As she turned into Cherry Alley she passed the Menottis' store and saw Joe’s head bent over the ledgers.

For a moment she stared sadly at him, tears glistening, then walked on.

That night she couldn’t sleep. The image of Joe loomed before her. He was the one who respected and loved her. He was the right man for her… had been all along. Now it was too late. The love she’d once seen shining in his eyes had long ago disappeared, and she was to blame for extinguishing it.

Restlessly she threw back the covers, pacing the floor. She stopped to stare through the window at the trees. The stark, leafless branches against a dim, moonlit sky were as bleak and barren as her soul. Dejectedly she sat before the window.

It wasn’t until hot tears spilled down her face that she realized dawn was breaking. Her recriminations against herself did little good. It was over with Shawn. It was over with Joe. Now she was left with no one, and that served her right. Everything was her own fault and she couldn’t blame anyone else — certainly not Shawn. Shakily she drew in a deep breath and rose, her muscles stiff and sore.

A resolve slowly grew in her mind as sunlight poured across the room. She must see Joe and tell him she hadn’t meant to hurt him. She hadn’t meant to hurt anyone. She smiled bitterly. Perhaps neither Shawn nor Joe were hurt at all. Perhaps they didn’t care what Laura Mitchell did. If anyone was hurt, it was herself!

Hastily she brushed her hair. A sleepless night had done little for her appearance, but she wasn’t concerned.

With a quickening pulse she dressed and hurried downstairs, knowing what she must do.

Reaching the Menottis' store, she realized it was too early to be open, but if she knew Joe, he would already be there.

With a quick glance through the window she saw him sweeping the floor.

She pounded on the door, each blow matching the hammering of her heart. As she watched breathlessly Joe leaned the broom against the counter and gracefully moved toward her.

Unlocking the door, he held it open, wonderment written all over his face. "Laura!" he said, raising his thick brows. "What are you doing here?"

"Are you so surprised I want to see you, Joe?" she asked softly.

His face was expressionless, except for his gentle black eyes, which never left her face. He shrugged.

She groaned inwardly. Was he so indifferent to her that the only answer to her question was a shrug? Did he no longer care a whit about her?

"I-I’ve just said good-bye to Shawn," she said, a quiver in her voice, "for good." She gazed at him with trembling lips. Why didn’t he say something? Anything?

Digging her nails into her palm, she forced herself to continue. "I’ve missed you, Joe Menotti." Her voice quavered.

Joe examined her with a faintly amused smile.

She flung out her hands in a helpless gesture. "You’ve been the one all along," she said simply. "You were constantly in my thoughts, even when I was with Shawn."

With a whimper she moved into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Why didn’t you tell me what he was like?"

Joe stroked her long hair as she nestled against his shoulder. At last he spoke. "You had to discover what Shawn was like for yourself. No one can tell you what to believe, Laura. You know that."

A hot tear coursed down her cheek. Joe was only comforting her — still the big brother. Why did she always have to ruin things? Joe had loved her once. She knew he had. She lifted her head, gazing into his face, teardrops sparkling on her eyelids.

His lean handsome face and the small smile hovering about that firm mouth was almost more than she could bear.

"I love you, Joe," she said in a voice husky with emotion.

Gently he traced her lips with his slender fingers. "I’ve waited a long time to hear you say that." Suddenly his dark head lowered and he tenderly kissed her.

"Joe," she whispered against his lips as his arms tightened around her. Once again their lips touched. How could she ever have doubted his love?

"I’m sorry I was such a fool," she admitted, sniffling.

"Laura Mitchell! Do you know what you just called yourself? A fool!" He grinned, and his even, white teeth flashed in the dim light. "I’m going to savor that phrase because I know I’ll never hear it again. Tomorrow you’ll be back to being independent Laura — just the way I love you!"

I’ve wasted all this time, she thought, reproaching herself, but now at last she knew Joe was the only one for her! He had always been here, and she had been blind to his warmth and consideration and love. I’m so lucky, she thought, for Joe actually loved her. Her heart thundered as she again nestled within the circle of his arms.

Laughter danced in his eyes, and his arms tightened around her waist. "Laura, darling," he murmured softly in her hair.

She had loved Joe in the past, she loved him now, and she would always love him. She gazed at him solemnly as if pledging this love.

Once more Joe’s dark head bent to kiss her.

"Tomorrow night I’m the one who is going to take you dancing," Joe said firmly.

Laura moved a little out of his arms. "There’s a suffragist rally tomorrow night, Joe. I want to be there. I have to," she said, worried about his reaction.

Joe threw his head back and laughed. "All right, my darling Laura. Then we’ll go together. Any objection to that?"

Laura thought she had never been happier in her whole life. "The women will welcome you with open arms, but no one more than I will."

As Joe kissed her, she knew she would love this man forever.

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Note: On August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment was accepted by three-quarters of the states, giving women the right to vote.