Greydon smiled over at her. “I believe that to be true.”
Enid found herself returning his smile. “The moment I held Marigold in my arms, I changed. I knew it was my job to keep her safe.”
“And you have.”
“Yes, but one day she will start asking questions about her father; questions that I can’t answer,” Enid said.
Greydon stopped and he turned to face her. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I killed John,” Enid said.
“No, four of us took that shot and no one knows which bullet killed him,” Greydon argued. “Besides, you were cleared of any wrongdoing by the coroner.”
Enid gave him a grateful look. “Thank you,” she started, “but I still played a role in his death.”
“Do you regret it?”
“Heavens, no!” Enid exclaimed. “That is what has me worried.”
Greydon placed a hand on her sleeve. “You were in an impossible situation and you did the best that you could. No one faults you for that.”
Enid lowered her gaze. “Is it so wrong of me to be relieved that John is gone?”
“Not at all.”
“He ruined my life, and he did all of it for money,” Enid said. “He didn’t love me and he made me feel as if I wasn’t worthy to be loved.”
Greydon took his finger and placed it under her chin, tilting it up until she met his gaze. “You are worthy of being loved, Enid,” he said. “Do not let John’s words continue to have a hold on you. For they are just that- words. Allowing his words, or the voice from within, to paralyze you will resolve nothing.”
“How can I not?” Enid asked, her eyes searching his.
“You are an extraordinary woman, and I have never met anyone quite like you,” Greydon said as he lowered his finger.
Enid smiled up at him. “Was that a compliment?”
“It most assuredly was.” He took a step closer and now she had to tilt her head to look up at him. “But I made a terrible mistake.”
Her smile dimmed. “I doubt that.”
“No, it is true,” Greydon said. He leaned closer until their faces were just inches apart. “I find myself in the uncomfortable position of developing feelings for you. I’m starting to think about you all the time.”
“You do?” she asked breathlessly. Her words seemed to escape her as she stared deep into his eyes.
“Yes, and I do not know what we should do about it.” His eyes dropped to her lips for a moment before bringing his gaze back up. “Tell me that you do not feel the same and I will walk away.”
“I am unable to do so, but it would be much simpler if you walked away,” she said.
“It would, but is that what you want?”
Enid felt tears burning in the back of her eyes as she admitted, “I am scared to show you the sore, crumpled pieces of my heart.”
“Do not be scared, my dear, but allow me to care for you,” he whispered gently.
Greydon had admitted that he cared for her. Her heart should take flight, but instead she couldn’t stop the fear that was encompassing her. She had trusted another with her heart and he had abused it. She couldn’t risk having that happen again. For if she did, and she was wrong, her heart would be irrevocably broken.
Enid placed a hand on his chest, stilling him. “I’m sorry but I cannot do this.”
“Do what, exactly?”
