James had left the solar door open for her and she entered, closing it behind her.

He pointed to the chairs by the hearth. “Hot cider awaits us on this cold day. Yesterday’s snow stopped, though I think it will fall again before the day ends.”

They sat, both stretching their legs out toward the flames lapping at the logs in the fireplace.

James finally spoke. “Tell me why you wed this scoundrel.”

Her answer slipped out without thought. “I love him.” She smiled upon hearing herself admit it aloud. It felt good to say, to let someone know what her heart had been telling her. “And he’s not the scoundrel he professes to be.”

“You are the most sensible woman I know, Willow. You can’t tell me that you believe his outrageous tale about a person who resembles him being responsible for all he’s accused of.”

“I understand how you doubt that, and if I hadn’t seen the man with my own eyes, I would be skeptical myself.”

“You saw this phantom man?” James asked anxiously.

“I did and I would have sworn, if asked, that it was Slatter I saw.”

“You saw the two at the same time?”

“No, but where I saw the man and then saw Slatter,” —she shook her head— “he would not have been able to get to that place so fast.”

“I would like to believe you, I truly would, and if you had seen them together, then there would be no denying it.”

“I believe him,” Willow said, defending her husband.

“I’m sure you do. He has a charming, though rather conniving tongue and can convince most anyone of anything. Do you truly want a husband you cannot trust?”

“I trust my husband. He speaks the truth to me.”

“Slatter doesn’t know how to speak the truth,” James said frustrated. “He lies to benefit himself and uses people until they are of no use to him, then walks away. Do you want to live each day wondering if it will be the last you will ever see of him?”

“Let it be, James. Slatter is my husband and will remain my husband,” Willow said firmly.

“But for how long?” James asked.

“As long as she’ll have me.”

Willow and James turned to see that Slatter had entered the room and had closed the door behind him.

“I didn’t hear you knock or enter,” James said.

“I heard my wife’s voice and since we don’t keep secrets from each other, I knew she wouldn’t mind me joining you both.” Slatter went to his wife and placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

James looked to Slatter, then to Willow. “If this is what you want, Willow, I will not object, though I must admit it makes no sense to me and I fear you will regret it. However, there is the issue of his past deeds and my concern of the potential for future questionable deeds.”

“So what you’re saying is that you want to make sure that I’m going to behave properly,” Slatter clarified.