I sighed. Obviously, this was going to be more difficult than I expected. “I just explained, ma’am. I’m building a house here for my fiancée. I can offer you money to find somewhere else to settle.”

She shook her head, lips pressed tightly together. “Your money means nothing to me, and neither does your bride. This is our home. And it’s almost winter. We have children, and it’ll take time to find somewhere else to live before the snow falls.”

I rolled my eyes. Like a bit of snow ever hurt anyone. They were already living in tents. Nothing I said or did persuaded her. Her face grew more pinched, wrinkles appearing where there were none before.

“Ma’am, if you are truly unwilling to move, then I’ll have to get the police involved.” I was exhausted. Why couldn’t she have been reasonable, and taken the money? I would’ve been more than generous.

“Come back with your police then and see what happens,” she challenged.

I left, disappointed but not defeated. Hannah would be mine, one way or another. Luckily, unlike the travelers, the cops were willing to see the logic of money. They followed me out to the parcel, armed with batons and handcuffs, threatening jail time or beatings to those who didn’t comply. The tents were dismantled, and the children packed up. The horses were hitched to wagons, and it took a shockingly short amount of time before their homes were reduced to nearly nothing. I stood off to one side, watching the proceedings with satisfaction, until the old woman appeared in front of my face. I had to pretend like I hadn’t nearly jumped out of my skin at her surprise arrival. She carried a bag on her back that seemed much too large for her small frame. A dirty-faced child whined at her feet.

“You’ll regret this, boy,” she spat, picking up the child. “You’ll get what’s coming to you.” I turned away, and addressed the closest policeman instead, trying to pretend like her haunting words didn’t affect me. I watched the police herd them off the land, making sure they were long gone before I turned back to town. I was conflicted. Sad for the travelers leaving their home, but filled with an overwhelming and complete happiness that I was now able to give the love of my life what she so badly desired.