Chapters (241)
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Whatever Tomorrow Brings
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- The Taylor and Donovan Families1871
- one
- two
- three
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- thirty
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- thirty-five
- thirty-six
- thirty-seven
- thirty-eight
- thirty-nine
- forty
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- forty-six
- forty-seven
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- fifty
- fifty-one
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- fifty-three
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- fifty-five
- fifty-six
- fifty-seven
- fifty-eight
- fifty-nine
- sixty
- sixty-one
- epilogue
- Dedication
- The Taylor and Donovan Families—1871
- Prologue
- one
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- three
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- five
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- eight
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- thirty-eight
- thirty-nine
- forty
- forty-one
- forty-two
- forty-three
- forty-four
- epilogue
- Sean Donovan
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Visalia and Santa Rosa Families—1876
- one
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- forty-two
- forty-three
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- forty-six
- forty-seven
- forty-eight
- forty-nine
- fifty
- fifty-one
- Epilogue
- Dedication
- Willits and Santa Rosa Families—1881
- Dear Marcail
- prologue
- one
- two
- three
- four
- five
- six
- seven
- eight
- nine
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- twenty-nine
- thirty
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- thirty-five
- thirty-six
- thirty-seven
- thirty-eight
- thirty-nine
- forty
- forty-one
- forty-two
- forty-three
- forty-four
- forty-five
- forty-six
- forty-seven
- forty-eight
- forty-nine
- fifty
- fifty-one
- fifty-two
- fifty-three
- fifty-four
- fifty-five
- fifty-six
- fifty-seven
- fifty-eight
- fifty-nine
- sixty
- epilogue
- Books by Lori Wick
- About the Author
Im not going to tell you that your decision to stay here is wrong, but I can tell you that its not safe for you to remain single. I think Rowie proved that yesterday. And if you do stay single, youll not have any children to teach.
Marcail looked crushed. I thought that if I could only tough it out, that they would all send
Marcail stopped speaking as Alex slowly shook his head.
Marcail, Alex implored her. Try to understand Cordelia Duckworth. She has an impossibly strict code of morality; its like a sickness with her. In her eyes youve sinned, and our marriage would make an honest woman of you.
You cant really be telling me that my class is going to come back if I marry you? Marcails head was beginning to clear, and a myriad of questions buzzed through her mind.
That is exactly what Im telling you. Ive lived in this town for seven years, and I know the way these people think. By little choice of their own, most of their lives revolve around Cordelia Duckworth. If she disapproves of you, youre finished.
Marcail came to her feet. Alex watched as she paced the small area in front of her stove.
Ive prayed so fervently that I would be a light to this town, and now my testimony here is ruined. In fact, by marrying you, Im really saying that I do have something to be ashamed of.
Im sure some will see it that way, but theyll have the same opinion if you leave.
Marcail wished she could wake up from this nightmare. I just want to teach school, she finally said, her hands spread wide in what might have been supplication.
I realize that, Alexs voice was compassionate. And you could do that in another town. But unless youre willing to be married, youre not going to teach in Willits.
Marcail began to pace again and then stepped to the window and looked out. It would be so easy to run away, she told herself. I could pack my bag and go to Santa Rosa or Visalia; everyone in the family would understand. But Ive always done that. Ive always run to them for help, and this time I want to stand on my own. I want to show them that Ive really grown up.
He makes it sound so simple. Just marry him and I can teach school. Marry him! I didnt think Id be married for years. And hes a doctor! Id be married to a doctor!
Such were Marcails thoughts for a good ten minutes as she stood before the window. Knowing how upsetting his offer had been, Alex remained silent.
Alex, on the other hand, found the idea of being married to Marcail nothing short of splendid. He knew that it wouldnt be easy at first, but Alex recognized that she wasnt a quitter, and neither was he. He truly believed they could make a go of it.