Jack stepped closer.
Then stopped.
“If I ask you to stay in this room tonight…”
Emma’s breath changed.
Jack continued.
“I won't pretend I only mean shelter.”
Emma looked up.
“Then don't tell me what I'll wake up as.”
Jack’s expression softened.
“Ask me what I want.”
He stepped closer.
“I want you beside me when morning comes.”
“But only if you choose me first.”
Emma placed one hand against his chest.
His heartbeat was fast.
That pleased her.
“I crossed a thousand miles looking for a husband.”
Jack’s hand settled carefully at her waist.
“I think I finally found a man worth choosing.”
His eyes dropped to her lips.
Emma whispered:
“So stop standing there.”
“Jack.”
“Yes?”
“Kiss me like you mean to keep me.”
He did.
The kiss started slow.
It did not remain that way.
Emma’s fingers moved into his hair.
Jack drew her closer.
Then stopped suddenly.
Emma stared.
“What?”
“I need to hear you say this.”
Her expression softened.
“Say what?”
“That you want to stay.”
Emma stepped closer until no distance remained.
“I want to stay.”
“With me?”
“With you.”
Jack closed his eyes for one second.
Then kissed her again.
The lantern burned lower.
Outside, wind moved through the cottonwoods.
Nothing more needed to be proven that night.
Morning came pale and cold.
Emma woke beneath the handmade quilt from the storekeeper.
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she felt warmth beside her.
Jack slept on his back.
One arm above his head.
His beard rougher in morning light.
Emma watched him.
He opened one eye.
“You're staring.”
She smiled.
“Yes.”
“That's rude.”
“I learned from you.”
Jack turned toward her.
His expression changed when he realized she was still there.
Something almost boyish crossed his face.
Relief.
Emma noticed.
“You thought I might leave?”
“No.”
“Liar.”
Jack smiled.
“A little.”
Emma touched his cheek.
“I told you I chose.”
“I know.”
“Then believe me.”
Jack kissed her palm.
“I’m learning.”
The ranch changed after that morning.
Not publicly.
Not immediately.
Emma still kept her things in the bunkhouse until they made their relationship formal.
She insisted.
Jack respected it.
But everyone working nearby understood.
The ranch hands noticed Jack smiling.
That alone nearly started a medical emergency.
Old Eli stared at him during breakfast.
“What?”
Jack asked.
Eli shook his head.
“Nothing.”
“Say it.”
“You look strange.”
Emma hid her smile.
“What kind of strange?”
Eli considered.
“Happy.”
Jack threw a biscuit at him.
A month later, they traveled to Willow Creek together.