Humming a tune to myself, I skipped down the cobblestone road to the shops. Located in the center of town and encircling the burning stake, there were plenteous shops for different goods: clothing, varying food types, household necessities, books, writing and art supplies, toys, and umpteen others. I helped my mother run a clothing shop that my father left when he died. In Senpiproso, women were not allowed to own anything of their own in terms of businesses, money, or homes. But when my father had died, the mayor had told our family we were to take over everything.

My best friend Sawyer ran a food shop. Since his mother had gone missing shortly after Violet was born, Sawyer took over the shop after his father was killed. I oft paid Sawyer's shop a visit; my mother always found some sort of dairy or bakery good we had run out of. But I had reasons of my own to visit him. Reasons other than our friendship.

When I arrived at his shop, he was in the back, facing opposite of me and organizing multiple products. I cleared my throat to announce my presence. Sawyer turned and shot me a toothy grin when he spotted me, his sapphire blue eyes wrinkling at the corners in genuine happiness. I bashfully returned the smile as he approached the counter.

"Good morning, Miss Gracelynn Weatherbury. A marvelous morning, is it not?" He greeted warmly, bracing his hands on the counter and leaning forward.

"Good morning, Sir Sawyer Irving. It is indeed a marvelous morning. Perhaps I shall take a walk around the woods this afternoon," I mused, biting my lower lip.

"Perhaps I may join you on this...secret endeavor?"

Blushing, I gently reminded myself to breathe.

"Perhaps you may," I murmured.

"I look forward to it," he stated with a grin, "I trust you are well?"

"Aye. Better than well, if you will. And you?"

"That is always pleasant to hear. And I am rather untroubled today."

"That is a joy to hear."

Sawyer's ears reddened, and I bit my lower lip once more in an attempt to keep the smile off my face. Despite my fruitful efforts, my attempt was rendered futile as a smile broke through my lips.

"Is there anything in particular you need?" He queried politely.

"Yes. My mother sent me to fetch bread and...cheese," I recalled uncertainly, rather unsure of my final answer.

"You hesitate. Have you forgotten?"

"It would seem to be so."

"I see. And what has disarranged your memory? Perhaps something or someone kept you up last night?"

Sawyer grinned crookedly and somewhat innocently, but I caught a glint of mischief in his eyes. It was no secret that many girls in the village were besotted with him. He was handsome, with an attractive face and chiseled jaw, enticing lips, kind sapphire eyes, golden blonde hair that looked tousled but was always flawlessly swept across his forehead, a tall and muscular build, and a dazzling smile. He was also astonishingly affectionate, gentle, protective of the ones he loved, caring, understanding, loving, and patient.

Not that I had feelings for him. The especially smitten girls whispered that he was a fallen angel. And yet, the bastard pretended to be clueless as to why his words brought a heavy blush to my face. But I had a trick up my sleeve that would make him eat those words.

"A lack of sleep, perchance," I sighed.

A look of genuine concern crossed Sawyer's stunning features, and my heart fluttered like a caged nightingale in my chest. I willed it to be still.

"You have not slept well?" He asked quietly, worriedly.

"Yes," I admitted, grimacing, "nightmares. Specifically vividly terrifying ones."

"Now I am troubled."

"You are troubled by my nightly vexations?"

"I am troubled by the image of you frightened and alone in your room."

"You need not fret, kind gentleman; I am able to manage."

"Aye, but I care for you. I will always fret over you. You are mere days from marriage age. You shan't be alone for much longer. Your mother will choose a husband from the sea of possible suitors you have chasing after you."

"Sea of suitors? Oh, Sawyer, spare me from your rapier wit. I am sure I do not know what you mean."

"Gracelynn, you forget yourself. You are more desired than you think."

"I assure you that I am not. They think me crazy, for I would rather read or explore than cook or birth children like a common girl."

"Aye, the women and girls think you crazy, for they are envious that every young man has fallen for you. You are uncommon, but that is what makes you desirable."

"They see my figure. I wish to marry someone who falls for who I am, not what's behind this bodice."

"The bee flocks to the flower for how it looks, but it stays for what lies inside."

"There is truth in that statement, I suppose. I am grateful my mother will arrange my marriage. She knows who will and will not be a good match for me."

"Indeed. I am lucky my future wife will not need to ask for the permission of my parents, for they are not exactly alive to give their consent. I am free to marry whomever I choose."

I fanned my face with my hand in an exasperated manner as Sawyer laughed.

"You ail me with your clever yet cruel antics. I recommend you give me the bread and cheese my mother requests before I faint," I gasped, pretending to sway with sudden dizziness.

"My apologies. Few are able to handle me and my-"

"Gracelynn, hurry along, lest I waste away while waiting for you to return!" My mother called, suddenly hurrying to us.

"Good morning, Madam Weatherbury. I apologize for keeping your daughter; she is delightful company," he greeted, sneaking a wink in my direction.

"Perhaps you shall keep her for the rest of your life. The gods know I approve of you partaking in a marital relationship with my daughter," my mother teased with a sneaky wink.

Sawyer's eyes widened as I gasped. Both of our faces reddened.

"Mother, please! You embarrass both Sawyer and I!" I cried exasperatedly.

"I only speak the truth," mother defended herself.

"Madam Weatherbury, G-Gracelynn mentioned you asking for cheese and bread..." Sawyer stammered, still all blushed and bashful.

"CHEESE and bread? Gracelynn, are you so wonderstruck by this boy that your brain has become addled? I needed MILK and bread."

I buried my face in my hands, practically alight with embarrassment. Mother touched my shoulder as she departed with her food, pausing to say something to me.

"You two would make a splendid match. I shall marry him off to you should he ask permission for your hand," she whispered, then strode back to our home.

I waited until she had walked out of hearing distance, then turned to Sawyer.

"I deeply apologize for my mother's scandalous talks. I am afraid that she is wrongfully projecting her love for your family onto us. She will start unwanted gossip and rumors if she is not careful," I explained, avoiding his gaze.

"Do not fret; it will not come to that. She simply wants the best for you. She loves you," he responded, sheepishly grinning and running a hand through his already unruly hair. I felt something stir deep within me as he did so.

"I know. She means well. I should walk back home; she may require my assistance with breakfast or opening the shop."

"Of course. It is always a pleasure to see you, Gracelynn. To make sure I understood you correctly, you are alright with me accompanying you on your walk later today?"

"Of course, Sawyer."

"I look forward to it. And should you ever again find yourself awake in the early morning and frightened from a nightmare, do not hesitate to visit my sister and me should you need comforting. You are always welcome in our home."

I smiled and nodded, then thanked him and walked back to my home, my heart soaring and my soul glowing.