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We laugh.
“C’mon let’s clean up and head downstairs. I’m kind of hungry now.” I smile.
Standing, Cade pulls me up with him and holds his arms out to me. I move into them for a hug. “I love you,” he vows.
“I love you, too.”
Cade
My knees practically give out on me as I enter my room to clean up. Just making it to my bed, I sit down with my head in my hands.
I try to wipe my tears away, but they just keep coming. I feel empty inside. I nearly lost the only woman I’ve ever loved, because I was stupid and scared of everyone’s reaction to us.
I’ve certainly learned my lesson, that’s for sure.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting here feeling sorry for myself, but the next thing I know, Rona is standing in the doorway.
“Cade, can I come in?”
“Yes, you don’t need to ask.” I hold my hand out to her.
As she takes my hand, she just stands and looks like she’s unsure what to do. My heat twists at the realization, I’ve done this to her. I’ve made her question our relationship, which has only just begun.
Looking up at her, I say the only thing I can. “I’m so sorry sweetheart.”
Moving closer, she sits on my lap before putting one arm around my shoulders and her other hand to my face. “Cade, I love you.” She places small kisses all over my face. “C’mon, let’s go eat and then get some fresh air on the horses so I can take some winter pictures. Have I told you how much I love the snow?”
She has me smiling now. Her fun for the snow is infectious. “All right, give me a few minutes to clean up.”
“No chance, I’m not letting you out of my sight again.” Rising from my lap, she takes my hand and leads me into the bathroom. After wetting a washcloth she wipes my face, following it with kisses. I lean into her hand and close my eyes at the pure pleasure. Despite being older than her, and more experienced, I’ve never experienced this—someone who loves me enough to take care of me.
“I don’t deserve you,” I say to her when she’s finished.
/> “Yes, you do.”
Tossing the washcloth over her shoulder, she takes my hand and with a slight tug gets me moving with her downstairs.
In the kitchen, we find Jake making a mountain of sandwiches.
He looks up at us. “Is everything cool?”
“Yes, it is now. Thanks Jake.” Rona grins at him. “At least I know where you get it from!”
This makes Jake laugh, but I haven’t a clue what she means.
“Idiocy is obviously hereditary in this family,” she says.
The ringing phone interrupts our laughter.
“Rona, would you mind getting that?”
“Yeah, okay.” Rona runs to answer the phone.
“Why does Rona think you’re an idiot?”
“I’m not an idiot, Elise is,” he replies, leaving the room.
Oh, so that’s it, woman trouble. I should have known.
