Together. She echoed and closed the distance between them. Their coming together was gentle and tentative, two people who'd been broken learning to be whole again. Ethan was patient, reverent, treating her body like something precious. Clara had expected to feel like a substitute, but instead she felt cherished for exactly who she was.
Afterward, they lay entwined, Clara's head on Ethan's chest, listening to his heartbeat. "I didn't think I'd ever have this again," he murmured into her hair. "Have what?" peace, contentment, hope for tomorrow. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. Love.
They talked through the night, sharing stories they'd held back before. Clara told him about growing up as a doctor's daughter, the joy of learning medicine, the patients she'd helped save. Ethan shared memories of his childhood on a small farm in Ohio, his decision to come west, meeting Margaret at a barn dance, and knowing within minutes she was the one. Do you believe in fate? Clara asked as Dawn approached.
I didn't. I thought life was just random chance and choice, but now he pulled her closer. What are the odds that Morrison's schemes would bring together two broken people who happen to be exactly what each other needed? When you put it that way, it does seem unlikely or inevitable. Maybe Margaret and your father are up there somewhere conspiring.
Clara smiled at the thought. My father would have liked you, would have appreciated your honesty and your work ethic, and Margaret would have admired your strength and intelligence. They fell silent as the room lightened, comfortable in their closeness. Then Sophie's voice called from downstairs. "Papa, Mama Clara, breakfast." "I suppose we should get up," Clara said, though she made no move to leave his arms.
"In a minute," Ethan said, kissing her again. "Let me be selfish for just another minute." But it was several minutes before they rose, dressed, and went down to face the day as what they'd finally become, truly husband and wife. The next months passed in a blur of happiness Clara had never expected to find. The ranch prospered with the investment money, allowing them to expand the herd and start the orchard Clara had envisioned. Sophie began calling her mama without qualification, and Clara taught her reading, writing, arithmetic, and basic medicine with equal enthusiasm.
The first test of their new happiness came in November when Clara realized she was pregnant. She'd suspected for weeks, but hadn't wanted to say anything until she was certain. The morning she finally told Ethan, his reaction wasn't what she expected. He went completely still, the color draining from his face. Pregnant?
Yes, due in late spring, I think. She touched his arm. Ethan, what's wrong? Margaret died in childbirth, he said hoarsely. She bled and bled, and nothing I did could stop it.
I can't, Clara. I can't lose you, too. She pulled him into her arms, holding him as he shook. "You won't. I won't let that happen.