Married in Haste

lightly touched the bonnet ribbon beneath her chin. “If you fall, I will pick you up. If you fear, I will protect you.”

The independence deep-seated inside her reared in response. “I don’t ask it of you.”

“That’s the way it is,” he said simply. “Together.”

She pulled back as if he’d said the wrong word.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, alarmed.

“Nothing. It’s nothing,” she repeated and climbed into the coach.