Page 10 of A Letter to Carolina
“Everything alright?” Jesse asked.
“Yeah. Just wanted to talk to Nate for a second.”
“What’s on your mind?” Nate asked, lowering himself to the seat next to his brother.
“I was just wondering what your plans are with Carolina?”
There was a hint of irritation in Nate’s voice. “Why? Are you planning on courting her, too?”
Beau shook his head. “No. I was just wondering if you were going to take her to the clinic.”
“She is a nurse. I may see how she does.”
“And where would she stay?” Beau gestured for Jesse to head back into the house.
“What is it you are suggesting?” He didn’t have the energy to play games tonight. He wanted to get back to the house, see if Carolina was still awake, talk to her for a little longer, and see what she thought of his family.
“You could get married, and then get to know her. Like Hiram and Hannah King did.”
“What if she decides I’m not the right man for her? Maybe she won’t want to stay in Flat River?” The idea of Carolina deciding he wasn’t enough and heading back east made Nate’s stomach hurt.
No, he thought,Georgia and Emily had stayed. Carolina would stay as well, even if she picked Jesse or Beau.
With a heavy sigh, Beau pushed himself up from the steps. “It’s called a marriage of convenience. You marry her and she takes the time to get to know you and the town. She gets to keep her reputation intact, and you get to convince her you’re worth the investment.”
“How do you know so much about this?” Nate cast a side eye at his brother.
“It’s how Marmee makes her matches.”
Nate stared at Beau, and Jesse snickered from behind the door.
“I spoke with Marmee before Emily arrived. She suggested that if I were to make a local match, even if it was a marriage of convenience, I would have less trouble getting the land next door. Bankers like to see stability when handing out loans, and I guess that’s what they think stability is.” Beau dragged a hand down his face. “Feels a lot like using someone, if you ask me. At least for you and Miss Andrews, it would give her the ability to stay in the apartment above the clinic. You’ll have time to get to know each other as you work and live together, and there isn’t a need to rush.”
“You think this is a good idea?” Nate looked over his shoulder at Jesse, who had ignored Beau’s order to go inside. With a sharp nod, Jesse agreed with Beau. “Anything else?”
“Nope. That’s it.” Beau stretched out his arms. “I’m going to head to bed. I’m plumb tuckered from the day.”
“You go ahead. I’ll be along shortly. I think I’ll sit out here for a bit.”
“Goodnight, Nate,” Jesse said, heading inside.
He heard Beau’s boots on the wooden porch, followed by the creak of the door as it opened and closed. Nate sat outside for a few minutes and looked up at the vast sky. Stars were twinkling in the distance, lighting up the dark expanse.
He couldn’t help but feel small and insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe. But even with the beauty surrounding him, Nate couldn’t shake off the thoughts of Carolina that consumed his mind.
He stood up and walked around the yard, hands in his pockets as he tried to make sense of his feelings. A sudden rustling in the bushes made him jump, heart racing in his chest as he prepared for an attack. But instead of a wild animal or dangerous outlaw, a figure emerged from the bushes, her long hair tumbling around her shoulders as Carolina stepped into the clearing.
“Nate,” she breathed, a warm smile on her lips as she approached him. “It was too early to sleep, and I was feeling a little restless, so I went for a walk.”
“You shouldn’t be out here at night alone.”
“I didn’t go far. Just to the garden and back.” She looked up at the sky. “It’s a full moon. Plenty of light to see by.”
“Uh-huh.”
She pulled a light shawl around her shoulders to ward off the night air. “Mind if I join you?” She moved to the steps and took a seat.
Nate felt himself nodding, unable to form coherent words as he sat down next to her. They sat in silence for a few moments. The only sound was the gentle rustling of the leaves in the wind. Her shoulder grazed against his, and he suddenly realized her proximity.
