Home For a Cowboy Christmas(39)

She had never been happier. But at the same time, she only had a short time to get in a lifetime’s worth of enjoyment. It was also why she hadn’t dared to allow herself to think about how deeply her feelings for Dwight went. Because if she discovered that she loved him, she wouldn’t have the strength to leave and face death.

Dwight turned the conversation, telling her stories about his and Vic’s childhood Christmases on the ranch. It helped Emmy pull herself out of the quagmire of dark thoughts. At least, for the time being.

When they went to bed, Dwight pulled her against him and held her tightly as if sensing her troubled thoughts. He didn’t pry, and she didn’t offer up anything. It was better that she kept such things to herself. Dwight had enough to worry about.

Long into the night after Dwight had drifted off to sleep still holding her, Emmy looked out the windows to the landscape, hearing Dwight’s voice over and over in her head telling her that he loved her. Those words still hung between them. He deserved better than what she was able to give him.

If things were different, she’d give him everything she had. She knew in her heart that they could have a great life together. She knew it. That’s when the tears came. She didn’t stop them as they coursed down her face. Each one was a silent scream of unfairness, of lost hope, the theft of a bright future with a good man beside her.

Because she could no longer deny what her heart had known almost from the very beginning—Dwight was her soul mate, her other half. The man she had been searching for her entire life.

Suddenly, Dwight stirred, his arms going around her to hold her against him. “Shh. It’s all right. I’ve got you.”

But it wouldn’t be all right ever again. Emmy had no choice but to continue down the road she had chosen. Even if she backed out, Joe and his people would continue hunting her. It was only a matter of time before they found her.

Emmy clung to Dwight, putting her face in the crook of his shoulder as she released the tears. He stroked her back, holding her gently but securely until her tears finally dried. They remained locked in each other’s arms long after. Neither spoke. Emmy wouldn’t know what to say even if she wanted to speak.

They watched the dark sky turn gray, then the palest shade of blue before the sun peeked over the mountains, bringing a new day. Dwight’s alarm went off. He reached over with one arm and silenced it. Emmy released him, thinking he needed to rise, but he held her tighter.

“Not yet,” he whispered.

She sniffed and snuggled against him. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I don’t care about that. Is there anything I can do?”

“Just hold me.”

He kissed her temple. “There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

Emmy didn’t want to get out of bed, but Dwight needed to see to some things around the ranch. She had given in to a low moment. Now, it was time for her to square her shoulders and carry on.

She leaned back to look at him and placed a kiss upon his lips. “Thank you.”

“We can stay longer.”

She smiled, her heart near to bursting with how much she loved him. “We can pick this up later.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” He searched her face. He must have been satisfied with whatever he found because he kissed the tip of her nose and released her.

The absence of his arms was like being doused in cold water. Emmy rose and gave Sam a rub on the head before changing clothes.

“Why don’t you bring the rest of your clothes down here?” Dwight said as he tugged on his jeans.

Her head snapped up. “What?”

“I’ve made my feelings clear with you. I want you. With me. In this room. In all ways. I know it’s only been a short time, but I know you enjoy being with me.”

She nodded slowly. “I do.”

“Then let’s see where this goes.”

“I know exactly where it’s headed.”

He raised a brow. “Do you? Because I don’t.”

“Dw—”

He held up a hand to silence her. “I know what you’re going to say, and I understand. I don’t want to live in the future. I want to live now. If you don’t want to move your things, that’s fine. I won’t be angry. The invitation to share my room fully will always be open.”

She watched as he went into the bathroom and finished readying himself for the day. Emmy was slow in putting on the clothes she had brought down the day before. Dwight walked past her and gave her a peck on the cheek before leaving the room to start breakfast.

Emmy made the bed, then went to the bathroom to tie her hair back and brush her teeth. She put on face and eye cream, then her boots—along with the knife—and joined him in the kitchen. He finished scrambling eggs as she poured them coffee. Their breakfast was quick, and before she knew it, she was getting bundled up for the day.

“Ready?” Dwight asked with a bright smile.

She loved how his eyes lit up when he was excited. They shone with an inner light she had never seen before. “Show me the way.”

“Lead on.”

He opened the door, letting in a blast of cold air. The ground had several inches of snow now with more forecasted over the next few days. Their feet crunched on the snow as they walked from the porch to the nearest barn.