Chapter Twenty #2
Hope wasn’t sure if it was the mountain air or the exhilarating horse ride or the sheer delight of being surrounded by such beauty, but she kicked a spray of water at Jackson. His green eyes widened at her sudden playfulness, and she couldn’t tell if he was angry or shocked.
When he started pulling off his own boots, she knew she was in trouble. She tried to waddle away without losing her balance, but the rocks were slippery and Jackson moved with experienced strides.
“I’m sorry!” she called, laughing loudly as she slipped and skidded.
She thought she had finally lost her balance as she stepped on a mossy stone wrong, and was about to plunge to the icy depths of a small pool, but Jackson’s arms wrapped around her and held her steady.
“I knew I’d have to come rescue you,” he said, his breath warm against her cold cheek.
It was something she was quietly growing used to, Jackson’s ability to always be there when she needed him. Not just used to, actually, but something she actively enjoyed.
“I don’t need saving, Jackson,” Hope said, though she didn’t fight his embrace. “I’m fine on my own.”
“Oh, I know you are,” he agreed. “Maybe I just like rescuing you.”
Hope smiled at this. It was strange, but she didn’t want Jackson to let go of her.
“Jackson…” she said, her teeth chattering as she spoke, “I can’t feel my feet.”
Jackson turned her around and together they hurried out of the water, her toes starting to look rather blue.
“Hold tight,” he said as he picked her up and walked her to a sunny spot.
Jackson fetched his coat and dried her feet off before bundling them up.
“Thank you,” she smiled.
“You sure are stubborn,” he replied, his gaze soft as he looked over at her. “It’s something I admire about you.”
“I’m not sure it’s something to be admired,” Hope countered, feeling his rebuff.
“I mean you’re tough, and you don’t give up,” Jackson explained as he lowered his gaze. “Not like I did.”
She couldn’t imagine Jackson ever giving up. “Something I’ve learned is forgiving oneself a little is necessary,” Hope said. “We all make mistakes.”
“Some of us make mistakes that hurt others,” Jackson murmured.
“Well, if the good Lord can forgive us,” Hope reasoned, “then who are we to keep judging ourselves?”
Jackson nodded silently.
“You know you can tell me,” Hope said gently, seeing that Jackson was overcome by the same brooding silence that appeared whenever he mentioned the past. “When you’re ready to.”
Jackson nodded, a small smile forming. “Thank you, Hope.”
She wasn’t sure he would, but at least she’d given him the offer.
“Shall we head back?” she asked after some silence. “I think the ride will help warm me up.”
“There’s something I wanted to ask you first, Hope,” Jackson said, his frame growing rigid and his hands positioned awkwardly in front of him as he stood.
“What is it?” Hope asked, her mind racing through a hundred different questions and possibilities.
“Virginia City puts on a spring festival every year. Well, it’s a dance really,” Jackson mumbled, his words coming in stops and starts. “It’s next week.”
“I think your ma mentioned it,” Hope said, a knot forming in her stomach.
She didn’t know why she was nervous, so she wondered if she was picking her nerves up Jackson.
“Would you,” he began, before looking away. “Would you…”
“I’d love to go to the festival,” Hope said, trying to help him along.
“No.” Jackson looked up at her, his struggle visible in his eyes, along with determination. “Would you go with me, Hope? That’s what I’m asking.”
“With you…” Hope repeated, realizing just what it was that he was asking.
This was not just ranch work or caring for the house and cooking meals.
A festival was an evening of fun, and Jackson was actively wanting her to enjoy the festival alongside him as his friend…
No, as his wife. After their conversation about how she felt like a burden, was Jackson trying to show her that he no longer viewed her as an unwelcome wife, nor as an obligation? If so, his thoughtfulness was touching.
She grinned at him suddenly, realizing she was leaving him in agony over her answer. She nodded eagerly.
“I would love to, Jackson,” she said, seeing his face light up with a smile.
He stepped forward as if he wanted to embrace her, but hesitated and then took her hand instead, squeezing it gently.
“Do I need to teach you how to dance too?”
Hope laughed gently, feeling lighter than she had in years.
“No, Jackson. I dance almost as well as I ride,” Hope teased. “Which is a great deal better than you do.”
“Well now,” Jackson chuckled in surprise, “there’s a challenge if ever I heard one. Shall we test this on the ride back?”
“I dare you!” Hope said, hurrying to put on her boots and gather the basket. “Last person home cooks supper.”
“Last person home offers the first dance,” Jackson said, pulling on his own boots.
Jackson’s sudden playfulness and banter had made her forget about the problems Daniel’s arrival had created, and the awkwardness that she and Jackson had initially struggled with.
Out in the wild, with Jackson at her side, she felt free to relax and be herself, knowing he was there to catch her if she slipped.
She couldn’t remember if there had ever been a time when she had felt so safe.