And is that how you see us, Yates? As friends and neighbors? The question slipped out before she could stop it. He stepped closer, his expression serious. You know, it's not, at least not on my part.
Faith found herself unable to look away from his intense gaze. It's been less than 3 months since we met. I know. His voice was soft, almost reverent, and yet I feel as if I've known you much longer. From that first day in the store, when you stood so proudly despite Sam Wilson's cruelty to Emma, I knew you were someone special.
Yates, I You don't need to say anything now, he interrupted gently. I'm not asking for declarations or promises. I just wanted to be honest about my intentions. When we attend the festival together, people will assume I'm courting you and they'll be right if you'll allow it. Faith took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts.
"Emma adores you," she said finally. "And I I care for you deeply, but I came here to build an independent life, to show my daughter that a woman can stand on her own. Independence and love aren't mutually exclusive faith." He reached out slowly, taking her hand in his. A partnership between equals can make both stronger. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her.
I need time, Yates. This is all happening so quickly. Then time is what you'll have. He raised her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. I'm a patient man, Faith Summers.
I'll wait as long as you need. After he left, Faith stood by the window, watching his tall figure disappear into the darkness. "Her hand still tingled where his lips had touched it, and her heart felt too full for her chest. A partnership between equals," she whispered, testing the words. "It was a beautiful concept so different from what many marriages became, with wives subordinate to husbands wishes.
Could such a relationship truly exist? And was she brave enough to find out? Saturday dawned clear but cold with a hint of snow in the air. Faith dressed Emma in her warmest clothes, thankful for the new woolen coat Martha had helped her so using fabric purchased with her teaching salary. For herself, Faith chose her best dress, a deep blue that brought out the color of her eyes and arranged her honey blonde hair in a more elaborate style than her usual practical bun.
"You look pretty, Mama." Emma observed as Faith pinned the last strand in place, "Like a princess in my story book." Faith smiled, touching her daughter's cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart. Now, let's make sure Whistle has enough food and water while we're gone. Promptly at 2:00, Yates arrived with a covered wagon rather than the open buggy he usually drove. Mrs.
Abernathy sat on the bench beside him, bundled in a heavy coat and scarf. "Thought we'd be more comfortable with some protection from the wind," he explained as he helped Faith and Emma up into the wagon. Thick blankets lined the bench seats, and heated bricks wrapped in flannel had been placed on the floor to warm their feet. "Very thoughtful," Faith replied, settling Emma between herself and Mrs. Abernathy.