A laugh escaped Wilbur before he could stop it. Chalk streaked to Dela's cheek, and Flower dusted one sleeve. She had asked for help where he was stronger and taken charge where she was. The sight pulled something warm and inconvenient through him. You are a wonder, Adella.
The use of her Christian name slipped out before he could stop it. She looked up at him, and the warmth in her face did not vanish. Do not make me regret giving you more than wood to haul, she said. That evening, Wilbur began the headcount at the portrail, as he did every night. One by one, all 10 answered Ruthie twice because she liked hearing her own voice.
When the last child went inside, Wilbur reached for his hat. Sit down, Adella said. He stopped. She was on the porch bench with her hands folded in her lap. 5 minutes.
There is a gate by the north pasture. I meant to. It was standing an hour ago. Sit. Wilbur looked toward the dark yard, then set his hat on the rail and took the far end of the bench.
Two feet of cedar remained between them. Adella watched the first stars come out above the ridge. Nobody needs either of us for five minutes. That is a dangerous claim in this house. I'm willing to risk it.
They listened to Clara settling the younger children inside. After a while, Adella said, "I like your company better when no one is watching us pretend." The words landed with more force than praise. Nobody had asked her to say them. Nobody was watching.
Wilbur rubbed a thumb over his trouser seam. I built this place for work. Then Fever took my brother, his wife, and two cousins, and the sheriff brought their children here in two wagons. I took them because they were mine to take. You made the house feel like more than a place we managed to keep standing.
Adella turned toward him. You gave them a place no one could send them away from. I gave them walls. You gave them more than walls. Her hand crossed the space between them and rested for one quiet second on the rough leather of his vest.
Then she withdrew it. Wilbur did not follow the touch. He sat where he was until the five minutes became 10. The next morning brought the second proof. Merritt Walker, one of the district trustees, rode in while Barnaby was tying his val behind the wagon seat.
Merritt dismounted at the rail and asked whether Adela had considered taking a winter term in the church hall at Silvercliffe. Wilbur had been carrying a sack of oats. He set it down and answered too quickly. She may stay on here and teach through winter. The west room is warmer than that hall and the children.
He saw Adela in the schoolroom doorway. She had heard him. Wilbur stopped before the old habit could finish the sentence. "No," he said to Merritt. "That is not mine to settle."