“I’m always hungry,” he said, smiling when she laughed.“Are you feeling okay?”
“The exercise felt good.I know it will take a few days to catch up on my sleep, but otherwise, I feel wonderful.”
“Good.”
Back on the blanket, he pulled the food from the soft cooler he had carried on the back of his horse with the blanket.
“Oh, my, this looks wonderful.”
Dottie had outdone herself.There was fresh fried chicken, noodle salad, rolls, and little apple tarts for dessert.
“You’ll definitely not go hungry around her.”
He filled a plate for her and then himself.He leaned against the tree again while she sat cross-legged next to him.
All he had to do was look up to see her with the backdrop of the pond and tall grasses.If he painted, this was a sight he’d want to preserve.Since he wasn’t an artist, he’d have to carry this picture around with him in his memory.
She set her plate down.“I’m full.”
“But you haven’t eaten a tart yet.”
She chuckled.“I’ll let this digest first.”
“Why don’t you lie down for a bit?I’ll finish my food and pack everything up.”
“I can help.”
“Maybe next time,” he said.
“There’s going to be a next time?”
He debated what to say.He wanted her to know his intentions but didn’t want to scare her into running either.
“Let’s just say that I hope there will be many more times.”
He watched her digest that as she stared at him.He exhaled when she nodded, lay down on her side, tucked her hands under her head, and closed her eyes.
She was out a minute later.He watched as her breathing slowed and her body relaxed.The fact that she trusted him enough to go to sleep gave him hope.
This was the type of woman who needed to be able to trust him, and he’d do whatever he needed to keep her trust and make it strong and healthy—no more getting mad and walking away.
He packed the rest of the food and put it aside.He pulled the shotgun next to the blanket in case he needed it and lay down close to her.She murmured something in her sleep when he nudged her against his side and put her head on his shoulder.
It felt natural when she cuddled closer to him and draped her arm over his stomach.
Contentment filled him as he stared up at the sun that snuck between the oak tree leaves.
