“It’s definitely not the kind of wedding I dreamed about, but you know what? It’s perfect in every way.”
“How did you and Dr. Hanson meet?” the man pressed on.
“We met during the Yukon gold rush. We both climbed the Chilkoot Trail and made our way to Dawson City, where we came face to face.”
“It was love at first sight for me,” Isaac declared.
Addie nodded. “It really was. We both knew there was just something very special about the other one. We learned soon enough that together we made each other whole.”
“It was a true gift from the Lord,” Isaac added. “I left the Yukon after just a year there, but I told Addie I’d be back forher and we would be married. It just took a few years more than I planned on.”
The reporter nodded and jotted down notes. “What about your brothers, Mrs. Hanson?”
Addie’s last desire was to speak about them. Just the thought of all that had happened was more than she could bear. Thankfully, Isaac stepped in and dismissed them. “Perhaps in time she will talk about it, but you can get any details you need about what happened here last night from the police,” Isaac reminded.
By the time everyone left and Pearl had helped Addie back into her hospital gown, Addie was completely worn out. She wanted nothing more than to fall asleep with the wonderful memory of all that had taken place. She had nearly fallen asleep when Isaac returned and came to her bedside. He bent down and kissed her carefully on her still swollen lips. She opened her eyes and met his gaze.
“Mrs. Hanson.”
“Dr. Hanson.” She smiled and giggled a bit in her half-awake state. “I remember when we used to talk about you getting your college education and becoming a doctor of history.” She could hardly keep her eyes open. “I’m so happy, Isaac. I pray you won’t regret this.”
“I could never regret you, Addie. No matter what happens, having you in my life is more important than any of the other things I hoped to obtain.” He kissed her again, and Addie sighed.
“You rest now,” he whispered. “The doctor said you could probably go home tomorrow, so you’ll need your strength. Once we have you at the house, you won’t have to worry about a thing. We’ll even hire a nurse if necessary. You’ll beable to recuperate for as long as you need without concerning yourself with the details. Elizabeth and Stuart said we could live with them as long as we need to.”
“That’s very kind of them, Isaac, but I have money. Actually, I have a lot of money—a few bags of gold and jewelry and, of course, the gold-nugget necklace. I think we should cash it all in and buy our own place.”
“What about the cottage?”
“Too many bad memories. I want to sell it as well, or at least rent it out.”
“It’s entirely up to you, my love. It belongs to you.”
“No, it’s ours. That’s why I want it all to benefit our lives together. That necklace means nothing to me. I only kept it as a kind of insurance against the future. I don’t need that now that I have you. I’m so happy to have found you again.” Addie smiled and touched Isaac’s face with her hand. “I always had your tintype to remember you by, and now—”
“Now you don’t have to worry about it because you’ll always have me with you.” He kissed her fingers and straightened up. “I love you, dearest friend and wife.”
“I love you, Isaac. More than I could ever have imagined.”
