Page 41 of The Faithful Wife

Jake reached out and pulled her into the circle of his arms and Bella whispered, without a hint of contrition, ‘Supper’s almost ready. You’ll just have time to change out of your wet things.’

‘I thought I told you to rest,’ he muttered gruffly as he helped her down the stairs, making sure she didn’t trip. She had a mind of her own, and he loved her all the more for it. And he knew darn well he was only being allowed to help her down the staircase she used unaided twenty times a day because she liked him to touch her!

He wasn’t what he’d call averse to it himself. As they successfully reached the foot of the stairs, just before he kissed her, he wondered if buying her a ride-on lawnmower had been the right choice of a gift for Christmas.