He chuckled.“And I love being married to you.I know getting here wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.For me at least.”
“And for me.I wouldn’t want to go on that journey again, but I’m glad I made it.”
She truly couldn’t believe how content their marriage had made her.She was happy for the first time in her memory.Oh, there’d been moments of happiness, but she felt as if she would never be sad again.
Once they were home, she fixed a quick supper, and they talked about their plans for the week.He told her he would be working at the sawmill that week and not out cutting down trees.“Which do you prefer?”she asked.
“In the summer, I like to be outside cutting trees.In the winter, I’m much happier staying inside and working in the sawmill.I ran everything for Everett while he was traveling to bring Belle here.I liked that best.I could kick myself for selling my half of the business.I’m sure Everett would let me buy in again, but I don’t have the money.I spent it all trying to find my fortune.”
“Maybe if we work together, we could make enough that you could do it.Right now, everything I make is going as credit to the store, but I could ask for that to change, and I don’t think Mrs.Johnson would mind.”Maggie liked the idea of helping him reach his dream.“It would probably take a few years, but I enjoy hard work.”
He shook his head, as she’d expected.“I’m the man, and I will provide for my family.I don’t want to hear anything else about it.”
She sighed.“Well, Everett was right about one thing today.Youarea stubborn man.”
“Proud of it too.”
Maggie couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said, and she decided she was going to make it happen.She would find a way to buy his half of the lumber operation back.Whether he liked it or not.
She thought back to being afraid to come to Alaska, and she realized she’d changed.She was stronger now, and she was determined.James would have to deal with her help with their finances.That’s all there was to it.
