The next month was very hard for Walter and Silver. Walter continued to receive threats in his office and he was ridiculed wherever he went. Some stores refused to serve him. The case itself was not going as well as he'd hoped. An all-white male jury had been selected and only two of them were fathers. Walter was sure he couldn't get Carl Robinson a fair trial, but he was determined to do his best to see justice was served. Silver was always a nervous wreck. The only way she knew how Walter was doing was to follow the story in the newspaper. Everyday the headlines promised Walter's ruin, but nothing chilled her to the bone as much as one afternoon headline:

She was frantic with worry until Walter sent word by messenger:

"Don't worry, I'm fine; the bullet just grazed my arm. I have to admit things aren't going as well as I'd hoped, but one way or another I'll be home soon. Please don't give up on me now. I love you, Walter."

Two weeks later, Silver was elated to see the latest afternoon headline.

It was also followed by a message from Walter:

I'll tell you everything later, but I'm going to stay here for another week or so, just until everything blows over. I've missed you so much…I can't wait to hold you again. I love you, Walter

Silver was trying to wait up for Walter when he came home, but she fell asleep over one of his books. She woke up however, when she heard Walter's key in the lock. She ran to him and he twirled her around. Without a word, he kissed her deeply. As he kissed her neck, Walter started undoing the buttons on her nightgown. Sliver slipped off his jacket and suspenders and started unzipping his trousers when Walter backed away.

"Sil…"

Silver put a finger on his lips, took his hand and led him into the bedroom.

The next morning, Walter kissed Silver's shoulder and started getting ready for work. She stood on the mattress behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest.

"You're leaving me already?"

Walter turned and kissed her. "You know I don't want to, but I have to meet my boss for breakfast before we go into the office. I think he's going to offer me the partnership at the firm."

Just then, the phone rang. Walter picked it up. "Hello? Good morning, Mr. Phelps. Yes, I was just…oh really? That's wonderful, thank you sir. See you next week." He hung up the phone and reached for Silver. "My boss says I've been working way too hard and I can't come anywhere near the office until Monday. When I return, we're going to talk about the partnership."

They didn't leave the room all day.

Everyday Silver and Walter were together, they did something fun and exciting. It was finally their turn to live happily ever after, and it was obvious to everyone they were deeply in love. There was a carnival passing through town one day, and a gypsy was reading fortunes for a nickel.

"Come in with me, Walter."

"No, thank you. I think it's a load of crap, but here's your nickel." Silver kissed him quickly and ran into the tent. Ten minutes later, she came out frowning.

"Didn't you get the fortune you wanted?" Walter took a piece of paper from her hand. On it were three letters, R, C and W. "What's this?"

"Madame Sonja's fake fortune. She went into this trance and said my one true love would bear these initials." Walter's face paled.

"What is it?"

"Sweetheart, these are my initials." Silver gave him an odd look. "I'm serious. My full name is Clark Walter Roberts. I never cared for Clark as a first name, so I've always gone as Walter."

That night, Silver nestled her head against Walter's arm and ran her hand across his chest.

"What happened today with the gypsy really made me think. I mean, for years I've abandoned my name because it brought too many painful memories about my life. Now that I'm so happy, maybe I should go back to using it. What do you think?"

"I think you've already made up your mind, my love."

"My name's Jessamyn Collins."

"I love you, Jessamyn Silver Collins." She kissed him and once again they lost themselves in each other's arms.

Two months later, when Walter came home, Jessamyn was sitting in the living room, crying.

"What's wrong, honey?" Jessamyn just cried harder. He put his arms around her.

"Please, tell me what's wrong."

"I've been suspicious for a while so I went to the doctor today just to be sure. I'm going to have a baby."

Walter was stunned; he didn't know what to say.

"Oh."

Jessamyn saw his expression and misunderstood.

"Look, don't worry, you don't have to do anything. I'll move out and find a job somewhere. You won't have to deal with it."

"Jess, I don't want you to ever leave my side. You're having my baby, we're going to be family." Walter took a box from his pocket. "I stopped by the jewelry store on the way home. A few months ago, I placed an order and it just came in today." Walter handed the box to Jessamyn. "I wanted to ask you over a romantic dinner, but this seems to be the perfect time. Marry me; be my wife." Jessamyn opened the box and gasped at the sight of the beautiful diamond ring inside. She was so overwhelmed; she couldn't even speak, so she just threw her arms around Walter's neck.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes."

THE END

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