Page 105 of What Remains

He stepped closer. "Right..."

Instead of brushing away the imaginary hay, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Cara giggled involuntarily. "Jay!"

"What?"

She swatted his shoulder, laughing harder now. "We're supposed to be working."

"I am working."

"No, you're distracting me."

"I can multitask."

"Oh, I know you think you can."

He kissed her neck, lingering just long enough to make her shiver. She shoved him back with both hands, cheeks flushed pink from more than the cold.

"Stop."

"But you're cute when you laugh."

She rolled her eyes. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet..." He pulled her gently back against him. "...you love me anyway."

She rested her forehead against his chest, smiling despite herself. "I might've questioned that decision once or twice."

"Only twice?"

"Maybe three times."

Jay put a hand to his chest. "I'm wounded."

"You'll survive."

He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I hope so."

For a long moment they held each other, the world shrinking to the space between them as the ranch stirred to life; A horse nickered from the pasture. One of the goats protested loudly, breakfast apparently taking too long. Smoke drifted lazily from the farmhouse chimney.

Cara sighed. "I wish we had another day."

"So do I."

Her smile faded. "You think Seth's really going to leave?"

Jay glanced toward the farmhouse. Through the kitchen window, he could see Seth at the table with Josie, their heads bent close in quiet conversation while Layla colored beside them.

"He hasn't smiled like that in months," Cara said, following his gaze.

"I know," Jay said. "He's going through the motions of leaving."

"But you don't think he will?" Cara asked.

Jay just shook his head. "His heart isn't in it. Not anymore."

Cara's voice softened. "I've been watching him. When he looks at Josie..." She searched for the words. "...it's like he's remembering how to live again."