Cody felt her shiver. “This is the West, Ella. There are all kinds of dangers here, wild animals and snakes chief among them. Knowing how to shoot is a skill most people have in these parts. I’d feel better if you could defend yourself if the need came up.” He slid a hand to her shoulder. “Though I hope I’ll be here if you ever need protecting.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “So do I.” Biting her lip, Ella glanced at the floor, then met his eyes again. “But if it gives you peace of mind, I don’t mind learning.”
“Good. We’ll start first thing in the morning.”
Ella’s eyes widened. “So soon?”
“Darlin’, your father is here now. The sooner the better.”
She chewed her lower lip. Cody’s glance landed there without thinking. He jerked his eyes back up in time to see Ella look at him.
“All right.”
Relief flooded him. “Thanks.” He let her go, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “You’re probably wondering what kind of man you married, huh?”
He meant it as a joke, a way of lightening the mood, but Ella studied him with a serious air.
“You’re the kind of man who buys pretty dresses for his wife because he thinks she’ll like them.”
Cody cleared his throat, heat crawling up his neck. “Mrs. Greyson told you?”
She smiled. “I was bound to find out, wasn’t I?”
“I suppose so.” He rubbed at the stubble on his cheek.
She tilted her head, gaze steady on his. “You had no ulterior motive, did you? You did it because you thought I’d like them.”
The temperature of his skin increased. “Something like that.”
Moisture welled in her eyes. “I thought so.” Leaning forward, she slid her arms around his waist. “Thank you. The dresses are lovely.”
As he had on the night they’d talked about poetry, Cody froze in place. This time, though, he recovered quickly enough to wrap his arms around her before she pulled away. They stood for a few long seconds, close enough for him to feel her heartbeat against his chest.
Pure, strong affection rose inside of him. Ella was becoming a very important part of his life. They might not have known each other long, but for better or worse, she was his wife, and he’d do anything to keep her safe.
Ella huddled in her coat near the barn, eying the shotgun in Cody’s hands. Morning sunlight glinted off the shiny metal. The weapon looked menacing. She’d never liked guns, and the thought of shooting one didn’t sit well with her. But if it allowed her to protect her family and gave her husband less to worry about, it would be worth pushing through her discomfort.
Cody glanced her way. His half smile pulled at his lips. “It’s not gonna bite you, darlin’. You can come closer.”
She preferred the safe distance between her and the gun for as long as possible. “Just let me know when you’re ready for the lesson.”
“I’m ready. C’mon.”
Ella took halting steps in his direction. When she reached his side, Cody nodded toward a tree ten yards away. “That’s your target. We’re going to practice shooting at something large before moving to a smaller target.”
“Smaller?” When did her voice get so squeaky?
Cody slipped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a single squeeze before letting go. “It’ll be fine, Ella. I promise.”
She inhaled through her nose. “All right. Let’s get to it.”
“To start, lift the butt of the gun to your right shoulder.” He demonstrated, then held the gun out to her. “You try.”
The weight of the weapon hung heavy in her hands. Ella hoisted it up and attempted to copy the position Cody showed her. “Like this?”
“Not exactly.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “May I?”
She nodded. Cody moved behind her, his arms encircling her as he reached both hands for the gun. “You nestle the back right here in the hollow of your shoulder.” He pulled the gun to the correct location, pushing it snugly against Ella’s shoulder. “Feel how that holds it in place?”
