That meant seeing his problem settled. Unfortunately, his hands were tied not being able to go anywhere without being followed, not that it would stop him. He could easily leave and return without being missed. It was his wife’s safety that stopped him from doing so. He hadn’t let her out of his sight for long ever since the incident in the woods.

The culprit that resembled him hadn’t shown himself again, though it was only a matter of time before he did. He had no intentions of his wife being the evil man’s second victim.

Willow’s lovely smile forced Slatter to return it in kind as he approached the table, her outstretched hand reaching for him making him smile all the more. She never failed to reach for him, welcome him beside her, be happy to see him, and her eagerness to be with him always poked at his heart.

“Walcott was telling me about everyone. It is good Devin waits until all are rested and well before traveling here. And I’m glad Walcott can take back news of what a fine home they are all coming to.”

“They will be pleased,” Walcott said.

“You need to get a good night sleep yourself and leave in the morning,” she said. “I’ll have a cottage prepared for you.”

“I should leave after I eat,” Walcott said.

“Nonsense,” Willow said, shaking her head. “You’ll do better with food and rest. Morning is time enough for you to leave. Besides, nightfall is not far off.” She turned to her husband. “Right, Slatter?”

“My wife does make sense. A good sleep will see you more fit for your journey.”

“Then it’s settled. I will leave you two to talk while I see a cottage made ready for you.” Willow gave her husband a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I don’t like you going off on your own,” Slatter said, cupping his wife’s waist with his arm so she couldn’t rush off.

“Snow waits outside for me along with Thaw who favors the freshly fallen snow.”

“Good, and don’t take long. It’s cold out there.” He kissed her lips and reluctantly let her go.

Willow turned and gave a wave to him before hurrying out.

Snow was falling again. It had fallen periodically over the last few days. There was no great accumulation, but most feared it was a promise of a large snowfall to come.

She laughed when she saw the young bairns throwing snow in the air for Thaw to catch, the pup jumping up with delight and vigor to catch the flakes that melted as soon as they touched him. Snow laughed and looked as if she watched them, her head turning toward the different squealing bairns. But all she saw were shadows and when there were that many they often became a blur to Snow from what she had told Willow.

Willow prayed every day for her sister’s sight to return and she hoped one day soon her prayers would be answered.