, the man she' d waited four years

' t loo

ound another woman, Sarah Jenk

ce booming with pride. "My parents built it from the groun

d out hi

iently showing a new worker how to operate a loom, b

son sure knows how to take credit. Everyone knows you've been

the point of saying anything? Mark never saw her

ia said, her voice steady. "You shouldn'

own. "This is my family's busine

for you, don't you know what time it is?

k, your parents are so impressive, building all

His letters were short, always ending with a request for money. She had scrimped a

ll gone

ed, avoidi

the equipment is dangerous.

tly. "Since it's so dangerous, Sarah can wear these.

u must think I'm such a child.

ce remained

towards a whirring machine. "What

actory, it's danger

ough the noise of the mill. Sarah had slipped on a

p her, but a body slammed in

the way!"

ce gone. She fell hard against the

, grabbing her arm and pulling h

her arm. A sharp metal edge had torn a long, gruesome gash fr

t machine could have killed you!" D

lip to keep f

ging Sarah' s ankle, which didn't even look swollen. He looke

ager are you? You can't e

oped her up into his arms

shoulder. "If anything happens t

do that? You're practically married, an

cating smile. Mark had forgotten

counted the days. She' d made the wedding bed. She' d plastered red "囍" stickers, the symbol f

e had landed him a prestigious post as a captain

ught Sarah

pen challenge. And Mark said nothing. He never once mentio

anym

The pain was a dull, constant throb. From there, she walked to the post of

p my mind. I'd be honore

t, Ms. White! Our company needs talent like yours. The economy is booming

was set for one

ung up t

ing decoration. She packed a small bag. Her gaze fell on the faded "Just Married" banner she

ldn't be ma