It was showing up every day, working together, choosing each other again and again. That's what marriage is. And we already do that. Lena's eyes stung. I'm scared.
Of what? Of failing again, of disappointing you, of Her voice broke. of letting myself hope for something good only to have it destroyed. Jonas reached out slowly, giving her time to pull away. When she didn't, he took her hand, his calloused palm warm against hers. I can't promise you'll never be disappointed.
I'm human. I make mistakes. But I can promise I'll never deliberately hurt you, never use you, never make you feel less than you are. Is that enough to build on? Lena looked at their joined hands, then up at his face.
Jonas Hale, steady, kind, strong Jonas who'd stopped in the rain for a stranger, who'd opened his home without hesitation, who'd defended her against gossips and offered her a future when she thought she had none. I need time to think, she whispered. Take all the time you need. He squeezed her hand gently before releasing it. But know this, whatever you decide, you still have a place here.
No pressure, no expectations, just an open door. That night, Lena lay awake long after the household had settled. Marriage to Jonas. The thought circled her mind like a persistent bird. She didn't love him, not the way she'd thought she loved Daniel all those years ago, but maybe that was a good thing.
Maybe that girlish infatuation had blinded her to Daniel's faults, made her overlook warning signs that could have saved her heartbreak. What she felt for Jonas was different. Respect, gratitude, trust, a deep appreciation for his character and the way he loved his children, a growing warmth when he smiled at her across the table, a sense of partnership that had developed naturally over 3 weeks of shared work. Was that love? Could it become love?
And what about Reed Mercer? If she stayed here unmarried, she remained vulnerable to his manipulation. But as Jonas's wife, she'd have legal protection, a family to stand with her, a name that carried weight in this community. It was practical, sensible, even. But marriage should be more than practical, shouldn't it?
Lena turned over, punching her pillow in frustration. Through the thin walls, she heard Rose crying out in her sleep. Before she could think, Lena was out of bed and moving through the darkened house to the room the little ones shared. Rose sat up in bed, tears streaming down her face. Mama, she whimpered.
I want Mama. Lena's heart cracked. She gathered the little girl into her arms, rocking her gently. Shh, sweetheart, I'm here. You're safe.
I had a bad dream. Mama was there, but then she left and I couldn't find her and Rose dissolved into fresh sobs. I know, baby, I know. Lena stroked her hair, murmuring comfort. Dreams can be scary, but they're not real.
You're here, safe and sound. Will you stay until I fall asleep? Of course. Lena held Rose until her breathing evened out and she drifted back into sleep. Then she gently laid her down, tucking the blankets around her small form.