“About yesterday,” he said quietly. “I heard what you said. And… I’m sorry, for everything.”
She moved closer and tried to meet his eyes, but he was focused on the sizzling treat in the pan, maybe because it was easier not to look at her while he spoke.
“You were ready for the Army,” he said. “I see that now. And you did so well, too. I’m proud of you. And I’m sorry I ever made you feel like I didn’t believe in you.”
“Ransom,” she murmured, genuinely moved. He had never been one to talk much about his feelings.
“I just wanted to protect you from the world,” he told her. “I’ve always seen myself as your guardian. But that’s your job now, unless you ask for my help. I’ll try to keep my nose out of your business otherwise. No promises that I’ll be good at it though, at least at first. I might need some reminding, and you don’t have to be subtle.”
His eyes flashed up to meet hers now, and she could tell by his expression that he had said his piece.
“Thank you,” she told him, meaning it. “And I meant what I said yesterday. I really do appreciate how you looked out for me all those years. And I don’t think I’ll ever want you to mind your own business. I still want to know your opinion, and I’ll always hear you out. I just want you to respect my decisions.”
“I can do that,” he said, nodding. “I just don’t want to lose you again.”
She joined him at the stove and grabbed him to hug him close, stealing a piece of bacon off the paper towels as soon as he let her go.
“Cheeky girl,” he exclaimed, pretending he was going to swipe it back from her.
She shoved it in her mouth and chewed it up, humming with appreciation at the rich flavor of her stolen treat.
As Ransom transferred the last of the bacon and turned off the burner, there was a knock at the door.
She glanced over, stunned that her brother had been right. They had drop-ins after all.
“That’s your surprise, Aunt Willow,” Mae yelled to her with a big smile.
“Mae,”Travis laughed, rolling his eyes. “You weren’t supposed to say that yet.”
“Is it a horse?” Willow asked right away. “I always wanted one.”
“Horses can’t knock on doors,” Travis pointed out, as Mae cracked up at the idea of a horse being at the door.
“True,” she said, heading for the front of the cabin.
There was only one Christmas surprise she wanted, and though she had no reason to expect it, a sense of anticipation rose in her chest anyway, making her feel light as air.
She pulled open the door and there they were. She had to blink a few times to make sure it wasn’t just her imagination showing her what she wished for most, but it wasn’t an illusion.
Jensen stood in the doorway, towering over her, hisgray eyes fixed on her face, his expression of love and hunger freezing her in place.
“Nah, nah,”Henry said softly, drawing her eyes to her favorite toddler, who was wrapped in his daddy’s arms.
Henry gazed at her for a moment, his twinkling gray eyes making him look so much like his dad. Then he stretched his hands out for her.
“Hi, Henry,” she breathed, taking him in her arms. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“Come on in, guys,” Ransom said, jogging over to welcome them.
Willow felt tears prickle her eyes as she watched the two most important men in her life clasp hands and then hug.
“Hey, baby, do you like trains?” Mae asked, running up to Willow and Henry.
“Let’s get his coat off,” Willow said. “And these big boots. Then he can be cozy when you show him your train set.”
A few minutes later, everyone was free of their winter things and making themselves at home. Travis sat on the floor with Mae and Henry, reading them “The Little Engine That Could” while the adults set the table.
There was no real time to talk about serious matters once the food was ready. When the kids were set up with everything they could possibly want to eat, everyone turned their attention to devouring the delicious breakfast.
