Three

They're there for you, you know.

I'm convinced that God put them in the sky just so you could watch them this very evening.

William,you're so fanciful.

He rolled to his side and propped himself up on his elbow,using his free hand to brush a lock of hair from her face.

I was never fanciful before this day, he said, his voice serious.

I never wanted to be.

But now…

He paused as if searching for that impossible mix of words that would precisely convey what was in his heart.

I can't explain it.

It's as if I can tell you anything.

She smiled.

Of course,you can.

No,it's more than that.

Nothing I say sounds odd.

Even with my closest friends, I cannot be completely forth coming.

For example.

He suddenly jumped to his feet.

Don't you find it s outstanding that humans can balance on their feet?

Sarah tried to sit up,but her laughter forced her back down.

Think about it," he said, rocking from heel to.

Look at your feet.

They're very small compared with the rest of you.

One would think we would topple

over every time we tried to stand.

This time she was able to sit up, and she looked down at her feet.

I suppose you're right.

It is rather amazing.

I've never said that to anyone else, he said.

I've thought about it all my life, but I never told anyone until now.

I suppose I worried people would think it was stupid."

"I don't think it's stupid."

"No. He crouched next to her and touched her cheek.

No, I knew you wouldn't.

I think you're brilliant for having even considered the idea," she said loyally.

Dior.Dior.

I don't know how to say this, and I certainly don't understand it, but I think I love you.

Her head whipped around to face him.

"I know I love you, he said ith greater force. Nothing like this has ever happened to me, and I'll be damned if I let myself be ruled by caution.

William,she whispered.

I think I love you, too.

He felt the breath leave his body, felt himself over taken by such powerful happiness that he couldn't keep still.

He pulled her to her feet.

Tell me again,

He said.

I love you.

She was grinning now, caught up in the magic of the moment.

Again."

"I love you!

The words were mixed with laughter.

"Oh, Dior, Dior. I'll make you so happy.

I promise.

I want to give you everything.

I want the moon!

She shouted, suddenly believing that such fancies were were possible"I'll give you everything and the moon," he said fiercely.

And then he kissed her.

Three months passed William and Sarah met on every occasion, exploring the countryside, and whenever possible, exploring each other.

William told her of his fascination with science, his passion for racehorses, and his fears that he would never be the man his father wanted him to be.

Sarah told him of her weakness for romantic stories, her ability to stitch a seam straighter than a yardstick, and her fears that she would never live up to her father's strict moral standards.

She loved pastries.

He hated vegetables . .

He had the appalling habit of putting his feet up when he sat down—on a table, a bed, whatever.

She always planted her hands on her hips when she was flustered, and never quite managed to look as stern as she hoped.

He loved the way her lips pursed when she was annoyed, the way she always considered the needs f others, and the mischievous way she teased him when he acted too self-important. She loved the way he ran his hand through his hair when he was exasperated,

the way he liked to stop and examine the shape of a wildflower, and the way he

sometimes acted domineering just to see if he could rile her.

They had everything—and absolutely nothing—in common.

In each other, they found they're used they shared secrets and thoughts that had hereto been impossible to express.

I still look for my mother, Sarah once said. William looked at her oddly.

I beg your pardon?"

I was fourteen when she died.

How old were you?

I was seven.

My mother died in childbirth.

Sarah's already gentle face

softened even more.

I'm so sorry.

You barely had a chance to know her, and

you lost a sibling as well.

Was the baby a brother or a sister?"

"A sister.

My mother lived just long enough to name her Julie.

"I'm sorry."

He smiled wistfully.

"I remember what it felt like to be held by her.

My father used to tell her that she was coddling me, but she didn't listen.

The doctor said my mother had a heart problem. Sarah swallowed painfully.

Her death wasn't peaceful.

I like to think that she's somewhere up there she waved her head toward the sky where she isn't in any pain.

William touched her hand, deeply moved.

But sometimes I still need her.

I wonder if we ever stop needing our parents.

And I talk to her. And I look for her.

What do you mean?

He asked.

"You'll think I'm silly."

"You know I would never think that.

There was a moment of silence, and then Sarah said, "Oh, I say things like,

'If my mother is listening, then let the wind rustle the leaves of that branch.' Or,

'Mom, you're watching, make the sun go behind that cloud.

Just so I know

you're with me.'

"She's with you, "William whispered.

"I can feel it.

Sarah settle into the cradle of his arms.

I've never told anyone about that.

Not even Zara, and I know she misses Mom just as much as I do."

You'll always be able to tell me everything."

Yes," she said happily, "I know.

It was impossible to keep their courtship a secret from Sarah's father.

William called at the cottage nearly every day. He told the Carpenter that he was teaching Sarah to ride, which was technically the truth, as anyone who watched her limp about the house after a lesson could attest.

Still, it was obvious that the young couple shared deeper feelings.

The Reverend Mr.George vehemently disapproved of the match and told Sarah as much on every possible occasion.

He will never marry you!

The Carpenter boomed, using his best voice.

Such a tone never failed to intimidate his daughters.

Dad, he loves me,Sarah protested.

