
He laughed.
Then gently wrapped his arms around my waist.
I leaned against him.
"And the other?"
He kissed my cheek.
"Because I knew life would never be lonely with you."
My eyes filled.
I turned toward him.
"Even when it became complicated?"
He smiled.
"Especially then."
From the table, Annie groaned.
"Papa, you're making Rose blush again!"
William laughed.
"That's my job."
I shook my head.
"Your job is to bring the celery."
Annie giggled.
William dropped the vegetables into the pot.
Then glanced toward the old wooden panel behind the stove.
His expression softened.
I followed his gaze.
For a moment, neither spoke.
We both remembered.
The missing chicken.
The knocks.
The whispered warning.
The girl emerging from the darkness.
Then Annie looked up from her book.
"Rose?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Do you remember when I stole the chicken?"
I smiled.
"Very well."
She laughed.
"I was so hungry."
I nodded.
"I know."
She looked toward the pot.
"Are you still mad?"
My heart tightened.
I set down the wooden spoon.
Crossed the room.
And sat beside her.
"Annie."
She looked up.
"I was never angry because you ate the chicken."
She smiled faintly.
"Really?"
"Really."
I took her hand.
"I was frightened because I didn't know someone who needed help was hiding inside my home."
She looked thoughtful.
Then whispered, "I'm glad I knocked."
I smiled through tears.
"So am I."
William approached.
He placed one enormous hand gently on her shoulder.
Annie looked up at him.
Then smiled.
"Papa?"
"Yes, little bird?"
"Can I have extra dumplings tonight?"