"What do you mean?" she said, now perched on the top rail.
"You get a letter from a guy who's supposed to be your boyfriend, and he says he's dating someone else, and you're happy? What gives?"
"Jefferson and I are great friends, but nothing more." She remembered last summer and early fall how they tried dating again. Even though their time spent together was fun, something was lacking. They both felt it and it made it easier for Megan to move to Wyoming. "We both agreed to move on. Why shouldn't I be happy for him? Wouldn't you be happy for Faith if she found someone who loves her?"
"No."
A wistful, yet loving look made her cousin's eyes shine. He loves her. "Have you told her how you feel?" Megan asked, gently hitting him with her knee.
"Not exactly. I've tried, but," his gaze traveled to the ground, where he dug the boot heel deeper into the ground.
"What aren't you telling me?" Megan's eyes opened wide as she jumped off the fence. "Are you thinking of proposing?" she asked, grabbing his upper arm.
"No." He pulled away and shoved his hands in the front pockets of his faded jeans.
"Why not?" Megan asked. "Faith is smart, pretty, caring, she's great with the kids, and she loves the Circle M. You say you love her-I see it in your eyes. When you look at her, you are nothing but smiles. Why wouldn't you want to marry her?"
"I want to, but I can't." Brett's foot rested on the bottom fence rail as he stared into the distance.
Megan exhaled. "What do you mean?"
"Ah heck, Megan," he said now looking at her. "How do I tell Faith I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her? What if she says no? What if she laughs at me?"
It must run in our family. I'm not the only one afraid to reveal my true feelings. With her hand on his shoulder, Megan said, "Take her for a picnic at the lake. Look into her eyes and ask. Don't think about the words. Your heart will speak for you."
"When did you get so perceptive on love?"
"I'm not. Sounds romantic."
Two nuzzling horses captured their attention. A grandeur smile lit Brett's face. "Love you, cuz," he hollered, heading to the house with a merrier swing to his gait.