When the peace keepers came to my house to escort me to the Justice Building after work I knew exactly what I was in for. Madge had told her father everything. Mayor Undersee knew his daughter had been sneaking off with some seam rat, and he knew she was pregnant. I was most definitely in deep trouble, and so was she.
When I walked into the Justice Building Madge pressed her body flush against mine and hugged me tightly. I could feel her sobbing. She composed herself to tell me he knew, and that he was, of course, mad.
Walking into his office he seemed calm, but anger showed in his voice as he asked us to sit in the chairs that faced his desk.
So here I sit, staring at a disapproving father with an unmarried pregnant daughter. He glares at me. "Do you understand that I can't have my daughter married to a coal miner who won't be able to fully provide for her?"
I nod knowing he's right, but what choice do we have.
"Dad." Madge says more offended than I am. I know it's true even if she doesn't accept it.
"She has another option though," he continues ignoring his daughter. "There are more suitable men willing to marry her, like Wade Mellark, who would most likely to be willing to take the blame for this situation we find ourselves in."
I almost see red but somehow contain myself. As much as I hate the Idea, as much as she will too, as impossible as it will be for me to let her go, I know it's the best. Mellark can buy her dresses, keep her safe, warm, and fed. He can do those things for my child too. She won't have to worry about him dying in the mines everyday either. It will be the hardest thing I ever have to do. I'll have to give up the love of my life and my child to someone who can't love them as much as I do.
I nod, fighting tears hard. I chance a glance at Madge who is seeing red. I've never actually seen her angry. Until now.
"WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT DAD? HE CAN TAKE CARE OF ME, I KNOW HE CAN. I DON'T WANT TO MARRY WHAT'S HIS NAME, I DONT EVEN KNOW HIM. I WANT TO MARRY GALE."
I've never heard her yell before, and by the looks of it neither has her father. He swallows hard, trying not to let the shock show on his face. "Sweetie, I think Mr. Hawthorne would agree that it's for the best."
"Gale this can't possibly be what would make your happy," she pleads with me.
Her dad cuts in before I can respond, "It's not about happiness, it's about survival and the rest of your life. It's about what's best for everyone."
"Gale, do you want to marry me?"
"Yes but-"
"So then let us get married." she says to her father, tears falling down her cheeks. "I want to do what I think is best for me and my child, and that means being with someone who loves us both in every way. Dad do you really think Wade will love a kid that isn't his as much as Gale will love his own child."
"Even if Gale does love you that doesn't mean he can do whats best for you."
"What about mom? You love her even though she's sick and she wasn't the best person for you to marry," she counters
Mayor Undersee falls silent, all the color draining from his face as he looks away. "Go, both of you," he says calmly. Madge grabs my hand tighter than ever.
She says nothing until we're outside of the Justice Building, where she falls into my arms. I cup her cheeks with both of my hands, engulfing her face. she wraps her arms tightly around my neck. "I love you" I whisper to her.
"I love you too, and nothing could ever convince to marry anyone else but you."