Epilogue
Harv Dyer took months to recover from his beating at Adam's hands and although Adam didn't make Asia a widow twice, he did manage to have their family lawyer, Hiram, take Asia's case and successfully arrange an annulment for Asia and Dyer's marriage, proving by her bruises and testimony that she had married Dyer under duress.
Soon after, Adam visited Asia at her farm. She was packing her clothes, the trunk open on her bedroom floor and he was surprised to see it already half-filled with her dresses. A valise was on the bed.
"What are you doing?" Adam asked.
"I was going to tell you goodbye—I couldn't bring myself to see you before I left because—oh, Adam, don't make this harder for me than it already is."
Adam pulled her to him and gently kissed her. "Do you think I went through all this just to lose you?"
"Oh, Adam. Can't you see? I can't stay here; people have been gossiping horribly about us—about you and me and your family is far too important for that. I don't fit in anyway. Everyone believes that you…that you tried to kill Dyer for me, because he had married me and that as you had done Sam, you wanted to kill him too."
"I did. And do you think I really give a damn about what people say? As long as we're happy with each other, what does it matter? I won't let you go, Asia. I won't let you leave."
"Adam, I…"
"Don't talk," he said and then pressed his mouth on hers. And Asia relaxed into his arms. "I love you, Asia, and I want to marry you. Please—don't leave me. Stay and be my wife."
"Oh, Adam." Asia slipped her arms around him and rested her cheek against his chest. "I do so love you—more than I have the words to express."
"Then show me," he said and pushed a valise off the bed.
"Yes," she whispered to him. "I'll show you." And together, they lay down and their bodies acted out the love that filled their hearts.
~ Finis ~