They stopped by the stream for lunch, spreading a blanket on the grassy bank. Emma crawled about, fascinated by the butterflies that flitted among the late summer wild flowers. As Faith watched her daughter's delight, she felt a certainty settle in her heart. "Colleton," she said, turning to the man who had become so dear to her. "I don't want to wait anymore." He looked at her, confusion giving way to understanding.
"Faith, are you sure?" she nodded. "Life is too short and too uncertain to waste time when you know what you want." She reached for his hand. "And I know that I want a life with you here on this land. I want Emma to grow up with you as her father. I want She blushed but continued.
I want to be your wife. For a moment, Colton seemed stunned. Then his face broke into the most radiant smile Faith had ever seen. He pulled her gently into his arms, mindful of Emma nearby. "Faith Sullivan," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
"Nothing would make me happier than making you my wife." Their first kiss was gentle and sweet, full of promise and tender affection. When they broke apart, both were smiling, and Emma chose that moment to toddle over and demand to be included, raising her arms imperiously. Laughing, Colton swept her up and included her in their embrace. "What do you think, little one?" he asked. "Would you like to live here with me and your mama?" Emma patted his cheek with her small hand and said very clearly, "Pa." Faith gasped, and Colton's eyes widened in surprise.
It was Emma's first real word, and the significance of it brought tears to both their eyes. "I think that's a yes," Faith whispered, her heart full to bursting. They were married two weeks later in the small church in Silver Gulch, with Mrs. Abernathy and Mr. Chen as witnesses.
The ceremony was simple but heartfelt. And if some in town thought it too soon after Thomas's death, many more were happy to see Faith and Emma secure in the care of a good man like Colton Raid. The new cabin wasn't finished before winter set in, so they spent their first months as a family in Faith's small cabin in town. Colton rode out to the property whenever the weather permitted to continue work on their future home, returning each evening to his new wife and daughter. Those winter months were cozy and intimate, the three of them learning to be a family.
Colton was patient and loving, never trying to replace Thomas in Faith's heart, but creating his own place there. With Emma, he was a natural father, endlessly patient with her growing independence and delighting in her developing personality. Faith continued to work at the general store, saving every penny toward their new life. In the evenings, she sewed curtains and quilts for their new home, while Colton crafted simple furniture by the fire. They talked of their hopes for the future, perhaps more children, a prosperous small ranch, security, and happiness for Emma.