Cassie’s heart swelled at his support, her fears from yesterday now distant shadows. “And we’ll need to decide where to add on another room to this cabin.”
“Baby steps, Cass,” he chuckled, kissing her forehead. “Pun intended.”
They rose, the morning routine now tinged with a fresh layer of joy. Breakfast was a simple affair, but each bite tasted like hope. As Andy left for the fields, he paused at the door, looking back at Cassie with a grin.
“Tonight, we plan for the future,” he declared. “Our future.”
“Can’t wait,” she said, her words sincere and full of possibility.
Cassie spent the day sewing as she always did, listening to Jane talk about her beaus. “Are you ever going to choose one?” Cassie asked.
Jane shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ll think I like one best, and then another will take me for a walk, and I’ll think I like him best. I’ll figure it all out eventually.”
Cassie simply laughed, shaking her head. Jane would decide, but she was certainly taking her time about it.
After Jane had left that evening, Andy seemed to have nervous energy as Cassie kept stitching away, trying to meet her deadlines for finishing the dresses she was working on.
“Think it’ll be a boy or a girl?” Andy asked, his curiosity childlike.
“Doesn’t matter,” Cassie replied. “As long as they have your kindness.”
“And your strength,” he countered, his admiration clear.
“Never thought I’d be this happy,” she said softly, almost afraid that if she spoke too loudly it would all be taken away.
“Life’s full of surprises,” he said, squeezing her hand.
In the quiet that followed, there was an understanding that no words were necessary — their hearts spoke volumes.
“Goodnight, Cassie,” Andy whispered as they retreated into the embrace of their home.
“Goodnight, Andy,” she whispered back, her spirit soaring.
