Page 280 of Conveniently Wed
She bent her knees, flung out her arms, and launched herself at him.
He caught her and stumbled back until he was sure they were out of danger then let their momentum drive him to the ground. The rock and ledge broke free and rattled down the cliff, thudding to a stop on the floor below.
He lay on the grass, his heart drumming wildly, and held her on his chest. He didn’t know if he could ever let her go.
She lifted her head, her eyes wide. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for trusting me enough to jump.”
They looked at each other, searching deep for something tenuous that held them as closely as he held her on his chest. He let her gaze probe his secrets and his regrets. His hopes and his fears.
She released a long breath that seemed to go on forever then she eased off his chest and lay cradled to his side, his arm holding her close.
“At the moment I thought I was going to fall, I realized something.” She sat up on one elbow to search his face.
He waited for her to continue.
“I have always thought I was afraid of losing my home. Blamed my father for uprooting us time and time again.” She seemed to gather her thoughts. “He made so many promises and always broke them. By doing so, he taught me not to put my trust in a man.”
She lay back again but remained close. “I well remember when I decided I couldn’t trust promises. Couldn’t trust a man. Pa had a job working for a farmer. We had a nice house. Ma had planted a garden. The boss man had a little girl named Ettie, and we were best friends. I told Pa I didn’t ever want to leave. He said we wouldn’t. He liked this place. But before Ma had pulled the carrots and potatoes from the ground, we were in the wagon moving on. I knew then to never trust what a man says.” She shifted to place her face on his chest and watch him. “Today things changed. When you said to trust you, I knew I could. I knew you are a man of your word and that you do what’s good for those you care about.” She brought a hand up and touched his cheek. “You saved my life.”
He caught her hand and squeezed it. “Only because you trusted me. I wondered if you would see me as…”
She smiled. “As trustworthy? Oh yes, I do.”
Their gazes held and became one. He lifted his head. She did too, and they kissed. It was short and sweet, full of promise. But he wasn’t sure what to expect next.
She shifted, lay staring at the sky.
He propped himself on one elbow. “What are you thinking?”
Her gaze returned to his
“Maybe I’m a little afraid.” Her answer startled him.
“Of what?”
“I don’t know. By acknowledging my fears, I feel like the foundations of my life have shifted.”
“In a good way?”
“Maybe. Right now, I just feel uncertain.”
He lay back. It wasn’t the answer he wanted.
She pushed to her feet and went to look at the caved-in ground. She stayed far back from the edge. “Erosion must have undercut the bank.” She shivered. “I can’t believe how close I came to dying.” She turned toward the horses and spoke with some urgency. “I need to go home and make sure the children are safe.”
He understood her desire to pull her family close. He helped her into the saddle.
She was quiet, subdued the entire way.
As soon as they reached the yard, she jumped down and ran to the house, calling the children. Seeing them under the tree with Flora and the dog, she rushed over and caught her son and daughter to her.
Flora stepped back and studied Stella holding Donny and Blossom so tight then crossed to the barn.
“She seems upset. What happened?”
He told her about the cliff falling.
