As if sensing her thoughts, Colton looked up and caught her watching. His smile softened, becoming the special one he reserved just for her. Gently disentangling himself from the children, he said, "Why don't you three go check on those kittens in the barn? See if they've opened their eyes yet, but remember, just look, don't touch. The children raced off toward the barn.
Emma taking charge of her younger siblings with the seriousness of an older sister. Colton made his way to the porch, his eyes never leaving Faith's face. "You looked deep in thought, Mrs. Raid," he said, climbing the steps to stand before her. Just counting my blessings," Faith replied, reaching up to brush a strand of hay from his shirt.
At 38, Colton had a few strands of gray at his temples and lines around his eyes that spoke of years spent working outdoors. But to Faith, he was more handsome than ever. Colton caught her hand and brought it to his lips, a gesture that still made her heart skip after 5 years of marriage. And how does the count stand? Too many to number, Faith said softly.
But they begin and end with you. Colton drew her into his arms, resting his chin on top of her head. Do you ever think about that day? He asked. At the funeral, Faith nodded against his chest.
Often, "How could I not? It was the worst day of my life. And yet, she looked up at him. And yet, it was also the beginning of something wonderful. I didn't plan to stay, you know." Colton admitted something he had never told her before.
When I went to the funeral, I paid my respects, was about to leave with everyone else. But then I saw you standing there in the rain, holding Emma, looking so alone, and I just couldn't walk away. Faith reached up to touch his face, tracing the familiar lines with tender fingers. "I thank God every day that you didn't." I thank him too," Colton said, his voice husky with emotion. "For giving me the courage to stay, for giving us this second chance." From the barn came the sound of excited children's voices.
And then Emma appeared, running toward the house with her siblings trailing behind her. "Pa Ma," the kitten's eyes are open. "All of them. Can we name them now, please?" Colton chuckled, releasing faith, but keeping one arm around her waist. I suppose that was the deal, wasn't it?