Nettie hadn't wanted to face him as she walked, she merely wished to speak of a secret she'd kept in her heart for a while. Why did she even mention it? She knew, deep inside, she wanted to know how he felt. Her parents made it clear she was a burden to them, a child that they didn't have time for. Malachi was different, and she truly believed he liked treating her like his own. Still, when he spoke, she froze. Slowly her face turned to him, she was smiling but her eyes glistened with tears.

She nodded but a small sniffle came and she brought up her sleeve to cover her eyes. "I know it couldn't have happened. But... you were always so good to me. Better than I thought I deserved more than once. And... you might never have officially been my father but, I always thought of you that way, even though I call you uncle." She smiled more and hung her head.

"I just.. wanted you to know that. I love you , uncle. And I want you to know you've been a great father figure to me. I hope you finally get all you deserve in this town and treated well..." It was hard to resist hugging him in the middle of the street.