Chapter Seventeen
The ride back to Willowhaven felt entirely different from the journey that had taken them away.
Deborah sat in front of Nolan in the saddle, his comforting arms wrapped securely around her as he held onto the horse’s reins. Although her position on the saddle wasn’t exactly comfortable, she wouldn’t have it any other way. She was where she wanted to be—with her husband.
The mountains stretched beneath a brilliant blue sky. Pine trees swayed gently in the breeze, and wildflowers dotted the hillsides in splashes of gold and purple.
A week ago, Deborah had barely noticed the scenery. She’d been too busy worrying. And, too busy running. Now, she found herself appreciating every mile, especially because each mile carried her closer to home.
The thought startled her. Home. Willowhaven had once been a place she’d never heard of. Now she couldn’t imagine leaving it.
Nolan squeezed her fingers. “You’ve been smiling at absolutely nothing for the last ten minutes.”
She glanced at him over her shoulder. “I have not.”
“Believe me, you have... because I can’t tear my focus away from your lovely face.”
Her heart melted. “Well, I was thinking, and I’ve realized how much I love my life now.”
“I love your life as well, since you’re sharing it with me.”
Deborah laughed. The sound drifted across the open meadow.
Nolan’s expression softened. And just like that, the laughter faded. Not because anything was wrong, but because something was wonderfully right.
The look in his eyes still had the power to steal her breath. Especially now.
His thumb brushed across her knuckles. It was a simple gesture, yet it made her heart flutter.
Goodness. When had she become such a love-struck fool? But she would have been a bigger fool if she hadn’t fallen in love.
They reached Willowhaven shortly before sunset. The moment the horse rode down Main Street, Deborah knew they were in trouble.
Several people stared. A few waved. Several pointed and whispered behind their hand. One woman actually gasped.
Nolan groaned. “Oh, no.”
Deborah followed his gaze. A familiar horse and buggy sat outside the mercantile. “Oh, dear.”
Nolan sighed heavily. “She’s spotted us.”
Hetty Parsons turned, and her eyes widened. Then they narrowed... and widened again. Within seconds, she was marching toward them.
Deborah had never seen anyone move so quickly in a bustle.
“Nolan Avery!”
The entire street seemed to stop and listen.
Nolan stopped the horse just in time for Hetty to plant herself beside the animal. Her sharp gaze bounced between them. Then down to their joined hands. Then back to their faces.
A smile slowly spread across hers. “Oh.”
Nolan immediately shifted on the saddle. Deborah suspected he was as nervous as she felt, which was almost comical considering they’d recently survived armed outlaws.
“Hello, Mrs. Parsons,” Nolan greeted.
“Good day, Mr. Avery.” Her smile widened as she switched her focus to Deborah. “And Mrs. Avery.”
Deborah felt heat rush to her cheeks. “Hello, Mrs. Parsons.”
Hetty looked entirely too pleased with herself. “I knew it.”
Nolan muttered something under his breath.
“What was that?” Hetty asked sweetly.
“Nothing.”
“It sounded like regret,” Hetty continued. “But looking at you both now, I highly doubt you regret anything.”
Deborah covered her mouth to hide a smile. Nolan shot her a betrayed look. She pretended innocence.
Hetty folded her arms. “Well?”
Nolan blinked. “Well, what?”
“Are you going to thank me?”
“I hadn’t even considered it.”
“Why not?” The tone of Hetty’s voice was coated with disappointment.
“Because it would be impossible to stay friends with you if I caved and admitted marrying this lovely woman was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Hetty beamed. “You’re welcome.”
* * * *
The next surprise came when they reached the ranch. Just as Nolan stopped the horse, a small figure burst through the front door.
“Papa!”
Nolan barely had time to dismount before his daughter launched herself into his arms. He winced but hugged her anyway.
Deborah’s throat tightened. She would be the mother to this sweet child now. Hopefully, the Lord knew what He was doing when He placed Deborah in Nolan’s path.
Ellie pulled back and inspected the bruises on her papa’s face. Her eyes widened. “Papa got boo-boos?”
Nolan glanced at Deborah. She grinned so wide, mainly from happiness, but partly because Ellie was completely adorable.
“We had an adventure,” he responded.
“A big adventure?”
“A very big adventure.”
Ellie nodded solemnly. Then pointed toward Deborah.
“You brought her back.”
Nolan laughed. “Indeed, I did.” He reached up and grasped Deborah’s waist, lifting her down off the horse.
Ellie’s beautiful blue eyes shimmered. “I’m so glad.”
Once Deborah stood beside him, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. “I brought her home with me, so she can be your mother.”
Surprise registered on Ellie’s expression, shaping her mouth into an O. She clapped her hands and squealed with excitement.
Relief swept over Deborah, and she wanted to cry again. Things were coming together perfectly. It was difficult to feel as though she deserved this happiness when she’d gone so long without it.
That evening, Deborah and Nolan sat side-by-side on the porch, watching the sun dip behind the mountains. The sky blazed orange and gold. Crickets chirped in the gathering twilight. Everything was so peaceful. So perfect.
Inside, Ellie slept in her bed, while Nolan’s brother read a book by the fireplace. Outside, Nolan wrapped an arm around Deborah’s shoulders, pulling her closer.
For a long while, neither spoke. There was no need. The silence felt comfortable and warm, like she had finally found a home where she belonged.
Nolan exhaled heavily. “You know...”
She tilted her head to stare at his handsome face. “What?”
“I never thought I’d marry again.”
Deborah laughed. “So, I’ve heard.”
His smile deepened. “I was an idiot for thinking that.”
“I think the word idiot is being too harsh.”
Nolan chuckled, then his expression softened. The teasing faded. Only sincerity remained.
“I don't think I ever thanked you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “For what?”
“For staying.”
The words settled between them. And although they were just two simple words, they were very powerful.
Deborah leaned her head against his shoulder. “There wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be, but with you.”
Nolan pressed a kiss to her hair. She sighed, loving the way he showered his love on her.
The mountains stood quietly around them. The danger was gone. The running was over. And the future stretched before them. For the first time in a very long time, Deborah wasn’t afraid of it.
Because whatever came next, she wouldn’t be facing it alone.
Not ever again.