"Much better." Tucker spoke up. "Will you teach us? To cook, I mean. Properly."
She looked surprised. "Of course, if you want to learn." Cole moved closer. "We want to learn everything you can teach us, Miss Eleanor." The way he said it made heat flood Eleanor's cheeks.
"Then I will teach you." Jake stepped forward. "It is late. You should rest. We have a long day tomorrow."
All three brothers walked her to the stairs. But this time, when she reached the top, Jake followed her. He caught her gently by the elbow just outside her door. "Eleanor."
She turned, heart pounding. "Yes?" "We need to talk about the wedding. When do you want it to be?" She had not thought that far ahead.
"Soon," she heard herself say. "There is no point in waiting, is there?" His blue eyes searched her face. "You are certain? This is what you want?"
She thought about Boston, about scrubbing floors until her hands bled, about the cold, lonely nights in her tiny room. Then she thought about this afternoon, with three powerful men looking at her like she was something precious. "I am certain." Jake's hand moved to cup her face.
His palm was rough, warm. "You have no idea what you do to us. What you do to me." Her breath caught. "I think I might."
His thumb traced her cheekbone. "Soon, you will be my wife. Mine to protect. Mine to care for. Mine."
The possessive word sent shivers through her. "Yes. Yours." He leaned closer, his breath warm against her lips. She thought he would kiss her.
She wanted him to with an intensity that shocked her. But he stopped, his forehead resting against hers. "Not yet. When I kiss you for the first time, it will be as my wife." He disappeared down the stairs before she could respond.
The next morning, Jake announced they were going into town. "Eleanor needs a proper dress for the wedding, and we need to see the preacher." Eleanor's heart leaped. "So soon?"
Jake's eyes were intense. "I see no reason to wait. Do you?" She shook her head. They made the trip into Copper Ridge together, Eleanor riding with Jake again, her body pressed against his.
She was more aware of him this time. The strength in his arms, the steady beat of his heart against her back. Cole and Tucker rode alongside them, creating an escort that made her feel protected, cherished. When they arrived in town, curious eyes followed them.
The Hollister brothers were well known, and the presence of a woman with them created immediate interest. Eleanor lifted her chin and ignored the stares. The general store owner watched them enter with knowing eyes. "Miss Heart, or should I say soon-to-be Mrs. Hollister?"