Chapter 31
My throat tightened.
"I remember."
"I thought I had come to buy livestock."
"You've mentioned."
"I was wrong."
He looked at me.
"I think I have been wrong about several things."
"Such as?"
"I used to think a good life was something a man built alone."
I said nothing.
"A ranch. Cattle. Enough money that winter doesn't frighten you. Men who respect you."
"Sounds reasonable."
"It is."
His eyes held mine.
"But it is not enough."
My vision blurred.
Adrien reached into his coat.
This time he brought out a ring.
It was plain gold.
No stone.
No flourish.
Exactly right.
Oscar gasped loudly enough to frighten the dog.
I nearly laughed.
Adrien looked toward him.
"Could you pretend not to listen?"
"No."
Adrien sighed.
"Fair enough."
He looked back at me.
"Rosalie Dunore, I am not asking you to sell this place."
My heart stuttered.
"I am not asking you to give up your work."
Tears filled my eyes.
"I am not asking Oscar to call me anything he doesn't choose."
From the yard Oscar called, "I could call you Adrien."
Adrien closed his eyes.
I laughed through tears.
"Thank you, Oscar."
"You're welcome."
Adrien looked at me again.
"And Clover stays yours."
I laughed harder.
"Very important."
"Apparently."
He took one step closer.
"I am asking if you would like to build something with me."
No rescue.
No debt.
No need.
Choice.
That was the difference.
I looked at the man who had come to take our last cow and instead left her standing in our yard.
The man who had offered work instead of pity.
Who had asked instead of assumed.
Who had waited when waiting frightened him.
The man who understood that love did not give him ownership.
I looked toward Oscar.
His face was hopeful.
But not desperate.
He had learned something too.
Love could leave.
Love could return.
Love could fail.
Love could change.
And love could be chosen without being clung to.
I looked back at Adrien.
"Yes."
He did not move.
"Yes?"
"Yes, Adrien."
His whole face changed.
Oscar yelled.
The dog barked.
Clover flicked one ear.
Adrien slid the ring onto my finger with hands that were not quite steady.
Then he looked at me.
"May I kiss you?"
I smiled.
"You're learning."
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes."
He kissed me.
Gently at first.
Then with three seasons of restraint behind it.