“Okay.” He began to gather up the dishes, faint puckers marring his brow. As if he was worried she was about to tell him to take a hike.
Not even close.
Men like Brad didn’t come along every day, and she’d be afool to let logistical and personal challenges derail a budding romance—assuming they could be overcome.
They worked in silence until the dishwasher was loaded and humming away. Then Cara motioned toward the table. “Let’s sit.”
In silence, he crossed to a chair and pulled it out for her.
After she sat, he joined her, folding his hands on the table. “I’m thinking an apology may be in order. Maybe I read too much into what you asked me last Friday.”
“No, you didn’t. But there are challenges.”
“There always are in any relationship.”
“More in some than others.”
“What specific challenges are you thinking about in terms of us?”
Us.
What a beautiful and hopeful word.
But getting to anuswould require work.
“Location, for one. My work is in Cape. Yours is here.”
“I can live anywhere in this county.”
“Even if you moved to the most southeastern part, the commute for me would still be crazy long.”
“There are other counties in Missouri that need sheriffs and deputies.”
She blinked.
“But ... this is your home.”
A shadow passed across his face. “Itwasmy home. Now there’s nothing holding me here. Everyone in my family has relocated. Besides, geography would never trump love for me, if that’s where this leads.”
Wow.
Was this man for real?
“You mean you’d give up your career for a woman?”
“Not my career. But for the right woman, I’d change my job, if that’s what it took.” His voice was steady. Certain. Resolute.
Double wow.
“Can I say I’m impressed?”
“I’d be happier if you said you were interested.”
“I’m interested.” An understatement if ever there was one. “What I can’t figure out is whyyouare.”
He squinted at her. “Why wouldn’t I be? You’re beautiful and smart and caring. Not to mention accomplished, talented, and a great conversationalist. You seem to have your act together, and you have strong family ties, which says a lot. What’s not to like?”
She tried not to let his compliments go to her head.
