“Your children are healthier.”
“The ranch is stabilizing.”
“You do not need me in the way you did.”
His face tightened.
“I know.”
Nola’s chest hurt.
She looked toward the bag.
“Then why stay?”
He took one step into the room.
“Because I want you here.”
She looked up.
He continued:
“I don’t know how to say this correctly.”
“That has never stopped you before.”
“Nola.”
She smiled faintly.
Then waited.
Garrick looked toward the window.
“When you arrived, I saw your face and thought the agency had made a mistake.”
Nola raised one eyebrow.
“Romantic.”
“I’m trying.”
“Poorly.”
“I expected somebody younger.”
“I was twenty-five.”
“I know that now.”
“You asked my age before my name had finished leaving my mouth.”
“I know.”
“You insulted my face.”
“I know.”
“You implied misfortune had been following me.”
“I remember.”
“Good.”
He almost laughed.
Then became serious.
“I thought I needed someone who would fit into the place Mae left.”
The words stopped both of them.
Garrick continued carefully:
“That was wrong.”
Nola’s expression softened.
“No one fits there.”
“No.”
“Mae’s place is Mae’s.”
“Yes.”
He stepped closer.
“You made another place.”
Nola’s eyes filled.
She looked away.
Garrick continued:
“You walk into rooms like you expect them to argue.”
“They usually do.”
“You make Eli tell the truth.”
“You make Clara laugh.”
“Weston listens to you more than me.”
“As he should.”
Garrick almost smiled.
“You make this house feel alive.”
“That is not enough.”
He understood.
“You’re right.”
The answer surprised her.
Garrick continued:
“I don't want you because the house is easier.”
“I don't want you because the children need someone.”
“I don't want you because the ranch runs better.”
“I don't want you because you saved Weston.”
His voice lowered.
“I want you when none of those things are broken.”
Nola stopped breathing.
Garrick’s eyes were frightened now.
More frightened than when Pike pointed a gun at him.
“I want to hear you complain about my coffee when there is no crisis.”
“I want you at the table when the books balance.”
“I want to argue about cattle when we can afford them.”
“I want to know what you look like after a year where nobody nearly dies.”
Nola laughed through tears.
“That may never happen around you.”
“Fair.”
He stepped closer.
“I am not ready to tell you Mae is behind me.”
“Good.”
His expression changed.
“What?”
“If you said that, I’d leave.”
He stared.
Nola continued:
“She was your wife.”
“You loved her.”
“You still love her.”
“That does not insult me.”
Garrick’s eyes filled.
“I don’t know what this is yet.”