Was she overwhelmed? Or simply being cautious about revealing too much about herself? He could have told her that these people would protect her from her father or any dark stranger.
By the time dessert was served, he was more than ready to find a quiet spot to share with Clara.
When the meal was over, she got to her feet. “Girls, help clean up.”
Blue reluctantly followed the men back to the other room. As they talked, all he could do was count the minutes until Clara entered the room. It seemed an eternity before the women joined them.
He rose and said to Clara, “It’s time to go back to town.”
“Oh, but we haven’t had a good visit yet,” Linette protested. “Clara has been telling me about the girls as babies. I’m very interested. I know what.” She looked pleased with herself. “Clara, why don’t you and the girls stay here? I’d appreciate your company and your wisdom.”
Blue held his breath as he waited for Clara’s answer.
“I couldn’t,” she said. “But thank you.”
Linette gave a disappointed smile. “If you change your mind, you’re always welcome.”
Blue rose. “Clara, do you mind leaving the girls here for a moment so you and I can take a little walk?”
Every adult eye turned to him. He felt their surprise. But it didn’t matter. He had to talk to Clara.
* * *
Clara donned her coat and accompanied Blue outdoors. Did he want to again walk up the hill to the little grove of trees where they’d kissed? She wouldn’t object if he did.
She smiled with anticipation as he led her past the buildings, across the little bridge and by the pens. Pigs oinked in one pen. Cattle lounged in another.
They climbed the hill. She was content to think of what waited for them at the top. Not just some trees and a nice view, but memories of their kiss and anticipation of another.
They reached the top, and he leaned against a tree and drew her close.
“Did you enjoy your day at the ranch?” He smiled down at her, causing her heart to flutter against her ribs.
She nodded and smiled, her gaze riveted to his.
“It’s a good place to live,” he said.
“I see that. I never imagined women could be treated like equals, and yet they are here.”
“It’s the kind of place where you belong.”
“The kind of place I can only dream of.”
He drifted his fingers through the hair above her ear, sending little pulses of pleasure along her nerves. Making it difficult to think straight.
“You don’t have to dream any longer. You can stay here.”
His words reached her ears, but it took seconds longer for her brain to accept them. “What?”
He repeated the words. “You can stay here.” And he smiled as if it was the best news ever. “You’d be safe.”
She drew back, forcing him to drop his arms to his sides.
He scrubbed his lips together before he spoke. “You yourself acknowledged how the woman here are accepted as equals, didn’t you?”
“I did. But you mistake my admiration for capitulation. I am not staying here. I am going back to town.”
“Plans can change.” His voice had deepened. Did it mean frustration that she wouldn’t heed his wishes or...did he really care? But how could he care and still ask her to give up her plans?
“I have to do what I have to do whether or not you understand.”
He straightened and took two steps away to look out at the rolling hills. “I certainly don’t understand.”
She lifted a hand, wanting to pull him back. Wanting him to appreciate her reasons. But when he turned to her, his face was gouged with disapproval, and she lowered her hand to her side.
“What are you trying to prove?” The words were gravelly as if he forced them from a tight throat.
She drew herself up as tall as she could and pushed her chin out. “That I can manage on my own. How else can I prove to my father that I’m capable?”
His eyes narrowed, and the look he gave her made her wrap her arms about herself. “I thought you wanted to keep the girls. Now you say it’s to prove yourself to your father.”
She lifted her hands in defeat. “They’re the same thing. Why are you twisting what I say?”