The Town Laughed at Her Empty Market Stall. One Lonely Cowboy Bought Everything
Chapter 11
The following months were difficult.
Crowe’s property was investigated.
The forged debts were overturned.
Families reclaimed their farms.
The private toll road was dismantled.
Anna’s farm was officially recognized as her father’s rightful property.
The market stall became profitable.
But Anna changed.
She no longer sold only eggs and bread.
She sold flour.
Honey.
Candles.
Herbal medicines.
Cloth.
Eventually, other farmers began bringing their goods to her.
Her empty stall became the busiest in Bellford.
One morning, Thomas arrived.
He looked at the crowded market.
“You’ve done well.”
Anna smiled.
“You bought everything once.”
“Not everything.”
“You bought an empty stall.”
“That was different.”
“Why?”
He looked at her.
“Because I didn’t want you to give up.”
She lowered her voice.
“You knew I’d succeed.”
“I hoped.”
She smiled.
“You’re a terrible liar.”
He laughed.
Then silence settled between them.
Anna studied him.
“You still live alone.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Thomas looked down.
“I’ve been alone a long time.”
“Do you like it?”
“No.”
She waited.
“Then why remain alone?”
He looked at her.
“I didn’t think anyone would want to share it.”
Anna’s heart beat faster.
“Perhaps you never asked.”
