“Have you ever had it before?”
He shook his head.
“Go sit by the fire, and I’ll bring you some.”
She fixed a tray of cups—including one that was weakened with cream for Jewel—while Jackson took the blanket from his pallet that had been rolled and tucked in the corner and spread it out before the fire.
Caroline set the tray on the tea table and took her place on the floor.
“Be very careful not to spill,” she said as she handed Noah his cup. “Jewel, come sit by me.” Caroline held Jewel’s chocolate for her and helped her take a sip. “What do you think?” she asked. “Do you like it?”
Noah licked his lips and gave an exaggerated nod, while Jewel eyed her cup, her lips scrunched with indecision. She leaned in for another taste.
Jackson tested it and raised his brows. “I didn’t think I’d ever want chocolate again after the war, but this is different.”
Caroline’s stomach dropped right along with her face. So many soldiers she’d cared for considered the drink a source of comfort she never dreamed Jackson wouldn’t. “And here I thought I was doing something nice for you again.”
“You did. Now I don’t have to avoid it. I just have to flavor it with…”
“Vanilla and nutmeg.”
Noah tipped his cup up and drained it. “How long are you going to stay with us?”
Caroline wished she knew the answer to that question. “I’m not sure,” she hedged, taking a napkin from the tray and wiping away his chocolate mustache. “I suppose it will depend on the weather.”
She glanced at Jackson and saw an odd expression.
Her feelings hadn’t changed, and her host could be trusted—he’d slept on the pallet and hadn’t pressed her for more than that one kiss. But if she stayed, it wouldn’t be as Jackson’s housekeeper. It would be as Jackson’s wife.
Caroline collected the empty cups and set them on the tray. “I think we’ve warmed ourselves sufficiently. Let’s go make snowballs.”
Jackson went out and stood on the porch, drawn by squeals and laughter. His heart had nearly stopped when Caroline spoke as if she might leave. Noah had put her on the spot, which was likely the reason, but the look she gave him afterward carried a chill.
She trotted over to where he stood, grinning and out of breath. “Oh, to be young again.” Brushing the snow from her coat, she came up the steps and headed toward the door. “I need to make lunch.”
He grasped her sleeve and stopped her. “Are you really going to leave?”
She glanced down at his hand then looked him in the eye. “That’s up to you.”
Jackson released her and stared at her back as she went inside.
He wanted her in his life forever. He just needed to gather the courage to tell her so.
“They’re asleep already?” Caroline asked as he came down the stairs.
Jackson walked over and helped her unroll his pallet. “They were out before I finished reading the second page.”
“I won’t be far behind them. Do you need anything before I go?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” He led her to the nearest chair and waited for her to sit. “I put this off because we’re both grieving, but I shouldn’t have. It was your sister’s final wish.”
Jackson got down on one knee at Caroline’s feet and—though time had altered them a little—spoke the words she should have heard years ago. “I’m not the same man I was, but my love for you has never wavered. I want you by my side for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
She smiled and nodded at him, moisture wetting her lashes and making them twinkle. “Yes.”
Jackson kissed her hand, then rose and helped her to her feet. “Are you willing to move to Nebraska and live as a farm wife? Because, if you’re not, I’ll sell it all and move back to town—back to Greenvale, if that’s what it takes.”
His question had her laughing through her tears. “I like it here. But even if I didn’t, I’d stay.”
