Chapter 27
"It wasn't meant to be."
"I know."
He looked toward the mountains.
"I have spent most of my life making decisions quickly."
"I noticed."
"With you, every decision feels like it belongs to two people."
My throat tightened.
"That is generally how two people work."
"I am learning."
He reached into his coat.
My heart stopped when I saw his hand close around something.
Then he withdrew it empty.
He grimaced.
"What?"
"I had a speech."
"Oh."
"It was terrible."
I smiled.
"I wish I could hear it."
"No."
"Now I insist."
"You have no authority."
"Adrien."
He sighed.
"I was going to say you have improved the ranch."
"Romantic indeed."
"I told you it was terrible."
I laughed.
He smiled.
Then the smile faded.
"Rosalie."
Something in his voice silenced me.
"I am not asking you because you need a roof."
My eyes burned.
"I am not asking because Oscar needs a father."
I looked down.
"And I'm not asking because I think I rescued you."
"You didn't."
"I know."
He stepped closer.
"I'm asking because every place I go feels better when I know you are going to be there."
My breath caught.
"That was better."
"I practiced that part."
I laughed through sudden tears.
He looked almost nervous.
Adrien Brandt, who could settle a cattle price against three shouting buyers, looked nervous standing in front of me.
"I don't want an answer tonight."
"Why not?"
"Because you should think."
"You think I haven't?"
That stopped him.
For once, I had surprised Adrien.
I stepped closer.
"I spent three years learning that being alone is better than being badly accompanied."
His expression became very still.
"I will never fear being alone again."
"Good."
"So if I choose someone..."
My voice shook.
"It will be because I choose him."
Adrien looked at me.
"I understand."
I believed he did.
I touched his hand.
It was the first time I reached for him.
His fingers closed gently around mine.
No more.
He did not kiss me.
That made me want him to.
But there was still something unfinished.
Someone unfinished.
Curtis's six weeks ended in September.
On the first Sunday of the month, a rider appeared on the road.
Oscar saw him before I did.
"Papa!"
This time, he ran.
Not far.
Not all the way.
But he ran.
Curtis dismounted before the boy reached him.
They met near the gate.