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His hands cupped her face. “I would kiss you, if Mrs. Ramshaw allowed it.”

“Has she forbidden it?”

He cleared his throat. He tapped the finger that used to bear Christian’s ring. “Until there is a ring on your finger—and I can provide for you.”

“Oh—” Clara paused.

“I do not have near the wealth that your father has—”

“Ill-gotten gain, if you consider slavery a wrong.” She reached for his hand. “I already have everything I need.”

“I bring in a pittance.”

“You’ve brought me more life and wealth than I dreamt was possible. I wonder how I lived before. How I ever claimed to have a life worth living. No. It was a farce of frippery and social expectations without any regard to those we trampled underfoot.”

“This is quite a speech from you.” He traced a finger along her jawline. “Are you, by any chance, asking me to marry you?”

“Yes. I am.” How she wished she could look into his eyes.

His breath blew softly over her face. “Any reason why you are in such a hurry? I planned to do it right, you know.”

“You still can.”

“Speak up, Clara. What’s going on?”

“I overheard your issues—with setting Morrie free. That you don’t have a trustworthy contact yet. And her due in a few weeks, and...”

“What does this have to do with us? ”

She took another steadying breath. With him so near, she had a hard time thinking straight.

“I prayed all night. I believe the answer for her freedom starts here.” She pointed to her heart.

“And here...” she reached out to find his.

He guided her hand to the place where his heart strummed quickly beneath his coat.

“If we marry, I know I may ask Father for Morrie as a wedding gift. He’s said as much many times—that I would have a slave as a wedding gift. As soon as we receive the legal documents, we can give her freedom papers. It will be completely legal and above board. No sneaking around.”

He held her hands by his lips now, listening.

“And then, we can fund her way north by train—not via the underground. Find a safe place for her and the baby...”

He pressed his lips against her knuckles. “I think, my dear,” he murmured, “that you had better marry me. The sooner, the better. How old are you, Clara?”

“Twenty, last week,” she whispered.

“Mmm. You never said a word.”

“Everyone already makes such a fuss over me. I daresay Morrie has never had a birthday celebration. If she must do without, so will I.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Unfortunately, the law says we’ll need your father’s consent. Waiting for an answer from him seems to be a difficulty. Did you ever hear back from him about the surgery?”

Clara reached into her apron pocket and pulled out the unopened message. “This came the other day. Along with money for the operation and permission. I haven’t had it read to me yet...”

“May I?”

“Please. Don’t leave anything out. I want to know.”

“I promise.”

Paper crinkled and unfolded. “Here we go:

My dear daughter ,

When we return in the spring, be a good sport about Lucy’s marriage to Christian.

I ask that you remain with Mrs. Ramshaw through the festivities.

Your sister is radiant. Be happy for her, for she plans to care for you as the years wane, if you are yet with us.

” Daniel coughed . “If your surgery is successful, you may court and flirt to your heart’s desire.

For your sake, I pray it works. Your mother thrives in her homeland.

We both expect Alice to be engaged soon.

Your loving Father.

Clara shook her head. “Burn it, will you?”

“With pleasure.”

“I think my family will be glad to be rid of me. I can’t see how Father will have any objection our marriage.”

“In another year, he won’t have a say in it.”

“A year will be too late. What about the baby? And if it is born before I gain her as a wedding gift, Morrie will remain his, the baby will belong to Father. Helping her escape on the underground will be that much harder.”

“God will make a way for Morrie. Clara Stanton, one way or another, for reasons far removed from saving Morrie’s life, we will marry.” He leaned forward and brushed her lips with his. “I insist.”

The door flung open. “I simply cannot wait.” Mrs. Ramshaw’s bright voice penetrated their quiet moment. “What is this urgent business Clara would drag you here to discuss?”

Clara felt movement by her feet. Daniel held her hand. “Dearest Clara, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Lord-a-mercy.” Mrs. Ramshaw’s voice fluttered like Clara’s heart.

“I will.” Everything above board, with a witness even.

“Wait here, Clara, Mrs. Ramshaw. I will return in under ten minutes.”

He flew from her side and Mrs. Ramshaw replaced him. “My goodness, what brought that on?” She patted her hand. “I’m happy for you, dear. So very happy. Don’t think you could find a better man.”

“I agree.” She sat quietly and then, “Mrs. Ramshaw? There’s more.”

AN HOUR LATER, CLARA sat next to Daniel with his mother’s ring on her finger, scarcely believing the words just spoken.

“You mean, we won’t have to wait for Father’s permission?” Her cheeks burned with the fire of her future.

Mrs. Ramshaw laughed like a young girl. “No siree. I have an authorized document giving me sole authority over matters such as these in the event, pardon me, Clara, but you are so very beautiful, that you should require it. I thought it a good precaution.”

“Precaution against?”

“A wild filly. Didn’t rightly know what sort of girl you’d be—or that you’d turn out with a heart larger than this land we cherish.”

Daniel threaded his fingers with hers. “So, we may marry as soon as may be...” his voice trailed.

Mrs. Ramshaw poured tea and set Clara’s cup to her left. “Second thoughts, Reverend?”

“Never. However, I didn’t awake this morning knowing that this beauty would belong to me so soon.” He stroked the ring on her finger and sent her pulse racing.

“Clara, dear? We have hasty wedding plans to make.”

Mrs. Ramshaw laughed again. “You may kiss her now, Reverend. I won’t stop you.” As soon as she exited the room, Clara found herself in his arms, his lips on hers, gently exploring a promising future.

His love wiped out any fear over what her father would think. Any fear that he might not—this one last time—cater to her whims by giving her the slave of her own choosing...