And Daniel felt something shift inside his chest.
Something he hadn't planned for.
Something more dangerous than the land dispute that brought him to Silver Creek.
Hope.
The next morning, they stood before the minister while the town watched.
Elizabeth wore a simple ivory gown chosen by her mother.
Daniel wore a borrowed coat that strained across his powerful shoulders.
His hair had been carefully combed.
His beard trimmed.
And his large, scarred hands remained steady at his sides.
The judge sat in the front row wearing an expression of satisfaction.
Victor Caldwell stood behind him, smiling cruelly.
Several wealthy guests whispered.
A few openly laughed.
Elizabeth felt humiliation burning through her.
Then the minister asked whether she accepted Daniel as her husband.
She looked toward the judge.
His gaze was hard.
Toward her mother.
Her eyes were filled with tears.
Then toward Daniel.
He wasn't smiling.
Wasn't watching her triumphantly.
He looked as though he understood exactly how much the moment cost her.
Elizabeth took a trembling breath.
Then answered.
βI do.β
The minister turned toward Daniel.
He looked at Elizabeth.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Then he answered.
βI do.β
The ceremony continued.
The rings were exchanged.
And when the minister announced that Daniel could kiss his bride, the room became very quiet.
Victor leaned forward.
The judge smiled.
They expected the rough servant to claim his reward.
Daniel stepped closer.
Elizabeth's entire body stiffened.
He noticed immediately.
Then he reached for her hand.
Lifted it gently.
And pressed one restrained kiss to her knuckles.
Nothing more.
He released her at once.
A few people chuckled.
Victor laughed under his breath.
But Elizabeth stared at Daniel.
In that simple gesture, he had given her something she'd been denied throughout the entire ordeal.
The right not to be touched.
And for the first time since her father announced the punishment, she felt a small part of herself returning.