"We did it," he murmured against her hair. "Together," she agreed. The weeks following Morrison's arrest brought an unexpected peace to the DoubleW ranch, like the calm after a violent storm. Yet Clara couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting between her and Ethan, something deeper than their partnership against Morrison. She noticed it in small moments, the way his hand lingered on her shoulder when he passed behind her chair, how his eyes sought hers across the dinner table, the smile that played at his lips when he caught her teaching Sophie in the study.
One evening in early October, as golden aspens painted the mountain sides, Clara stood at the kitchen window watching Ethan work with a young colt. Sophie sat on the fence, calling out encouragement, her laughter carrying on the crisp air. The scene was so perfectly domestic, so beautifully ordinary that Clara's heart ached with a longing she couldn't quite name. "You love him," Molly said quietly beside her. Clara didn't deny it.
Is it that obvious to everyone but him? Probably. Men can be thick about these things. The older woman dried a plate thoughtfully. Margaret would have liked you, you know.
Would have been glad it was you. You don't have to say that. I'm not one for pretty lies, Mrs. Walker. I mean it. She worried about them those last weeks.
Made me promise to help Ethan find someone strong enough to handle his stubborn nature, but gentle enough to heal Sophie's heart. Seems to me you're doing both. Before Clara could respond, Tom burst through the door, his face grave. Mrs. Walker, we've got trouble. There's a man in town asking questions about you.
Says he's from Boston. Knows your family. Clara's blood ran cold. What kind of man? Well-dressed, fancy talker.
Says his name is Charles Whitmore. Claims to be your cousin. The plate Clara was holding slipped from her numb fingers, shattering on the floor. Charles here, the very person she'd fled Boston to escape. Ma'am?
Tom's voice seemed to come from far away. You all right? Get Ethan, she managed. Please. Ethan found her in the study minutes later.
Papers spread before her. Papers she'd hidden since arriving in Silver Creek. Her hands shook as she pushed them toward him. I need to tell you something about why I really left Boston. He sat down across from her, his expression serious but open.