Wealthy enough to purchase every cake at the Cedar Hollow sale.
Stubborn enough to nearly die finding a ranch hand.
Careful enough never to let his power become her obligation.
She smiled.
“Yes.”
Nathaniel kissed her.
The first contact was almost too gentle.
Lena’s hand moved to his coat.
He began pulling away.
She caught him.
“That was not worth waiting three months.”
His eyes darkened.
“Criticism?”
“Professional.”
“Again?”
“Yes.”
The second kiss was considerably better.
Ben dropped a flour sack outside.
Both heard.
Neither stopped.
By the time they separated, Lena was laughing.
Nathaniel rested his forehead against hers.
“Denver?”
She sighed.
“Still meeting him.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
Lena stared.
“Do you have to be so decent?”
“No.”
“Then stop.”
He smiled.
“Can't.”
March fifteenth, the contract officially ended.
Nathaniel paid the remaining three hundred dollars in gold.
Lena counted it twice.
“Don't trust me?”
“I trust arithmetic.”
“Fair.”
Her total winter savings exceeded seven hundred dollars.
More money than she had ever possessed.
She packed her trunk.
The kitchen became strangely quiet.
Men lined up after final supper.
Not for food.
To shake her hand.
Ben gave her a wooden bread board he and Amos had made.
The blacksmith presented a new Dutch oven.
“Old one's crooked.”
“It is not.”
“Now you have two.”
Amos gave her a knife.
Perfectly balanced.
Lena cried.
Then threatened everyone for making her cry.
Nobody believed the threat.
Nathaniel waited outside.
Same freight sleigh.
Spring had begun, but snow still covered higher ground.
He loaded her trunk.
Neither spoke.
The ride to Cedar Hollow felt shorter than the journey north.
That annoyed Lena.
At the town edge, Nathaniel said:
“Investor arrives tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“You nervous?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
She stared.
“Why good?”
“Means it matters.”
Lena looked toward town.
Martha waited outside Barker’s store.
Nathaniel stopped.
He climbed down.
Then offered Lena his hand.
She took it.
This time neither pretended it was only because of snow.
Her boots touched the ground.
Nathaniel did not release her hand immediately.
“Whatever you decide.”
Lena looked up.
“Yes?”
“That kitchen is yours if you want it.”
“Same salary?”
“Higher.”
“How much?”
“Negotiable.”
She smiled.
“Dangerous word.”
Nathaniel’s voice lowered.
“Not talking only about the kitchen.”
Her heart tightened.
People were watching.
Martha definitely.
Probably Caroline through a window somewhere.
Lena whispered:
“I know.”
Nathaniel touched the brim of his hat.
Then left.
Lena watched until he disappeared.
Martha came beside her.