“Are you?”
He inhaled long and slow. “I will be.”
“Is it the note?”
Tempted to deny it, but unwilling to shatter the hard-won trust between them, Cody nodded. “Yeah.”
Quiet lingered between them for a few moments. Ella’s hand fell from his cheek to his shoulder. “I’m scared.”
The soft admission tore his heart. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She gasped in pain. Cody released her at once. He’d forgotten about her bruises. Berating himself, he started to apologize, but Ella spoke first.
“Don’t.”
“I hurt you.”
“Accidentally. You wanted to comfort me. Please don’t apologize for that.” She settled herself against him, resting her hand against his chest. “There are no bruises on my right side.”
The invitation was clear. He planted his hand on her right hip, pressing her against his body. “What’re you scared of, darlin’?”
It took her almost a minute to respond. “I’m afraid of losing you. I’m afraid of losing the children.” Her body trembled. “I’m afraid of being forced back to Howard.”
“Over my dead body.” The words came out low and fervent.
Ella stilled. She looked up at him, eyes watery. “That’s what frightens me most.”
How had this woman become so precious to him in such a short time? Cody lowered his lips to hers, desperate to drive away her fear. Their kiss held a passion born of the unknown. He held her as close as he dared, mindful of her injuries. She melted into him, her lips moving against his in a manner that felt nearly frenzied. That told him just how scared she was. He slowed them down, kissing her gently. His hands cupped her cheeks. They met with trails of water.
Pulling back, Cody looked her in the eyes. Her tears fell fast. His heart slammed into his ribs. He rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks.
Ella choked out a laugh. “I’m not usually this emotional.”
“You have good reason to be.”
She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder.
Cody tried to find words, but nothing seemed right. He settled for rubbing a hand against her back.
The next thing he knew, he woke to the warmth of a roaring fire. His sister stood nearby, Addie on her hip. He glanced down to see Ella sleeping on him. Protectiveness rose swiftly inside. He shifted his body, hoping to make her more comfortable.
Cassie tiptoed toward him. “The boys are napping. I’m going to start dinner.”
“I’ll take Addie.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded. Cassie settled the baby on his lap. “I’ll be in the kitchen. Holler if you need anything.”
Addie gazed up at him with wide, trusting eyes. A wave of unworthiness pushed its way into his heart. Could he be the father this sweet child needed?
“You’re a natural with her.”
Ella’s sleepy words pulled him out of his thoughts.
He shook his head. “I think you meant to say ‘awkward.’”
“No.” She yawned and pushed herself up. “I meant what I said.”
He looked at the eight-month-old. Addie grinned, showing her two front teeth. She reached for his face, planting a chubby hand on either cheek, and squealed a laugh. A responding smile tugged at his lips.
