Giant of Mesabi

"I'm not lying. Are you?" she whispered.

Rolt frowned, confused. "Lying about what?"

"Do you—love me?"

She had to pause to swallow the lump of apprehension in her throat.

"Isn't that what I've been saying all along?" Pain furrowed his brow. "I love you, Alanna."

The statement was not accompanied by any flowery speeches or declarations, yet its stark simplicity carried more depth of emotion than the others could have done.

"I love you, Rolt." At his pained glance of skepticism. Alanna hastened to elaborate. "I've been fighting against falling in love with you since our wedding, trying to make myself believe it was only physical attraction, but I wasn't very convincing. The only reason I met Kurt yesterday was because I wanted to see for myself that I still loved him. I'm not sure if I ever did love him. I only know that I don't love him. He's nice and I'm fond of him, but it's you I love."

His gaze narrowed, thoughtful and wary. "Today—"

"Today I went into town, bought champagne and came straight home." Alanna repeated her earlier explanation. "I didn't see Kurt, I was too anxious to come back to fix our dinner this evening. It was to be the first real dinner we'd shared as husband and wife, a second wedding night with candlelight, champagne and flowers. Because I love you."

She was caught in the crush of his arms, his face buried in the dark amber curls of her hair. Her hands instinctively slid around him. Alanna felt him shudder.

"It's enough if you only think you love me," he muttered thickly. "Just give me a chance to make up for all the things I've done. Just don't leave me, Alanna. Don't leave me."

"I'll never leave you," she whispered the vow.

Rolt cupped her face in his hands, his compelling gaze holding the brilliance of hers.

"Never is a long time," he reminded her with faint wryness.

"Never," Alanna repeated the promise.

The muffled cry of a loon echoed over still lake waters. The sun smiled and winked at the empty place settings on the dining room table. He knew he could take his time about sinking below the horizon. It would be a long time before anyone thought about lighting the candles.