Chapter 13

Marion and Bill dated regularly over the next three months. Whatever Bill would suggest, Marion would happily agree to. She was determined to demonstrate her devotion to him and by that third month, she expected him to propose. As the month came and went though, she became frustrated once again as he continued to act as if they were just close friends. She had restrained herself in their intimate times, as she knew he was unused to the wilder side of sex, and wasn't comfortable with it. Now and then, she wondered if she had chosen the wrong man, but his attentive nature and simple honesty helped push those concerns in the background.

Marion spent a good deal of time discussing business with Bill, and she was impressed. For such an unassuming man, he was very bright when it came to finding opportunities and quickly taking advantage of them. In the short time she had known him, his workforce had grown from ten to twenty when he opened two new branch offices of CSI in adjacent counties. Both new offices were opened with contracts in hand to guarantee their financial viability. It was this bright future, and the comforts that would accrue to Bill and his family that encouraged Marion to be patient and wait for him to proclaim his intentions.

Bill had a burning memory of the hurt that he felt when he lost Zena. He had loved her unconditionally and still did, when he was honest with himself. Marion was completely different. She was in love with him, he was sure, and he was trying to decide if he could push his reservations to one side and commit himself to her. She had taken a sincere interest in his business and talked often with him about his plans. She rarely disagreed with him on anything and their sex life had calmed down from its raucous beginning to a more comfortable and controlled union. She still displayed her aggressiveness on occasion, but only when he was also in the mood for a more assertive romp. The little alarm bells had been quieted and his cautiousness was ebbing.

Bill found the ring he was looking for in a local jewelry store. It was simple and elegant and, with a large diamond, quite expensive. However, a lifetime commitment meant the cost was not the issue. It was the statement that this was to bond both of them together for all time. He had talked to Dave Markham about his intentions and Dave was visibly happy for him. They had become very close friends and saw each other regularly. Dave was also pleased that Marion attended church with Bill every Sunday. It was a good beginning for the handsome, young couple. Both of them were only twenty-four and had a long, happy life ahead of them, God willing.

Bill proposed to Marion on Thanksgiving Day, before they left for Bill's parents' home and the holiday meal. Marion hadn't expected it, resigning herself to a long wait before he asked for her hand. Now, as he knelt before her in the living room, she saw the ring that she so hungered for and was overjoyed. She had captured the man she truly wanted for her husband.

"Bill, I'm so happy. You've made me so happy," she said through her tears. The tears were both of joy and relief.

The Thanksgiving dinner was a happy one in the home of the elder Ortons. Their son was marrying a school teacher and a very attractive one at that. His was becoming a prominent businessman in the community and his name was spoken in appreciative terms around Cambelltown. The wedding would be a social event, Violet thought. It was something that she would never have anticipated. No son could have made his parents more proud. Her only wish for him was that his marriage would be as happy and long as hers was with Fred.

Marion's parents had arrived from their home in Sweetgrass a week ahead in order to participate in the arrangements and various parties. She was their only child and her choice of husband was very important to them. It was their first opportunity to get to know Bill and his family. They got on well with the Ortons and were impressed with Bill. Marion had told them numerous times about his successes in business, but what impressed them the most was his modesty and politeness. They were certain their daughter had made a good choice.