Page 89 of Unforgiven

“I don’t think so either, honey. Because I’m going to do everything I possibly can to make you want to love me.”

“And until then?”

“Until then, I’ll love you enough for both of us.”

While she gaped at him, Seth stood, leaned down, and carefully pressed his lips to hers. “Relax, Tabitha,” he whispered and kissed her again.

The kiss was sweet. Tender. Filled with tamped emotion.

Chill bumps appeared on her arms again, but she pretended not to notice.

31

“Look who the cat dragged in!” Cal Porter called out. “I’d given up on seeing you today.”

Seth inwardly winced. His boss was a good foreman and he’d been really understanding about Seth’s need to be near Tabitha for the last week. Though Seth didn’t regret a second that he’d spent by her side, Cal was counting on him to help get the finish work done so the new owners of the house could finally move in.

“Sorry about being gone so much. It couldn’t be helped.”

Cal slapped him on the back. “No apology needed. Lott told me you were visiting your girl at the hospital.”

Surprised to hear that they’d talked, Seth scanned the front yard of the house until he found Lott’s lanky form next to two of the more seasoned members of their crew. Some of the awkwardness he’d displayed when he’d first started his apprenticeship had faded. He now fit in.

“She’s not a fan of hospitals.”

Cal nodded. “That was where you needed to be.” His voice lowered. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s better and home now.” Mary had stayed with Tabitha her first night home. Now Melonie—and their mother—were over at Tabitha’s. Seth couldn’t believe how many things had changed so quickly. Or maybe it shouldn’t have been such a shock. For years now, they’d all been in something of a holding pattern. It was like they’d all been waiting for the right moment to move forward. Though Seth would’ve preferred that Leon had never resurfaced, he was thankful for the changes that had occurred.

“That’s good. Praise God.”

“Yes.” Glancing back at Lott, Seth noticed that he was grinning at one of the other guys. “How’s Lott doing?”

“He’s making progress. I received some good reports about his first weeks apprenticing, so I asked him to come to my house for the last three days.”

“Yeah?”

“I wanted to spend some time with him before giving him more responsibilities.”

“I hope he didn’t let you down.”

“Not at all. He worked hard and listened. Plus, he was good company. We got to know each other pretty well.”

That was a surprise, but a welcome one. “I’m pleased.”

Cal’s eyes twinkled. “I hear he’s courting your sister.”

Seth groaned but figured he might as well get used to a little bit of gentle ribbing about Lott seeing Melonie. “Yeah.”

“And how’s that going?”

“I couldn’t say.”

“No?”

“My sister’s not going to give me details, and Lott knows better than to say anything other than that he respects every last hair on Melonie’s head.”

Cal laughed. “Sounds like my family. We love each other but know our boundaries.”

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