They Tried to Mock Him by Giving Him a Blind Daughter, But He Gave Her a Last Name, a Home, and His Heart

Standing Against the World

By spring, whispers returned like weeds. At the mercantile, Mrs. Tate sneered, “Living off another man now, are you?”

Anika’s cheeks burned. Before she could answer, Caleb’s voice cut across the room.

“That’s enough.”

Every head turned. He stood tall in the doorway, immovable. “You speak another word against her, and you’ll answer to me.”

Mrs. Tate faltered, fumbling with her ledger. Caleb crossed the floor, took Anika’s parcels, and carried them out without hesitation.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Anika whispered once they were outside.

“I’ll always do that,” he said simply.

And for the first time, she believed him.

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