Page 61 of Royal Academy

Benedict placed a hand on her arm to stop Sally from getting up.

“No, you have done enough. I can build a fire.”

Sally nodded, “Let me show you where the kindling is.”

Benedict followed her up the stairs and into the master bedroom. The potbelly stove downstairs had a hard time heating all of the space in the cabin and it was rather cold.

Blowing on her hands Sally showed Benedict where the logs were and some kindling with matches. When she turned to leave he stopped her again.

“Where are you going to sleep?”

Sally shrugged, “I can fix a space on the couch, don’t worry about me.”

Benedict knew that the bedrooms without fireplaces would be too cold for her. The main floor bedroom was already taken up by Lia and Nick.

“I will sleep on the couch,” he decided, “the fire should start putting off heat soon.”

Sally shook her head, “I couldn’t. But…”

“What?” he asked softly.

“This bed is very large, I don’t suppose you would be willing to share? Clothes on, of course!”

A wide smile broke across Benedict’s face, “Of course!”

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