"What happened? " he asked. She handed him the letter. He read it. His face became serious. "If you want to go, I won't stop you. " Clara looked at him.
"You would let me leave? " "Yes. " "Even now? " "Yes. " She stepped closer. "Why? " "Because loving you means giving you a choice. " Clara's eyes filled with emotion. "That is exactly why I'm staying. " She tore the letter in half. Then she placed the pieces into the stove. Taza watched the paper disappear into the flames.
"You're certain? " Taza asked. Clara nodded. "I have never been more certain of anything. " Preparations for the wedding began. Whitaker offered Clara an old piece of lace that had belonged to her mother. Samuel Bell promised to officiate.
Several families from the valley volunteered to help. Even people who had once laughed at Taza now respected him. Not everyone approved. Elias Mercer remained bitter after losing the land dispute. He told anyone who would listen that Clara had made a foolish choice.
But his words no longer mattered. Clara had already made hers. On the morning of the wedding, Taza stood outside the cabin wearing his best traditional clothing. He looked uncomfortable. Clara stepped out of the cabin.
Taza stared at her. She wore a simple cream-colored dress. Her hair was neatly arranged with no elaborate decoration. She walked toward him. "You look beautiful," he said.
Clara smiled. "You look nervous. " "I am. " "You faced worse things. " "None of them involved you. She laughed softly. They traveled to a small clearing near the river. Their closest friends and neighbors gathered around.
There was no extravagant ceremony. Samuel spoke about companionship, trust, and choosing one another every day. Then it was Taza's turn. He looked at Clara. For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Clara squeezed his hand. You can do this. Taza smiled. I spent years believing I was too old for marriage. A few people smiled.
But I was wrong. He looked at Clara. I wasn't too old. He paused. I was simply waiting for her.
Clara's eyes filled with tears. When the ceremony ended, everyone applauded. Embarrassed by the attention, Clara laughed. You survived. Barely.
They returned to the cabin that evening. The sun was setting. Taza opened the door. Inside, the cabin looked different. Clara had placed flowers near the window.
The table had been cleaned. The fireplace was glowing. It was no longer just Taza's cabin. It was their home. He stood quietly in the doorway.
What are you thinking? Clara asked. Taza looked around. For years, I thought home was a place where a man could be alone. He looked at her.