Irene walked out of the general store with her items and placed them into the back of her two-wheeled cart pulled by one horse. The horse, named Wally, stood patiently. The shopkeeper placed the last item into the cart. Irene climbed into the cart and took up the reins. She snapped the reins and drove the horse out of town at a moderate trot. Out of town, she sped the horse to a fast trot. She passed lots where new buildings were being constructed. It scared her. Blackwater was slowly expanding and the officials might eventually want Beecher's Hope.
Irene drove into Beecher's Hope. Jack met her and helped her unload the supplies.
"Did you get everything?," Jack asked.
"I believe so," Irene replied. "And I avoided Uncle Trevor. I don't think he realized it was me there. I've changed quite a bit in the past year."
"You get more lovely every day," Jack said. He put his arm around Irene and hugged her to his side. He kissed her head.
"I love you, Jack," Irene said. "I have never once regretted my life with you. I love my life with you. I've loved you since the moment I saw you."
After eating supper that evening, Jack and Irene relaxed in the living room on the sofa. Irene leaned back against her man as he held her close to him and rested his face on her head. Irene closed her eyes, feeling so warm and loved and accepted unconditionally. She could feel him breathing and hear his heart. She hugged his arms closer to her chest and held his hands.
As the fireplace fire burned out, Jack realized that Irene had fallen asleep. He sat up as carefully as he could and stood up, laying Irene down on the sofa. He put out the remaining fire. He then picked up his wife and carried her to the bedroom and laid her down. He covered her with the comforter and kissed her face. He then went to bed himself and fell asleep with his hand on Irene.
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