And Frey, who had spent most of his professional life pretending sentiment was a waste of time, removed his spectacles and stared very carefully at the floor.
Afterward, the little church filled with conversation.
Neighbors offered congratulations.
Elena distributed food.
Mateo insisted on proposing an unnecessarily long toast.
And Nathaniel spent most of the afternoon looking at Clara as though he still couldn't believe she had agreed to marry him.
For a few hours, the ranch's troubles seemed far away.
But Clara remembered the hidden document.
She spoke briefly with Frey before they left.
The lawyer examined the visible contents without attempting a complete legal conclusion.
His expression became serious.
“Where did you find this?”
Clara explained.
He listened.
Then looked toward the seal.
“This may be significant.”
She nodded.
“I thought so.”
Frey considered.
“Keep it protected. We should document its provenance and have it properly examined.”
She nodded again.
Then looked toward Nathaniel, who was laughing with Mateo near the door.
Her expression softened.
“I want to tell him tonight.”
The lawyer studied her.
“Then tell him.”
He smiled faintly.
“Marriage is difficult enough without having William Hawthorne keeping secrets between you.”
Clara laughed.
“That's excellent advice.”
Frey nodded.
“Unusually, I agree.”
They returned to Carter Ranch as the sun disappeared behind the snow-covered peaks.
The horses moved slowly through the winter road.
Lanterns glowed from the cabin windows.
And a warm fire waited inside.
Nathaniel helped Clara settle after the journey.
Elena had prepared the bedroom beautifully.
The large quilt-covered bed stood near the stone fireplace.
Fresh greenery decorated the mantel.
Several candles glowed beside antique lanterns.
And a small plate of bread, fruit preserves, and cheese rested on the wooden table.
The cabin smelled of pine, warm timber, and woodsmoke.
For a moment, Clara stood looking around.
Then smiled.
“It's beautiful.”
Nathaniel approached.
He wore his brown cowboy hat, leather vest, and rolled-sleeve shirt.
He looked impossibly handsome in the lantern light.
His dark hair fell around his shoulders.
His beard caught the golden glow from the fireplace.
He smiled.
“Not as beautiful as you.”
Clara laughed.
“Nathaniel.”
He approached carefully.
“Mrs. Carter.”
Her eyes filled.
She smiled.
“Say that again.”
He looked directly into her eyes.
“Mrs. Clara Carter.”
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she touched his face.
He gently wrapped his arms around her waist.
She leaned closer.