The Town Laughed at Her Empty Market Stall. One Lonely Cowboy Bought Everything
Chapter 12
Thomas began visiting the market every morning.
At first he bought bread.
Then apples.
Then nothing.
He simply stood beside Anna’s stall.
People noticed.
Mrs. Bell noticed.
Thomas noticed that everyone noticed.
One afternoon, Anna handed him a small parcel.
“What is this?”
“Your lunch.”
“I didn’t ask for it.”
“I know.”
He opened it.
Bread.
Cheese.
Apples.
“Why?”
“Because you keep buying my goods.”
“I own half the goods you sell.”
“Not these.”
He smiled.
“You are difficult.”
“So I’ve been told.”
The next week, Thomas brought her a gift.
A small wooden box.
Inside was a silver brooch.
“It belonged to my mother.”
Anna stared.
“I can’t take this.”
“I want you to.”
“Why?”
He hesitated.
“Because I want you to have something that matters to me.”
She looked up.
“Thomas.”
He took a breath.
“I don’t know how to say this properly.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I think I…”
He stopped.
Anna waited.
“I think I love you.”
The market noise seemed to disappear.
Anna smiled.
“I was beginning to wonder.”
