Finally Caleb looked back.
“What safeguards?”
Beatrice’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
The marshal explained.
Deputies near Ridge Creek.
Letters copied.
Dr. Hale informed.
Nathaniel holding originals.
Caleb still hated it.
But he did not say no again.
They sent the letter.
Marcus replied within four days.
My dear Bea,
Your recovery is wonderful news.
Of course you should return for your birthday. Dr. Vale will be delighted to confirm your improved health, and we can settle the unnecessary legal matters regarding the mine as a family.
Come home.
Beatrice read the final words three times.
Come home.
She felt nothing resembling home.
Caleb watched.
“You don’t have to go.”
“I know.”
“Good.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For saying it as an option instead of an order.”
He nodded.
Learning.
The night before leaving, Beatrice could not sleep.
Caleb knew.
He lay beside her now.
They had begun sharing the bed two weeks earlier.
Nothing beyond sleep at first.
Then kisses.
Then closeness.
They had not rushed further.
Beatrice still struggled with the idea of being desired without mockery.
Caleb refused to turn reassurance into argument.
He simply behaved as though attraction to his wife required no explanation.
That night Beatrice turned toward him.
“Are you awake?”
“Yes.”
“You were snoring.”
“I was thinking loudly.”
She smiled in darkness.
“Caleb.”
“Yes?”
“If something happens tomorrow…”
“No.”
“You don’t even know what I’m saying.”
“Yes, I do.”
She touched his chest.
“Listen.”
He covered her hand with his.
“If something happens, do not blame yourself.”
His body tightened.
“Beatrice.”
“You didn’t bring this into my life.”
“I brought you back toward it.”
“I chose.”
“Choice doesn’t make me less afraid.”
“No.”
She moved closer.
“Then be afraid beside me.”
The words broke something open.
Caleb wrapped both arms around her.
Beatrice rested her face against his chest.
After a long while he said, “When this is over…”
“Yes?”
“I want to ask you something.”
“You’re asking now.”
“Something else.”
“What?”
“I’m not telling you.”
She pulled back.
“That is irritating.”
“I’m discovering mystery.”
“You’re bad at it.”
Caleb kissed her forehead.
“Sleep.”
They entered Ridge Creek two days before Beatrice’s birthday.
People stared.
Of course they did.
The marriage joke had returned.
But something about them had changed.
Beatrice sat straighter.
Caleb rode beside the wagon instead of driving, giving her the reins because she preferred control.
When Abner Cole saw them outside the mercantile, he removed his hat.
Beatrice noticed.
Caleb did too.
Neither acknowledged him.
Marcus stood on the porch of the Bell house.
He opened his arms as though greeting a beloved daughter.
“Beatrice.”
She climbed down without touching him.
“Marcus.”
His smile flickered.
Then he looked toward Caleb.
“Mercer.”
“Bell.”
“Mountain life agrees with you both.”
Caleb said nothing.
Marcus looked at Beatrice.
“You’ve lost some color.”
“I’m alive.”
A strange answer.
Marcus’s eyes sharpened.
“So I see.”
Dr. Vale arrived before supper.