The marshal leaned back.
"He's been asking about your property specifically."
Eleanor's stomach tightened.
"Seems he believes your land is essential for the railroad route they want."
Thomas's face hardened.
"And if I don't want to sell?"
"Then men like that keep trying to make you want to."
Brady's answer was grim.
"This sort of operation doesn't give up easily."
The marshal and deputies stayed 2 days.
Statements were taken.
Evidence gathered.
During that time, Eleanor noticed how naturally she and Thomas now operated together.
Finishing each other's explanations.
Consulting before decisions.
Presenting one united front.
The evening before the lawmen left, Thomas found Eleanor preparing supper.
"Brady says they'll probably send someone for Blackwood within a month."
He leaned against the kitchen door.
"But he warned we may see more trouble before it's settled."
Eleanor nodded.
"We'll manage whatever comes."
Thomas's eyes warmed.
"We."
He repeated the word just as he had weeks earlier.
But this time there was no surprise.
Only satisfaction.
"Eleanor," she began.
She put down the spoon.
"That night you talked about your feelings changing."
Thomas became completely still.
"Mine have changed too."
His voice was careful.
"Changed how?"
Eleanor gathered her courage.
"I came here expecting to trade my work as housekeeper and teacher for security and shelter."
She swallowed.
"I thought that would be enough."
Thomas watched silently.
"But living here, becoming part of this family, has awakened feelings I didn't know I was still capable of."
Hope appeared in his eyes.
Eleanor continued before courage disappeared.
"I love Daniel's serious questions."
A small smile.
"Samuel's endless enthusiasm."
Another breath.
"I love the way you listen when I talk about building a proper school."
She looked toward the window.
"I love watching you work with the horses. Seeing how gentle you are with them despite your strength."
Then she looked directly at him.
"And I love the man you've shown yourself to be."
Thomas stepped forward.
"Not just the practical rancher who offered me a marriage of convenience."
Her voice softened.
"The father who carries pictures of his children."
"The leader whose men trust him."
"The husband who defended his wife's honor when he barely knew her."
Thomas reached up.
His hand cupped her cheek.
"Eleanor..."
"I'm not asking you to forget Margaret."
The words came quickly.
"I would never ask that."
Eleanor's eyes filled.
"But if there's room in your heart for someone new, someone different, then I'd like a chance to have a place there."
Thomas answered by kissing her.
Not the careful, formal kiss from their wedding.