He would be back tomorrow, though, at least that was his plan. She'd made him promise not to take dangerous risks if the weather turned bad again.
He swung into the saddle, settled, and turned to them all. His gaze only lingered on her for a heartbeat, though that moment made her pulse lurch with the warmth in his eyes. Hopefully none of the others had been watching closely enough to notice.
He raised a hand in farewell. "Thank you again for your hospitality." His words clouded so thick, the white nearly concealed his face.
On her left, Dinah spoke first. "Be careful. If the ice is toothick down the mountain, turn around and come back. You're welcome here as long as you need to stay."
He gave her a nod, then turned his horse. "I won't keep you out in the cold."
The animal started down the slope, and within a few more seconds, they disappeared into the trees.
The others were already turning to head back into the house. Lillian had stayed inside with Mary Ellen who’d been fussy all morning, but sucking on the rag full of snow seemed to help.
Dinah wrapped her gloved hand around Naomi's arm and gave a little tug. "Let's get inside."
Naomi walked with her sister. Maybe it would be best to confide in Dinah first. Saying what she planned to tell Jonah might help her prepare. And even if Dinah didn't like the change, she would be supportive. That would help Naomi gain courage for the conversation with Jonah.
"Naomi, could I talk with you a minute?" Jonah's voice sounded from behind them.
Her heart sank. Had he seen something that made him suspicious? She wasn't ready to talk with him yet. Soon, but she needed to work up her courage first.
She summoned a smile and turned. "I need to show Dinah something. Can I come find you after that?"
"It'll only take a minute."
Dinah's frown said she caught the tension between them, but she patted Naomi's arm before turning to follow the others into the cabin. "I'll see if Mary Ellen is ready for a snack."
Naomi watched her sister another moment, then turned to Jonah. This time, she couldn't manage a smile, but she did her best not to show her worry.
When the door closed behind Dinah, quiet settled between them.
Jonah hesitated for a moment, then exhaled, his breathcrystallizing in the frigid air. "Have you changed your mind about marrying me?"
The question, so straightforward and weighed with meaning, settled heavily on Naomi’s shoulders. There was no turning back from this moment, no gentle way to unravel the threads of hope Jonah had woven around their future.
“Jonah.” Her voice was a mere whisper, betraying her turmoil as she replied, “I-I feel like I need to give Eric another chance. He’s Mary Ellen’s father.”
Jonah's face remained solemn, but a hint of anger simmered beneath his tightly held self-control. He held her gaze, his voice steady. "If that will make you happy, then it's all right."
"Jonah..." She struggled to find words that wouldn’t sound placating. “You’re such a good man. You deserve a woman who can love you without holding back. I won’t get in the way of that for you.”
A flicker of hurt darted across his features before he regained his composure with a subtle clench of his jaw.
“All right.” His voice was even, but she could hear the rustle of fallen leaves in it—a sound that spoke of things that were once alive now being trampled upon. “If that's what you think is best. I want you to be happy, Naomi.” The knot at his throat bobbed, and she caught a glimpse of the Jonah she'd come to know. "That's all I've ever wanted."
Tears surged to her eyes as he turned toward the barn.
"Tell Jericho I'm going to check the stock in the south pasture."
She didn't answer—couldn't, for the emotions rolling down her cheeks had also lodged a knot in her throat.
He strode with purposeful steps, then slipped inside the barn door. Gone.
And hurting.Oh, God, why does this have to be so hard? Why does good have to be so painful?
She swiped away the moisture on her cheeks.If she stayed outside any longer, she'd have ice on her face. Better to search for a cheery expression until she could get a few moments alone. Maybe when Mary Ellen laid down for a nap.
She trudged toward the cabin. Even though someone else had already broken the snow here, walking uphill in the thick crystals took so much effort.
