She started toward the house. He caught up in two strides, but stopped short of touching her. That isn't what I meant. Then say what you meant. Grant looked toward the porch.
Marion had taken the children inside. The yard was quiet except for a horse shifting against a hitching rail. Grant removed his hat and turned it in both hands. I hired you because I needed help. That's true.
Hannah waited. I hoped if the house settled, maybe the children would too. And if they didn't, they went with Marion. And now Grant looked at her for a long moment. Now I don't know how to imagine this place without you in it.
Hannah's breath caught. Grant's eyes shifted away almost immediately. But that doesn't give me the right to ask you to stay. She stared at him. You could ask.
I could. You're choosing not to. Yes. Why? Grant put his hat back on.
Because you came here for wages. That was weeks ago. And you still have a life in Elk Crossing. A room in my aunt's boarding house. It's yours.
Barely. That doesn't matter. Hannah's voice sharpened. It matters to me. Grant nodded.
All right. She hated how calm he was. How can you stand there and act as though none of this matters? His head lifted. None of this matters.
Your children want me here. Marian came 22 mi from Helena, prepared to take them. You wrote that letter because you thought this house was breaking them. Now things are different, and you still won't say anything. Grant stepped closer, not enough to crowd her enough that Hannah had to look up.
You want me to use that? What? You want me to tell you Molly may stop sleeping through the night if you leave? Hannah said nothing. You want me to tell you Henry checks the road every afternoon because he knows your 8 weeks are running out?
Her throat tightened. Grant continued. You want me to tell you this house sounds different because you're in it? His voice remained low, but something rough moved beneath it now. I can tell you all of that.
Hannah looked away. Grant's next words came softer. But if I say it while asking you to stay, what choice do you have? She looked back. A real one.
No. He shook his head. You'd stay because you'd feel responsible. You don't know that. I know you.
Hannah went still. Grant did too. The words seemed to surprise him, but he did not take them back. You gave Henry the pantry key because you saw shame where somebody else would have seen stealing. You repaired Molly's ribbon because she trusted you with the last thing she has from her mother.
He walked into a cattle pen because I was pinned under timber. His jaw tightened. You don't know how to leave people once they need you. Hannah swallowed. Grant looked at the house.