“This might sound strange…” Oh dear. How to ask the question on her heart?
Cody’s hand found hers. “What is it, darlin’?”
The endearment gave her the fortitude to finish. “Can you hold me now? On purpose?”
His sharp intake of breath made her pause. Had she just ruined the tenuous bond between them? Cheeks burning, she buried herself under the covers. “Never mind. It was silly to ask. I’ll just…”
“Ella.” He slipped his arms around her, pulling her into his strong embrace. “I’m happy to oblige. But only if you’re sure.”
She snuggled against his chest. “I’m sure.” The words came out in a whisper, but she meant them with all her heart.
Cody pressed a kiss to the top of her head before settling against his pillow. “‘Night, darlin’.”
“Goodnight.”
Nestled in his arms, Ella finally fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
CHAPTER 15
Funny how a kiss could change things.
Cody hadn’t planned on kissing his wife. Far from it. He thought Ella still needed time and space. But in that parlor, with a soft glow cast over her face from the candle and the clear invitation she’d given him, he couldn’t resist.
And he didn’t regret it one bit. In fact, he’d love to repeat the experience. Perhaps with a bit of passion.
His cheeks heated as he galloped alongside Hank to check the eastern pasture. When he woke this morning, Ella ensconced in his arms, he pinched his stomach to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. And he had to remind himself that falling in love with his wife hadn’t been part of the plan.
Yet he was already tumbling headlong with no way to stop. That kiss last night sealed it. Cody couldn’t deny that he wanted love, and he wanted it with Ella.
And maybe, just maybe, she was opening herself to the possibility like he was. That morning, holding her as she slept, he’d wanted so much more. He wanted the simple, everyday, meaningful love his mother’s favorite poem so eloquently stated.By sun and candle-light.
He wanted to talk. Theyneededto talk. But she looked so peaceful, he couldn’t bear to bring her out of slumber. Instead, he’d carefully unwrapped his arms and hauled himself off to work.
“You all right, Boss?”
Torn from his ruminations, Cody glanced at Hank. “Fine. Why?”
Hank cocked his head, eyes narrowing. “You’re quieter than usual. And that’s saying somethin’.”
“I’m fine.”
“Uh-huh.”
Cody grunted. “Has anyone been to the east pasture today?”
“Not yet. The boys’re headin’ to the north pasture to secure the fence. That old thing’s been givin’ us more trouble than not.”
Rubbing his forehead, Cody sighed. “We need to fix that. Let’s fell some trees and make new posts today.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let’s check the east pasture and then grab the boys to cut some trees.”
Surveying the herd in the first pasture didn’t take long. Most of the cows were thin, but with spring around the corner, they would soon fatten up. A few of the female cows were expecting young’uns, which would expand the herd and begin to make up for his losses over the harsh winter.
As they turned their horses for the north pasture, someone yelled Cody’s name. He looked up. Eddie galloped toward them. Cody gave Preston a command. His horse took off over the field, Hank not far behind. When they reached Eddie, the younger man’s eyes held a wild look.
“The north fence is down! All the cattle there are gone!”
Icy dread enveloped Cody. Without another word, all three men spurred their horses toward the pasture in question. They arrived at the fence. A wide gap yawned, one that several cows could pass through at a time.
