Page 92 of A Moment In Time

He went to the couch and sat next to her. “You’re afraid of the thunder and lightning?”

She looked at him. “Not afraid. Freaked out.”

“Right. Okay.”

“I know it’s stupid.”

“No, it’s not. And I’m not making fun of you.” He moved closer and put his arm around her. “Clementine used to be terrified of thunder.”

“But she outgrew it, right?”

“For the most part. It probably helps to have someone like Booker at home to keep the storm boogeyman at bay.”

“It seems so much worse out here.”

“No buildings to block the wind. It roars up the creek bed and through the trees. Makes it sound worse than it is.”

It lightninged and thundered again as the wind continued to howl outside. The rain was falling hard on the metal roof, which amplified the sound. Sydney laid her head on Gage’s shoulder.

“Maybe you could just sit with me for a few minutes.”

“Of course. As long as you want. How about we light some more candles?”

She nodded, and he got up to gather the candles from around the room. He put several of them on the table in front of the couch, then lit them.

“There we go. Is that better?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

He settled back down next to her and put his arm around her again. She leaned into him.

“I bet you’re not afraid of anything.”

He laughed. “Sure I am.”

“Care to share?”

“Hmm. I’m not real fond of high places. Or small places. Cooper and Cabe locked me in the old outhouse behind Cabe’s cabin when I was about ten. We were on a trail ride and they left me there, thinking I’d figure out how to get out and ride back home. I didn’t. They got back to the ranch for dinner and panicked when my horse wasn’t in the barn. Dad and Uncle Rand came to get me after I’d been in there for about four hours.”

“Oh, my gosh. I hope they got into big trouble.”

“They did. I never saw my dad so mad at any of us, before or since.”

“You poor thing. How long did it take you to forgive them?”

“About a year. Mostly Cooper. I knew it was his idea. Cabe was only eight. He wasn’t the instigator.”

“Well, it’s nice to know you’re human.”

“Of course I’m human. I’m far from perfect, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”

She patted his chest. “Not far. You’re closer than most people.”

“How do you figure?”

“Well, you’re sitting here with me in the middle of the night. That’s pretty perfect.”

“I guess I have my moments.” He kissed the top of her head. “Would you like me to read to you? Take your mind off of the storm.”

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