WELCOME.
Daniel Finch helped Caleb set up benches beneath the trees.
And Thomas Reed, the boy who had arrived half-frozen on the night of the blizzard, carried messages between the church and the homestead.
Clara made her own wedding dress.
It was a pale ivory gown with a softly gathered bodice, graceful sleeves, and a wide skirt that moved comfortably around her full figure.
She did not try to make herself appear smaller.
She did not force the waist tight or choose fabric meant to conceal her body.
Instead, she made a dress that fit beautifully.
Her thick dark-chestnut hair fell in shining waves over her shoulders, with small white flowers pinned near one temple.
When Hester saw her, she became quiet.
Clara noticed.
"Is something wrong?"
Hester shook her head.
"Oh, Clara."
Her eyes filled.
"You look beautiful."
Clara smiled.
"Thank you."
The older woman hesitated.
Then reached for her hands.
"I owe you more than one apology."
Clara looked surprised.
"Hester—"
"No. Let me say it."
Hester took a breath.
"I was cruel because I thought being respectable meant looking a certain way, owning certain things, and never allowing anyone to see your troubles."
Her voice trembled.
"Then the winter came, and I discovered how little any of that mattered."
Clara's eyes filled.
Hester continued.
"You helped my granddaughter when she was frightened. You helped my husband find a way to save his business without neglecting the people who needed food."
She looked toward the wedding dress.
"And you did it while people like me had spent years making you feel unwelcome."
Clara swallowed.
Hester squeezed her hands.
"I'm sorry."
For a long moment, Clara could not speak.
Then she nodded.
"Thank you."
The older woman smiled through tears.
Clara continued.
"I'm glad we're learning to be better neighbors."
Hester laughed softly.
"So am I."
Then she straightened Clara's sleeve.
"And now, if you don't walk out there soon, that enormous man is going to wear a hole through the meadow."
Clara laughed.
They looked through the window.
Outside, Caleb stood beside the officiant, adjusting his collar for the fifth time.
His dark hair had been combed.
His beard trimmed.
He wore a clean brown coat over a white shirt, with polished boots and a leather belt.
He looked handsome.
And terribly nervous.
Clara smiled.
"Well."
Hester followed her gaze.
"Oh, he's hopeless."
They laughed together.
Then Clara picked up her bouquet.
And went outside.
Caleb forgot every word he had rehearsed when he saw her.
He had imagined this moment for months.
Standing beneath the trees.
Hearing the music.
Watching Clara approach.
He had practiced what he wanted to say while chopping wood, riding the upper trail, and repairing the fence.
But now she stood before him wearing ivory, with flowers in her hair and tears shining in her eyes.
And he could barely breathe.
She smiled.
"Hello."
He swallowed.
"Hello."
She leaned closer.
"You're trembling."