“Yes.”
Her eyes locked with his, two glimmers of hope drowning in a sea of disbelief. Or maybe fear.
“Yes,” he repeated. “I loved you then, and I love you now.”
At the tremble of her lip, he walked closer and took her in his arms. “Don’t go back to Greenvale,” he whispered near her ear. “Stay.”
Chapter 18
She couldn’t stay.
Caroline’s mind and heart were still reeling from Jackson’s profession of love. But, regardless of whether it changed things between them—and she wasn’t sure it had—her mind was made up about Walsh. Continuing their alliance was wrong. She didn’t love him, and he deserved to be with someone who did.
Jackson didn’t need to know that, though. Not yet.
He watched her with eyes as dull as the low-hanging clouds above them, when she walked out and handed him her bundle of belongings.
“Ihaveto go,” she said softly enough that the children wouldn’t overhear. “I need time to think. And if I end things with Walsh, he deserves to hear it face to face.”
Jackson exhaled a weary breath and nodded.
“When does Peggy plan to leave St. Louis?”
“In less than three weeks. She wants to be back home in time for Christmas.” Which meant Jackson would spend the holiday alone.
He tucked her things under the seat with the children’s bags then helped her up.
Caroline took her place on the bench and waited, cinching her scarf tighter against the early morning chill.
Barring delays, it would take four days to reach Greenvale, a couple of days to rest and meet with Walsh, and four days to return—if that’s what she decided. Discovering the truth had reawakened her love for Jackson, but both of their hearts were wounded. If they chose to travel the same path, it would be complicated and shadowed by secrets.
Noah rose up on his knees behind the bench, where he and Jewel were sitting on a quilt and wrapped in blankets. “I wish you didn’t have to go, Aunt Caroline.”
“I wish I didn’t either. I’ll send you a letter,” she added, giving him something to look forward to, “you and Jewel.”
“She doesn’t read yet, but I can read it to her if the words are small.”
“Sit down, son,” Jackson said. “The road gets bumpy once we leave the yard.” He waited for Noah to obey, then called to his team and set them in motion.
A farm wagon couldn’t match the speed or smooth ride of a carriage, so the trip to town was cold, rough, and long. The only thing in their favor was the lightness of the load.
As soon as they reached Sagebrush Springs, Noah was on his feet and at his father’s ear. “Can we stop by the sawmill and see if Mr. Green has any more puppies?”
Caroline cut her eyes to Jackson without moving her head. She didn’t envy his situation.
“We can,” he replied, “but I’m not taking one today. I’ll ask him to hold one out for a few more weeks, to give me time to decide.”
Noah’s shoulders lost a little of their starch. “All right.”
“I hope you decide yes,” Caroline said with a pointed look at Jackson. “Dogs make excellent companions.” The children would adore it, but he would need it worse if he sent them away.
Jackson pulled to a stop in front of the station.
Caroline kissed and hugged the children then let Jackson help her down.
“You should wire your parents when you reach Fort Kearny,” he said, handing over her bundle. “Let them know you’re on your way.”
“I will.”
