The 1861 agreement established historical rights.
This later conveyance appeared to show that William himself had surrendered an interest he now claimed to control.
If authentic and legally effective, it could alter the case substantially.
Clara looked toward Elena.
The older woman noticed her expression.
“What's wrong?”
Clara swallowed.
Then carefully refolded the paper.
“I think I've found another part of Father's work.”
Elena stared.
“Is it important?”
Clara looked toward the window.
Snow drifted past the glass.
For a moment, she considered canceling the journey to the church and contacting Frey immediately.
But the attorney had already arranged to attend the ceremony.
She could speak with him afterward.
The document needed proper examination.
And she wasn't going to make grand claims before its meaning had been established.
She placed it securely inside the concealed pocket Miriam had sewn into her gown for personal belongings.
Then she looked toward Elena.
“Let's not keep Nathaniel waiting.”
The older woman smiled.
“Good idea.”
They left the cabin together.
And for the next hour, Clara allowed herself to think about something other than property records.
Her wedding.
When Nathaniel saw her enter the little church, he forgot how to breathe.
Mateo stood beside him.
Frey sat near the front.
Several neighboring families had gathered beneath the warm lantern light.
The minister held his book.
But Nathaniel saw only Clara.
Her magnificent white gown.
The enormous embroidered skirt.
The black cowboy hat.
The white boots.
Her beautiful rounded face.
And those extraordinary brown eyes that had somehow become the first thing he wanted to see every morning.
She approached with assistance arranged to make the entrance comfortable and dignified.
Nathaniel stepped forward.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, he simply stared.
Clara smiled.
“Nathaniel?”
He swallowed.
“Yes?”
She laughed softly.
“Are you all right?”
The congregation chuckled.
Nathaniel looked toward her.
His voice broke.
“You're beautiful.”
Clara's eyes filled.
For a moment, she seemed unable to answer.
Then she smiled.
“So are you.”
Mateo coughed loudly.
Nathaniel glanced toward him.
The foreman grinned.
“Just reminding you there's a minister waiting.”
Everyone laughed.
The ceremony began.
The minister spoke about partnership.
Patience.
Truthfulness.
And the responsibilities two people accepted when choosing to share a life.
Nathaniel listened carefully.
For years, he'd thought marriage required a man to provide certainty.
A secure home.
Financial stability.