Chapter 13:

Henry had hardly slept that night. Not just because of his face throbbing after Bill's punch. But mostly because of Abigail. He loved her. He was madly in love with her. And seeing her return her feelings was exceptional. He had never even dared to imagine or dream this. Yet he was afraid. Bill's reaction was almost not disproportionate according to him. He had hurt Abigail so much all those years. He had pushed her over the edge dozens of times. Why would he let him woo her? Love her?

Henry dreaded the reaction of the citizens of the town. The others would probably react the same way as Bill, although less violently physically. He feared losing Abigail with the reactions of her friends. Would they dissuade her from giving him her love?

Maybe with what happened the day before, Abigail would realize that she was making a mistake and that she was going to walk away from him. There was also always this Theodore Richardson. The mere thought of this man drove him mad with jealousy. He knew perfectly well that he had been allowed to touch Abigail in places he had never been allowed to think of. He knew the rumors were not just rumors. He knew it perfectly and it was driving him crazy.

As he walked through the city that morning, he felt the eyes upon him. With that, he immediately knew that everyone had heard about the incident yesterday. He did not think the citizens suspected what had really happened, but he could understand that they knew, at least, that Bill had hit him. The big black eye on his face only fueled the rumors.

He spent the morning at his office between meetings and paperwork. During lunch, he decided to go to Abigail's cafe. He came every day, but this time he had hesitated all morning. He did not want to embarrass Abigail. Finally, he decided to go through the back door of the kitchen.

When he opened the door, he saw Abigail looking back at him from the worktable. When she saw him, he saw her eyes light up. All the tension immediately left Henry's shoulders at the reaction of the one that constantly made him smile. Henry smiled and moved quickly across the table to Abigail.

Abigail wiped her hands on her apron and quickly approached Henry and hugged him. Henry sighed in relief as he hugged her tightly. He inhaled her scent deeply before pulling out of her warm embrace to look at her.

Abigail, too, looked at Henry's face with a look of sadness.

"He didn't miss you." sighed the mayor of Hope Valley.

Henry took Abigail's hands in his.

"It's nothing."

Abigail gently kissed Henry on his wound. He closed his eyes to her care. Then he leaned his forehead against hers, still holding her hands firmly in his.

Henry pulled his face away from Abigail's admiringly.

"You're so beautiful." Henry said.

Abigail blushes.

"Henry…" she smiled embarrassed.

The former mayor of the city smiles. He had never smiled so much in his life.

Henry kissed Abigail tenderly just before the kitchen door opened to reveal an Elizabeth. She slowly closed the door behind her as she saw the couple in front of her. She smiles. They were wonderful together. Henry moved away from Abigail and nodded to the teacher in greeting. He then slipped away, not without a last look at Abigail.

Abigail had flushed cheeks and a completely dreamy look on her face. Elizabeth smiled at such a sunny sight of her best friend.

"Do not say anything." smiled Abigail.

"I do not need."

Elizabeth approached Abigail.

"However, I have something else to say. Bill left during the night on horseback. He entrusted his role as Sheriff to Hickam."

Abigail's eyes widened at the news.

"But where did he go?"

"Apparently he went to do his first trial as a judge."

"Do you think he is telling the truth? Or is it because of yesterday?"

"I have no idea, Abigail." Elizabeth grimaced.

Abigail looked at Elizabeth thoughtfully.

Abigail decided to go to the saloon that afternoon. She absolutely had to talk to Theo. She had not seen him since yesterday morning. But so much had happened since then.

When Abigail knocked on the door, Theo did not answer. She pushed open the unlocked door and saw him facing the window.

"Theo?"

When he did not answer, she walked over to him.

"Theo?" Abigail called out again.

Theo jumped and finally turned to his childhood sweetheart.

"Excuse me, Abigail, I didn't hear you come in." Theo said, hugging the woman.

"Everything is fine? You seem really worried lately. Is the exhibition not going well?"

"No, the exhibition is going well. I spoke to my investor, and he told me that you had met?" asked Theo.

Abigail frowned at the sudden change of subject but did not dwell on it.

"Yes, we even did more than just meet. I gave him the money for your exhibition." smiled Abigail.

"What ?!" exclaimed Theodore.

"Yes…" Abigail hesitated at her friend's surprising reaction. "What is happening?"

"Nothing." Theodore walked over to his coat and put it on. "I have to go."

"What? But I came to talk to you about something important…" Abigail protested, watching him hurry.

"Yes, but I have something to do first. Please close the door behind you when you go out." Theo rushed over to Abigail and kissed her quickly. "See you later."

Richardson winked at her and stormed out of the room. Abigail stared at the open door, dumbfounded, then sighed at the realization that she had not been able to tell him about her relationship with Henry.

Note: It's a small chapter, but don't worry, there's more to come.