Aaron glanced up, his eyes reflecting the firelight. "Well, it was mostly work. But there were some good times too, like when the cattle sold well or the rains came just when we needed them. I was raised on this ranch, and my parents moved to Missouri a few years back, leaving me to work the land."
His half-smile hinted at memories she yearned to know, and she leaned in closer, her knitting forgotten in her lap. "And now?"
"Now," he said, setting down his whittling, "I’ve got someone to share those good times with." He reached out, his roughened hand brushing lightly against hers.
Deborah's breath hitched at the contact, her skin tingling where his fingers met hers. She met his gaze, seeing the gentle invitation in his eyes. Then, softly, as if testing the waters of a still pond, Aaron leaned in and kissed her.
Surprise fluttered through Deborah, quickly chased by a sweetness that made her heart race. His lips were warm, the kiss tender and unhurried, speaking of patience and a promise of more to come. When they parted, she caught the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips, mirroring the one spreading across her own.
"Goodnight, Deborah," he murmured.
"Goodnight, Aaron," she whispered back. She got to her feet and went into the bedroom, ready for sleep as well.
As she lay in bed later, the memory of the kiss lingered, a promise etched into her thoughts. She imagined more kisses, laughter shared, and the pitter-patter of little feet—a future that seemed brighter than the morning star outside her window. In the quiet darkness, Deborah realized she hadn't just married a good man. She had found a companion, a partner, and perhaps, in time, a love that would grow.
