"Yes."
Crowe looked amused.
"Mrs. Hayes, perhaps you don't understand mountain business."
Lydia raised her chin.
"Then you may explain it without speaking to me like a child."
For a moment, Crowe seemed surprised.
Then he laughed.
"Spirited woman."
His gaze moved over her large figure.
"I suppose Hayes needed somebody strong enough to keep the stove fed."
Gideon's hands tightened.
But Lydia spoke first.
"If you came to discuss land, discuss land. My body is not part of the bargain."
Crowe's smile faded.
Gideon looked at her with quiet admiration.
The rider folded the paper.
"All right."
He glanced toward Gideon.
"Mr. Rusk is prepared to offer a generous payment."
"Not interested."
Crowe sighed.
"Then maybe you'll be interested in what else he knows."
Lydia felt cold.
Crowe turned toward her.
"Your former husband left certain business matters unresolved."
Gideon took one step forward.
"Careful."
Crowe smiled.
"Oh, I'm being careful."
He looked directly at Lydia.
"Mr. Bowman would like a conversation."
The clearing became silent.
Lydia stared at him.
Gideon's voice dropped.
"Everett Bowman?"
Crowe nodded.
"That's the name."
Lydia felt her knees weaken.
She gripped the doorframe.
Crowe watched her reaction.
Then smiled.
"He says you're keeping something that belongs to him."
Gideon stepped between them.
"Tell him if he wants to speak, he can do it through a lawyer."
Crowe tilted his head.
"Lawyer?"
"That's what I said."
The rider laughed softly.
"Mountain men don't usually trust lawyers."
Gideon stared at him.
"Then Mr. Bowman can enjoy the novelty."
Crowe's smile vanished.
He adjusted his reins.
"One more thing."
Gideon remained silent.
Crowe looked toward Lydia.
"If Everett Bowman is alive, there's a question about that marriage certificate you're holding."
Lydia felt the words strike.
Crowe continued.
"Mr. Rusk says the county clerk may be interested."
Gideon's face tightened.
Lydia stepped forward.
She was trembling.
But her voice remained steady.
"Then let the clerk examine it."
Crowe looked surprised.
She continued.
"I signed my vows believing I was a widow. If that belief was based on a lie, I'll answer honestly."
Her eyes filled.
"But I won't be frightened into giving anything to a man who lied about his death."
Crowe stared at her.
For a moment, he seemed uncertain how to respond.
Then he turned toward Gideon.
"You've got yourself a complicated wife."
Gideon's answer was quiet.
"I've got a brave one."
Crowe looked away.
He dug his heels into the horse's sides.
The animal turned.
As he rode toward the trees, he called over his shoulder.
"Mr. Rusk won't wait forever."