Page 52 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
“Andy!” she wailed. “Don’t fall.”
He leaned to the right, planted one foot on something that, thankfully, did not move and rested against the steady bank, his heart pounding like a racehorse headed for the finish line.
Still sitting, Della inched to his side and pressed close. “You frightened me. If you’d gone over the edge—” She choked and swallowed audibly before she continued, “It was all my fault.”
The rough wall of rock jabbed at his back as he slid down to sit beside her. Ignoring all his mental warnings, he pulled her to his side. “It was unintentional. And no harm done.”
A shudder shook her body, and he tightened his arm across her shoulders.
“Hey. Nothing to fret about.”
She tipped her head to look into his eyes.
Would his smile convince her she didn’t need to worry? Dirt clung to her cheek. He brushed it off, taking his time, letting his finger drift close to her mouth… to her sweet, pink lips.
If only he hadn’t promised that he wouldn’t kiss her again.
But he had and he forced his hand to leave off stroking her cheek and his gaze to seek something in the distance.
For a moment, neither of them moved. He might have stayed there forever except the rocks were poking into him in several places and the fact that he was hungry.
“Let’s go have our picnic.” He pushed to his feet and reached out a hand to help her up.
Darkness filled her eyes, and she shook her head. “What if I slip again?”
“I will make sure you get down safely.”
“That’s nice.” A smile teased at the corner of her lips. “But who will make sureyouget down safely?”
“Let’s make sure we both do.” He offered her his hand.
Her grin widening, she took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. They faced each other, a rock wall beside her, the sky behind him. The future—
They did not have a future before them. He knew that as surely as he knew his name.
But they had a few days and he meant to enjoy them.
“Stay close to the wall,” he instructed as he led the way downward. “And go slow.”
“Aye, aye, captain.”
Amusement bubbled up inside him. “At least you didn’t call me boss.” When she didn’t answer, he glanced back and saw all her concentration was on navigating the trail. He turned forward to do the same.
“We made it,” she said a short time later as they reached level ground and returned to the wagon.
“I’m sorry I took you up there.”
“Really?” Clouds filled her eyes darkening them like an approaching storm. “Why?”
“It was more difficult than I remembered. You might have been hurt.” And would now likely hesitate to explore any more mountain trails with him. He’d wanted to take her to Ma’s waterfalls.
She crossed her arms and squinted at him. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Sunshine filled her eyes. “That view. Those mountains.” She spread her hands. “I can’t thank you enough for sharing it with me.” As if to prove her gratefulness, she squeezed his arm. “It was wonderful.”
Time stopped as he looked deep into her eyes. She searched his. He couldn’t say what she sought. Couldn’t even say whathehoped to find. His gaze went on and on probing the heart and intent of the woman before him. Or was he probing his own? At the moment, he couldn’t say. Couldn’t remember anything but the feel of her hand on his arm and the blue of her eyes that drew him ever deeper, like falling into Alice Lake, sinking—
A sigh from her lips broke the spell. Set him back on his feet.
“Let’s eat.” He reached for the basket and looked around for a good place to sit. “Over there.” A grassy spot offered a natural bench that would enable them to appreciate the view while they enjoyed their lunch.
