“I noticed.”
“Want me to burn it?”
“No.”
She folded it.
“Evidence.”
Elias smiled.
“You're becoming dangerous.”
“Good.”
Then she became quiet.
“What?”
he asked.
“Family.”
“What about it?”
“He says I’m destroying what's left.”
Elias sat.
“Do you believe him?”
“No.”
“Then why hurt?”
“Because not believing something does not stop wishing it were true.”
He understood.
Lara continued:
“I want a brother who worries.”
“Not controls.”
“I want him to have done all this because he was frightened and foolish.”
“Not because money mattered more than me.”
Elias reached across.
Waited.
Lara put her hand in his.
He squeezed.
“Maybe one day he becomes that brother.”
she whispered.
“Maybe.”
“And if not?”
“Then family can mean something else.”
Lara looked at him.
His eyes were steady behind new spectacles.
She smiled.
“You are getting dangerously good at this.”
“What?”
“Being wanted.”
The sentence surprised both.
Elias’s hand tightened.
“Lara.”
She looked away.
He stood.
Walked around the table.
Stopped close.
“Look at me.”
She did.
“Do you want me?”
Her breathing changed.
Not need.
Want.
“That's a terrifying question.”
“Yes.”
“Do I have to answer now?”
“No.”
“Good.”
She touched his shirt.
Then whispered:
“Yes.”
Elias closed his eyes.
She continued:
“I want you.”
He looked at her.
“And I’m scared.”
“So am I.”
“Why?”
“Because wanting gives people places to hurt.”
Lara’s eyes softened.
“You’re not Iron anything.”
“Don't tell Deadwood.”
She smiled.
Then kissed him.
When they separated, Elias whispered:
“I love you.”
Lara froze.
He immediately stepped back.
Not withdrawing the words.
Giving room.
“I don't expect—”
“I know.”
“You don't need to say—”
“I know.”
Lara’s eyes filled.
“Stop talking.”
He did.
She breathed.
Then:
“I love you too.”
Elias’s entire face changed.
Not triumph.
Relief.
Lara started laughing because he looked almost frightened.
“What?”
he asked.
“You look like someone just told you the barn is on fire.”
“I wasn't prepared.”
“You asked whether I wanted you.”
“Not for success.”
She laughed harder.
Then kissed him again.
Caleb Ryland came to Whispering Pines three nights later.
Alone.
That was how they knew he was desperate.
Elias opened the door.
Caleb stood in snowfall.
No revolver visible.
“Talk.”
Elias did not invite him inside.
Lara appeared behind.
Caleb looked toward her.
“Miss Higgins.”
“Mr. Ryland.”
He removed his hat.
“I came with an offer.”
Elias said:
“No.”
“You haven't heard it.”
“No.”
Caleb looked toward Lara.
“Your brother has lost control of the trust.”