“And I lived alone enough to know control over things doesn’t give control over people.”
Sadie raised eyebrow.
“You still forgot with me.”
His face fell.
“I know.”
She immediately regretted sharpness.
But not truth.
She touched his sleeve.
“I did not say to hurt.”
“I know.”
“You can still answer.”
Lucien looked at spring.
“I thought danger made exception.”
“That is probably how Cobb started.”
He looked at her.
Sadie continued quietly.
“Not same.”
“But that is why I need remember.”
Lucien nodded.
“So do I.”
That was when Sadie understood their future might work.
Not because he was incapable of becoming controlling.
Nobody was.
Because he could hear comparison without making her pay for saying it.
Weeks later, he proposed again.
At Miller Spring.
No audience.
No food.
No bargain.
He removed iron ring from his pocket.
Sadie had stopped wearing it temporarily after return because she wanted second choice visible.
Lucien stood.
“Sadie Miller.”
She smiled.
“Yes?”
He looked suddenly terrified.
She enjoyed.
“I have no six wagons.”
“Good.”
“No mayor.”
“Better.”
“No reverend.”
“That might cause difficulty.”
“I can fetch him after.”
Sadie laughed.
Lucien continued.
“I have cabin.”
“Half valley.”
“Bad coffee.”
“You keep including that as if asset.”
“I have two mules.”
“One bites.”
“He likes me.”
“He tolerates.”
Lucien’s eyes softened.
“I have no promise that life with me is easy.”
“I can promise I ask.”
“I can promise I listen.”
“I can promise if you tell me no, I won’t turn it into yes because I think I know better.”
Sadie’s eyes filled.
Lucien swallowed.
“And I love you.”
There.
First time.
He looked almost angry at vulnerability.
Sadie whispered:
“Say again.”
His face flushed.
“I love you.”
“One more.”
“Sadie.”
She laughed through tears.
“I love you.”
She held out her hand.
“I love you too.”
Lucien closed eyes briefly.
Then placed ring.
Sadie looked.
“I haven’t said yes.”
His eyes opened.
She grinned.
Cruel.
He stared.
“Sadie.”
“Yes.”
She kissed him before he could breathe.
The second wedding occurred in June.
Oak Haven church.
Same building.
Completely different room.
Sadie wore deep blue dress purchased with her own money.
Lucien wore dark coat Clara insisted he buy.
The relief cooperative paid for nothing.
Railroad paid for nothing.
No meat waited outside.
No one had been threatened.
Mrs. Palmer stood beside Sadie.
Clara witnessed.
Mrs. Emery brought flowers.
Reverend Pike began:
“Sadie Miller, do you—”
Sadie interrupted.
“Wait.”
Everyone froze.
Lucien’s face went white.