Chapter 12 #2
Nash understood what he didn’t say: That it fell on Hawk’s shoulders to deliver passengers and goods. Delays were frowned upon.
Their plates scraped clean, Addie reached for them.
“I’ll do it.” Shorty carried the dishes to the cupboard and washed them.
Nash cleared his throat. “Addie, I have something to show you.” He held out his hand to assist her.
“Yes?”
“It’s outside.”
Something he took for eagerness raced through her eyes before she lowered her head. “Fine.”
Impatient to be alone with her, he stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind them. They stood side by side, her hand in his, his arm pressed to her shoulder. Cool air carried the fragrance of pine trees.
“What did you want to show me?”
Her question jolted him into action. “This way.” On his walk to the house, he’d noticed how the trees parted and opened up to a wide view. Now, he led her in that direction.
“It’s beautiful.”
Stars lit the dark sky, so numerous it was hard to fathom and so bright. “I feel like I could reach out and capture a handful.”
“The heavens certainly declare God’s power and glory.”
A lazy breeze drifted past, and she shivered.
“You’re cold. Here, I’ll keep you warm.” He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, smiling when he detected no resistance as if she welcomed their closeness.
They stood in awed silence. On his part, he enjoyed being with her too much to move.
“I’m wondering if you have any ill effects from being stuck on the roof. How long were you there?”
“It seemed longer, but at least an hour I’d guess.”
She hadn’t answered his first concern. Did that mean—?
“Are you hurt somewhere?” His arm tightened around her.
“Oh no.” She gave a quiet chuckle. “I admit my arms are a little sore.”
He ran his hand up and down the length of her arm. “Does that help?”
“It does. Thanks.”
His hand grew still. Resisting the urge to press his cheek to her hair, he concentrated on the scene.
She gasped. “A falling star.”
“I saw it.”
“Did you make a wish?” She turned to look into his face.
“I’m making one right now.” I wish this moment would last forever. “Did you make one?”
The starry light danced in her eyes. “I might have.”
“Tell me what you wished for.” Had her wish been at all like his? Dare he hope it had?
“You know I can’t do that. If I did, my wish wouldn’t come true.”
The way her gaze intensified, looking deep into his eyes until he felt as if she’d found a home right inside his heart made him believe they both wanted the same thing.
“Addie!” Her name filled his senses. It took him two breaths before he gathered his thoughts into words. “We will soon be on our way to Golden Valley.”
“Where we’ll part ways.”
Regret edged her words and made him want to rejoice. “I could come and visit.”
She ducked her head and whispered, “I’d like that.”
He pressed his lips to her hair. It wasn’t the kiss he longed for, but her invitation was a fine start.
They lingered on the slope, enjoying the view and each other’s company.
“Tell me about getting the stagecoach back on the road. I worried you were in danger.”
She’d worried about him? What a lovely thought.
“I got Hawk, and together we managed. Then we had a huge rock to move. That’s why I had the horse to begin with. And as it turns out, it proved to be a good thing.”
“I prayed so hard for rescue. And along you came. An answer to my prayer.”
Of course, she only meant rescue, not his personal appearance. But he let himself interpret her words the way he wanted. That she was glad to see him. “I’m pleased you think so.”
“I was certainly happy to see you.” Did the thickness of her words mean what he hoped it did?
“Hawk would have rescued you.”
“I expect he could have, but—” She shifted without leaving his arm. “I’m glad it was you.”
In her direct, steady gaze, he allowed himself to believe she meant more than rescue.
And he was quite prepared to give it.
“How is your mother?”
“The tea has helped her. Her fever has finally broken.” Addie shook her head.
“She’s very tired, but I think it’s from all the travel.
I hope that’s all it is, though she was exhausted before we began this journey.
” Her shoulders rose and fell in a deep sigh.
“She works so hard. Both she and the preacher do. Always helping others.”
“Why the regret in your voice?”
“I didn’t realize there was.” A smaller, softer sigh. “I guess I sometimes feel like I’m one of their causes. You know, a task they need to do.”
He didn’t believe that to be the case, but obviously, Addie had her reasons for thinking that way.
She continued. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure they love me even as I love them, but it makes me feel like I need to repay them. I’m always trying to work off that debt.”
“Addie, I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Her snort contained only a hint of amusement. “I didn’t know I did until this moment.”
“Is it my fault? Something I said or did that made you feel that way?”
“Oh no. I think it’s just the circumstances. Maybe being here with little to do has given me the time to realize a few things.”
“I don’t like to think of you being unhappy.”
“That’s the thing. I’m not. Although, at times, I wonder if…”
Nash waited as long as he could before he prodded her to finish.
“I wonder,” she whispered, “if there is more for me in life.” Her gaze bored into his. Full of questions, as if asking if he knew what she needed.
Me. I can offer you something more—a place where you can stay forever.
To their left came a snuffling and bushes rustling. The sound of a big animal moving through the trees.
“We better get back.” He caught her hand and hurried her toward the house.
Warmth and yellow lamplight greeted them.
He hadn’t said what he wanted to say. Hadn’t made the offer he wanted to make. In all likelihood, it was too soon.
He’d make sure to get an opportunity later to say the words.
After all, the future lay ahead of them, unmarred by the past—especially his past.