“Ma’am, it’s true that Chet died in the barn fire, but it was two days after Jace left. We found him holding a lantern. The Mountie said he must’ve had a heart attack.”
Dianne sat back so firmly the bench protested. All this time, Jace had needlessly carried guilt. She couldn’t wait until they reached town, where she’d tell him.
Her palms would bear permanent fingernail marks by the time they drove down the rutted street. She leaned so far forward that Cal caught her shoulder. “Wouldn’t want you to fall.”
“Is that the wagon?” She pointed. But he didn’t need to answer as Jace left the store and climbed to the seat. “Catch up. Hurry.” The wagon rumbled closer.
“Jace!” Cal called, bringing Jace around at the sound of his name.
His gaze lit on Dianne, and his eyes widened. Then he jumped to the street and trotted over.
“Eddie?”
“He’s fine.” She pointed to the back.
Eddie bounced up. “Where you goed?”
Jace’s eyes narrowed. “I had things to take care of.”
“Help me down.” Dianne held out her hand.
Jace hesitated, then assisted her.
She turned to Cal. “Watch my boy.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He drove away and parked down the street.
“Can we talk?” she asked, though it no doubt sounded more like an order than a request. As well, it might. She would not allow Jace to decline.
“Over there?” He indicated a grassy spot between two buildings, and they crossed the street and stopped beneath a tree laden with newly minted leaves.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Cal told me the truth about what happened to Chet. You weren’t responsible for the fire that claimed his life.” As she relayed the details, his expression went from disbelief to surprise, and then air hushed from his lungs. “It really wasn’t my fault?”
“Not at all. Any more than it was your fault Eddie was hurt. He’s a little boy who has gotten into trouble before. Jace, you must know I don’t blame you in the least.” She looked at him, touching his arm, lifting her face, hoping he’d accept her invitation for more. Like a kiss.
He examined her face as if searching for a hidden truth. As if unwilling to believe her.
“Jace.” She wasn’t above begging. Life was too uncertain to let good things pass her by. “I care about you. Very deeply.”
“I can’t promise I won’t mess up. I can’t guarantee I won’t disappoint you.”
She splayed her fingers across his cheeks, reveling in the roughness of his whiskers. “No one can ask for or expect perfection for ourselves or anyone else.” She let the words sink in. “The ranch isour home. To have and to hold together, but I’d like it if we were more than partners.” He hadn’t exactly offered her that, only a home. She wanted more. So much more. Would he understand? Were her feelings returned?
He captured her hands and held them to his chest. “Dianne White, I have loved you since you banged on the cabin door holding an ax, ready to defend yourself and Eddie. Oh sure, you were annoyingly stubborn about insisting I return to the ranch.” His sweet smile and deep chuckle erased any sting from those words.
“You love me?”
“Heart and soul.”
“Jace.” She slipped her hands from his to circle her arms around his neck. “I love you forever and always.”
She might have said more, promised him her unfailing, enduring love, but his lips on hers, claiming her heart, promising her his love, silenced her and made words unnecessary.
A little later, they leaned against the tree, discussing the future.
“Perhaps you should stay in town until we’re married.” He nudged her shoulder. “I wouldn’t want there to be gossip about you.”
