Ethan tried to sit up, winced, and fell back. You went alone with Ben. And before you start lecturing me about safety, perhaps we should discuss you riding alone through hostile territory. That's different. How?
Because you're He stopped, seeming to realize what he'd been about to say wouldn't go over well. I'm what? Your wife, your partner, or just a woman who shouldn't be taking the same risks you do? All of those things, he admitted. And someone I care about, someone I don't want to lose.
The admission hung between them, more intimate than any physical touch. Clara felt tears prick her eyes. You care about me somehow, despite my best efforts not to. Yes. He reached out with his good arm, cupping her face.
These past 5 days, not knowing if you were safe, then lying in that creek thinking I might die without telling you. Clara, I don't know if I can love you the way I loved Margaret, but I do know that what I feel for you is real and growing stronger every day. I'm not asking you to love me the way you loved her, Clara said softly. That was first love, young love. We're different people, older with scars and losses.
What we might have together would be different, too. Not less, just different. He pulled her down until their foreheads touched. When did you become so wise? Somewhere between fighting off bankers and pulling bullets out of stubborn ranchers.
He laughed, then winced as it pulled his stitches. Don't make me laugh. Don't make me shoot you myself for scaring me like that. Sophie stirred beside them, waking to find her father conscious. Papa.
She threw herself at him and Clara had to catch her to prevent her from hitting his wound. Gentle, sweetheart. Your papa's hurt. But he's okay. He's going to be okay.
Yes, Ethan said, kissing his daughter's forehead. Thanks to Clara. Sophie looked between them, something shifting in her young face. Are you going to kiss her, too? You kiss Mama Clara like you kissed Mama Margaret?
Both adults froze. It was the first time Sophie had called Clara mama without qualification. Would that be okay with you? Ethan asked carefully. Sophie considered this seriously.