To Jonas? The thought sent her heart racing with a confusing mixture of panic and something else, something warm and terrifying. That's Jonas cleared his throat. That's a significant step, Reverend. I understand.
I'm not saying you need to decide today, but it's worth considering given the circumstances. The reverend's expression softened. I've seen how you are together, Jonas, at church last Sunday, watching you with the children. There's an ease there, a partnership. These things matter more than people realize.
Reverend Matthews, Lena forced herself to speak, though her voice trembled. I appreciate your concern, but I can't I won't trap Mr. Hale into a marriage of convenience just to silence gossips. He's been kind enough to help me. I won't repay that by forcing him into something he doesn't want.
Does it look like I'm being forced? Jonas asked quietly. Lena turned to him, startled. What? The reverend has a point.
Marriage would solve several problems at once. You'd have legal protection from Reed Mercer and anyone else trying to cause you trouble. The children would have a mother figure who's already proven herself. And the gossips would have nothing left to gossip about. But but you don't love me.
You barely know me. Jonas's expression was unreadable. I know enough. And love, real love, is built over time, isn't it? Through shared work and trust and commitment.
We already have the foundation. The rest could come. Jonas I'm not proposing right now, he said quickly. I'm just saying the reverend's suggestion isn't as crazy as it might sound. Will you at least think about it?
Lena couldn't speak, couldn't process what was happening. Three weeks ago, she'd been rejected and humiliated. Now a good man was calmly discussing marriage like it was a logical solution to a practical problem. I should let you two talk, Reverend Matthews said gently. But Lena, I want you to know, whatever Thomas Reddick has said about you, I don't believe it.
I've seen you with Jonas's children. I've seen the light that's come back into this family. That tells me more about your character than any gossip ever could. He climbed back into his buggy and drove away, leaving Lena and Jonas standing in the yard, the weight of unspoken possibilities hanging between them. You don't have to decide anything now, Jonas said.
But I meant what I said. The idea isn't as strange as you think. It's strange to me. Marriage should be about love, about about what? Passion?
Romance? Jonas's voice was gentle but firm. Lena, I loved my wife, loved her deeply. But you want to know what made our marriage work? It wasn't grand gestures or constant excitement.