Diedrick took a step back. “You will regret this, Mr. Stratton.”
“Possibly, but I can guarantee you will regret it even more if you don’t leave.”
“You haven’t heard the last of this.” He turned to his partner. “Come Mr. Higgs, it seems we have outstayed our welcome.”
“Clearly,” Higgs scoffed and smiled at Rosaline. “Such a pity when the company is so enchanting.”
Arthur reached for the other gun and loaded it.
The men made their way out of the kitchen. Thomas waited for the sound of retreating hooves before he lowered his gun.
“I’ll take the boys and do a sweep of the property,” Arthur said and left the kitchen.
Thomas turned to Rosaline and saw that she was as white as a sheet. She was bouncing Robbie on her hips.
“Are you alright?” he asked and gently touched her cheek.
“I’m causing so much trouble for you Thomas, perhaps it is better if I just leave. He won’t hurt me if I go quietly.”
Thomas reached for her scarred hand and lifted her palm towards him. She tried to retract and hide her scar out of habit, but Thomas lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “You are never leaving Rosaline, even if I have to lose this ranch, you are more important.”
***
Thomas came into the room as Rosaline was packing her things into her valise. It was dark outside, and the house was quiet. Robbie and Arthur were fast asleep in the nursery as Rosaline packed her things in the small room.
“Going somewhere?”
Rosaline jumped slightly as Thomas quietly spoke from the doorway. She clutched at her chest. “You gave me a fright. I thought you were sleeping, Thomas.”
“I can see that,” He unfolded his arms and came into the room. Taking the items from the valise he replaced them on the bedside table.
“Thomas stop.” Rosaline gently placed a hand on his arm. “You know it is better this way. I can’t let you give up the ranch out of duty to me.”
He stopped and looked into her eyes. “You think I want you to stay because of a piece of paper we signed?” He clenched his jaw and looked at her. “Is that really what you think of us, Rosaline?”
He searched her eyes.She doesn’t know Thomas. You need to tell her. She doesn't know you want her to stay,he heard a quiet voice inside his heart. Thomas stepped forward but resisted the urge to brush the loose hairs behind her ear.
“If you have been happy here, Rosaline, then stay, but if you truly do not love me, then I won’t force you to.” He swallowed hard as he sought for the right words to make her understand. “I want you to stay Rosaline.” His lips drew nearer to hers. “I will never force you if you don’t feel the same, I only want your happiness.”
He drew back without kissing her. “I hope you are still here in the morning. It’s your decision.” He gently ran the back of his fingers over her cheek before leaving the room and making his way back to his own.
He didn’t know if he loved her or not so he couldn’t say that to make her stay. His feelings for her were very strong, but he felt like he needed more time to know if what he felt for her was love.
The candle next to his bed flickered as Thomas fell to his knees and prayed. “Lord, I think I love her, but don’t let me push too hard or stand in her way if she doesn’t feel the same. Just keep her safe, no matter what she decides.”
***
Thomas opened his eyes flung his legs off the bed. Running his hands through his hair he struggled with his thoughts. He hadn’t gotten much sleep at all, worrying about Rosaline and whether or not she would still be there when he woke up.
He hadn't heard anything after he left her room, but Rosaline was so slight she could sneak away in the dead of night without making a sound. He stood and dressed, washed his face and braced himself as he stepped out into the hall. Whatever she had decided, he would face it.
He walked past her room and glanced at the made bed and the absence of her belongings. Rosaline was meticulously neat, her things could just be tidied away again. His heart was sinking fast as he peered into the nursery.Empty.
Walking faster, he entered the kitchen.
Arthur was sitting in the kitchen with Robbie on his lap. Rosaline was nowhere to be seen.
“Where...” he began.
