Page 120 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Lucy looked confused. “You did not teach me that.”

“I think I did.”

“You taught me that family matters.”

“You matter too.”

Lucy hugged her. “So do you.”

Eleanor found Nathaniel after dark. He was checking the horses near the edge of camp.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Rebecca found the trail.”

“You brought her back.”

“You kept the entire camp safe during the storm.”

Eleanor sighed. “Must you always return every compliment?”

“It keeps them balanced.”

She stepped closer. “I was wrong about something.”

“Only one thing?”

“Do not ruin the moment.”

Nathaniel smiled. “Go on.”

“I believed loving my sisters meant carrying everything for them. I thought if I put the weight down, something terrible would happen.”

“Something terrible nearly happened because Lucy copied you.”

“Yes.” Eleanor swallowed. “You were right. The same lesson applies to the earrings. My injury. All of it.”

Nathaniel waited.

“I love you,” she said.

His expression changed so completely that she almost looked away. “Eleanor.”

“I do not yet know what that means for Oregon or marriage or any of the rest. But I love you.”

Nathaniel took her face between his hands. “I love you too.” He kissed her.

The kiss held relief, promise, and all the fear they had carried through the day. Eleanor put her arms around his waist and let herself depend upon him for one whole moment.

When they parted, Nathaniel rested his forehead against hers. “I will not demand an answer before you are ready.”

“You are remarkably patient for an impatient man.”

“It is difficult.”

“I am sure.”

“How long do you think it will take?”