“I know.”
“Not because I saved the ranch.”
“I know.”
She pulled him closer.
“Because when you walk into a room, I feel it.”
The Rancher stared.
“Because when you leave, I wait.”
Her hand slid behind his neck.
“Because you’re the first man who ever gave me something without making the gift feel like a chain.”
The Rancher’s face changed.
The Woman whispered:
“And I’m tired of waiting for you to understand that freedom is exactly why I can choose you.”
The Rancher lowered his forehead to hers.
Their breath mingled.
His hand moved slowly around her waist.
Still careful.
Still asking.
She answered by pulling him closer.
The kiss began softly.
Almost cautious.
Then deepened.
Not frantic.
Not desperate.
A year of restrained affection finally allowed to become physical.
The Woman’s fingers moved into his hair beneath the hat.
The Rancher’s arm tightened around her waist.
She smiled against his mouth.
He laughed softly.
“What?”
She whispered.
“Nothing.”
“You’re laughing.”
“I’m happy.”
The Woman stopped.
Looked at him.
The simplicity of the answer nearly broke her heart.
“Again.”
“What?”
“Say it.”
“I’m happy.”
She kissed him again.
This time longer.
The Rancher’s hat nearly fell.
She caught it.
Placed it on the table.
“Better.”
“You insulting my hat?”
“I’m removing obstacles.”
“Dangerous woman.”
“You’ve known.”
He kissed her.
Again.
Slow.
Her hands rested at his shoulders.
His palm moved across her back, never beyond where she invited it.
When they separated, both were breathing harder.
The Woman looked toward the dinner.
“Cold.”
The Rancher followed her gaze.
“Probably.”
“Shame.”
“Terrible.”
Neither moved toward it.
She smiled.
“So what happens now?”
The Rancher looked at her.
“Dinner.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“After that?”
The Rancher’s thumb moved gently against her waist.
“Whatever you choose.”
The Woman’s eyes softened.
“Still giving me choices.”
“Always.”
“That might be why I stay.”
The Rancher kissed her forehead.
Then sat beside her instead of across.
They ate from the same table.
Shoulders touching.
The Son returned halfway through.
Stopped at the porch.
Saw the Rancher sitting too close.
Saw the Woman’s flushed face.
Saw the hat on the table.
The boy’s eyes widened.
The Rancher glared.
“Say nothing.”
The Son grinned.
“I didn’t.”
“That face is saying plenty.”
The Woman laughed.
The Son sat.
Then:
“So are you staying forever now?”
Silence.
The Rancher looked at the Woman.
The Woman looked at him.
Then at the boy.
“Forever is a big word.”
The Son’s smile faded slightly.
The Woman continued:
“But tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“And the day after?”
“Yes.”
“And probably all the days after that if your father behaves.”
The Son looked at the Rancher.
“You should behave.”
The Rancher stared.
“My own house.”
“Your own problem.”
The Woman covered her mouth.
Too late.