They made their way into the woods and to a clearing Belle hadn’t seen before.Together they picked berries, and Everett told her stories about some of the men and what they’d said about her baking.“I guess I should have known the men would all flock to you.I think you could have been an old crone and the men would have surrounded you.”
Belle nodded.“They all want a woman in their lives, and I think any woman would do.”
“It wouldn’t be that way for me, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I sent for a bride, and I was willing to accept whatever woman came my way, but now that I’ve met you and spent time with you, I realize I don’t want just any woman in my life.I want you and only you.”
Belle stuck the berry she’d just picked into her mouth before walking to him and wrapping her arms around him.“That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
He chuckled.“I’m not known for my sweet talk.”
“You should be!”She stood on tiptoe and kissed him.“You’re a pretty special man, Everett.”
“I’m glad you think so.Because I’m in love with you.”
She stared at him for a moment, a slow grin spreading across her face.“I’m in love with you as well.How could I not be?”
“Even though I have the worst temper in all of Alaska?”
She laughed.“It wasn’t that bad.Besides, you’ve made up for it since.”
He held her close.“We’re going to squish the berries if we don’t stop.”
She shrugged.“I’ll just pick more.”
After a few moments, they parted.“Let’s have that picnic,” he said.
She carefully spread out the blanket that was atop the basket she’d had him carry with them.As they feasted on the simple meal she’d made, they gazed at one another lovingly, and she realized that the gamble she’d accepted had paid off.She was in love with a man who loved her.All she needed were children to complete the dream she’d had for so long.