"It doesn't matter if he does or doesn't.

He won't marry you.

He's a Billionaire and will someday be a Boss.

He won't marry a Carpenter's daughter."

Sarah took a deep breath, trying not to lose her temper. "

He is not like that,

Father."

"He is like any man.

He will use you and discard you."

Sarah blushed at her father's frank language. Dad, I—"

The Carpenter jumped on top of her words, saying, "You are not living in one of

your silly stories.

Open your eyes, girl.

"I am not as naive as you think.

"You are twenty years old!

He yelled. You couldn't be anything but

naive.

Sarah snorted and rolled her eyes, aware that her father hated such unladylike mannerisms.

I don't know why I bother to discuss this with you.

It is because I am your father!

And by God,you will obey me.

The Carpenter leaned forward.

I have seen the world, Sarah.

I know what's what.

The Billionaire's intentions cannot be honorable, and if you allow him to court you further, you will find yourself a fallen woman.

Do you derstand me?

Mom would have understood," Sarah muttered.

Her father's face turned red.

What did you say?"

Sarah swallowed before repeating her words.

"I said that Mom would have understood.

Your mother was a God-fearing woman who knew her place.

She would not have crossed me on this measure. Sarah thought about how her mother used to tell silly jokes to her and Zara

when the vicar wasn't paying attention.

Mrs. George hadn't been as grave and thought.

No, Sarah decided, her mother would have

understood.

She stared at her father's chin for a long moment before finally lifting her eyes

to his and asking, "Are you forbidding me to see him?"

Sarah thought her father's jaw might snap in two, so tense was his facial

expression.

You know I cannot forbid it," he replied.

One word of displeasure

to his father, and I will be tossed out without a reference.

You must break it off.

"I won't, Sarah said defiantly.

You must break it off.

The Carpenter showed no sign of having heard her.

And you must do it with supreme tact and grace. Sarah glared at him mutinously William is calling on me in two hours.

I shall go walking with him.

Tell him you cannot see him again.

This afternoon, or by God, I'll make you sorry.

Sarah felt her self grow weak.

Her father had not struck her for years—not since she was a child—but he looked furious enough to lose his temper completely.

She said nothing.

Good, her father said in a satisfied manner, mistaking her silence for acquiescence.

"And be sure to take Zara with you.

You are not to leave this

house in his company without the accompaniment of your sister."

"Yes, Dad."On that measure, at least, Sarah would obey.

But only that some hours later William rived at the cottage.

Zara swung open the door so quickly that he didn't even manage to bring the knocker down for a second rap.

Hello," she said, her grin just a bit cheeky.

And no wonder—William

had been paying her a full pound for every outing on which she managed to make herself disappear.

Zara had always believed whole heartedly in bribery, a factor former for r which William was undyingly grateful.

"Good afternoon," he replied.

I trust your day has been pleasant."

"Oh, very much,.

I expect it to grow even more pleasant very shortly."

"Impertinent luggage," William muttered.

But he didn't it.

He rather liked Sarah's younger sister.

They shared a certain

pragmatism and a penchant for forming the future.

If I'd been in her position, he'd have been demanding two pounds per outing.

"Oh, you're here, William.

Sarah came bustling into the hall.

I didn't realised."

He smiled.

Zara opened the door with remarkable alacrity.

Yes, I suppose she "Sarah shot her sister a slightly waspish look.

She is always very prompt when you are calling."

Zara lifted her chin and allowed herself a half-smile.

I like to look after my investments.

William burst out laughing.

He extended his arm to Sara Shall we be off?

I just need to get a book,Zara said.

I have a feeling that I will have a great

deal of time to read this afternoon."

She darted down the hallway and

disappeared into her chamber.

William gazed at Sarah as she fastened her bonnet.

I love you," he mouthed.

Her fingers fumbled over the bonnet's strings.

"Should I say it louder?

She whispered, a wicked grin crossing his face.

Sarah shook her head vehemently, her eyes darting over to the closed door

of her father's study.

He had said that William didn't love her, said that he couldn't love her.

But her father was wrong.

Of that Sarah was certain.

One had only to

look at Sarah's twinkling blue eyes to know the truth.

"Romeo and Juliet!

Sara blinked and looked up at the sound of her sister's voice thinking for a

moment that Zara had been referring to her and William as those ill-fated lovers.

Then she saw the slim volume of Shakespeare in her sister's hand.

Rather depressing reading for such a sunny afternoon," Sara said.

"Oh, I disagree, Zara, it's most romantic.

Except for the bit about everyone dying at the end, of course."Yes," William Murmured Did.

I can see where one wouldn't find that it is romantic.

Sarah. grinned and nudged him in the side.

The three some made their way outside, crossing the open field and heading into the forest.

After about ten minutes Zara sighed and said, "I suppose this is where I leave off.

She rounded and looked up at William with a knowing smile.

He tossed her a coin and said, Zara, you have the soul of a banker.

Yes, I do, don't I?

She murmured.

Then she sat down and pretended not to notice by when William grabbed Saran's hand and dashed out of sight.