“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 theylove 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.
