The dining hall around them disappeared.
Lena realized her hands were gripping his shirt.
He looked down.
Then at her.
“I didn't.”
“That isn't the point.”
“What is?”
Her anger cracked.
“I don't know.”
Nathaniel seemed to know.
He lifted his good hand.
Stopped before touching her cheek.
“May I?”
Lena nodded.
His thumb brushed away one tear.
She closed her eyes.
Doctor Cole cleared his throat.
“Not to interfere with whatever this is.”
Lena pulled back.
“It is nothing.”
Nathaniel smiled weakly.
The doctor continued.
“Mr. Reid needs bed.”
Lena nodded.
Nathaniel attempted to stand.
Almost collapsed.
She caught him with Ben.
They took him to the main house.
Lena stayed.
Through the night.
Fever came.
Nathaniel drifted in and out.
At one point he opened his eyes and saw her.
“Denver?”
She frowned.
“What?”
“You going?”
“Shut up.”
He smiled faintly.
“Good answer.”
Then slept again.
By morning, the doctor believed Nathaniel would keep his fingers.
Lena went to the kitchen.
Opened her recipe book.
Removed the Denver letter.
Read it.
Then placed it beside the stove.
She did not burn it.
Choices made in fear were still fear.
She wrote a response.
Thank you for your generous offer. I would like to meet in March before making a final decision.
Then she returned to Nathaniel’s room.
He was awake.
“You stayed.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Lena stared.
“You nearly froze to death and that is your question?”
“Yes.”
She sat.
Nathaniel looked at her.
Lena whispered:
“Because apparently I notice when you are not in a room too.”
His breathing changed.
Neither moved.
He asked:
“May I kiss you?”
Lena almost laughed.
“You nearly died yesterday.”
“Didn't answer.”
She leaned closer.
“Ask again when you can stand.”
Nathaniel smiled.
“That sounds promising.”
“Sleep.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
By March first, Nathaniel could stand.
He reminded her.
Lena pretended not to remember.
He cornered her after breakfast near the pantry.
Not literally.
He stopped six feet away.
“I can stand.”
She looked at his boots.
“Congratulations.”
“You said ask again.”
Lena’s face warmed.
Ben entered carrying flour.
Saw both.
Backed out.
Lena shouted:
“BEN!”
Too late.
Nathaniel was smiling.
Lena folded her arms.
“Fine.”
“Fine what?”
“You may ask.”
He stepped closer.
Not touching.
“May I kiss you?”
Lena studied him.
This enormous man.