Among the many benefits of being wed, Dorcas particularly enjoyed the time she and Gabriel had to stroll in the rolling hills and farmlands just outside of Candleford.

"That rise, just over there," she told him during one afternoon walk, pointing to a hillock across a valley, "was where my father asked my mother if she would marry him."

"And she said 'yes'?" Gabriel asked, obviously primed to have a bit of fun at his wife's expense.

Dorcas fixed him with a withering look that melted into one of her trademark half-grins.

"An excellent observation," she said, offering Gabriel a look that let him know his humor was at least moderately appreciated. "Oh, I do miss having Minnie around to pepper me with those types of questions but with you in the house now, I find I must continue to stay on my toes, lest I be… misunderstood… about some matter of importance. Thank you for that, my love. It is a true comfort."

He had to laugh out loud at this, something he rarely did. Stopping near an old oak, Gabriel pulled Dorcas into his arms, smiling down at her as she gazed into his eyes.

"You are a constant puzzle to me," he said, his brown eyes searching her face. "And I would not have it otherwise."

Then he kissed her tenderly, thrilled at the way she responded by reaching up to touch his cheeks with both hands.

"That road runs both ways," Dorcas said, her voice gentle as she caught her breath after the impromptu embrace. "The intrigue you bring to me each day… It's rather intoxicating. It may become my one weakness if I am not careful."

She smiled that wry grin of hers, letting him know she wasn't the least bit miffed at his tomfoolery. The look Dorcas gave Gabriel told him, rather, that she quite enjoyed his teasing.

Kissing again, the couple held one another tight.

"I apologize for my jesting," Gabriel told his wife. "Obviously, that hill is special to you. Which makes it special to me as well. Please tell me about your father's proposal."

Dorcas nestled her head against his chest, closing her eyes and sighing. While not a particularly religious woman, she was spiritual and she thanked God or whatever higher power in the universe for bringing Gabriel into her life. She'd prayed many nights in hopes of finding true, lasting love with a man. And then he'd come to her.

"He took my mother out walking, much as we're doing now, and he said that something simply compelled him to ask for her hand. She accepted and, well… here I am. And here we are."

"Uncomplicated," Gabriel said, wishing suddenly that they were back home. He had a strong desire at that moment to carry Dorcas into their private quarters and lock the door after them. But, as they were a ways from such privacy, he could only hold her tighter and imagine how they might spend the evening to come.

"Indeed," Dorcas agreed, luxuriating in the feel of her husband's muscles. He was a man's man for sure. And a woman's man to love.

"Perhaps we should start for home," Gabriel murmured, his lips warm against her forehead.

"Yes," she told him. "I think we would both benefit from… turning in early."

Kissing once more, the pair took their time returning to Candleford. There was no rush; they had a lifetime ahead of them.