“Chase?” His mom’s voice broke through gently.
He turned partway. “Yeah?”
“You okay?”
He rubbed a hand through his hair, down the back of his neck. “Just needed a minute.”
She stepped beside him and a knowing look swept across her features.
He gave a half-shrug. “I don’t know how to do this. She doesn’t remember anything... and I can’t forget.”
His mom laid a soft hand on his arm. “Maybe it’s not about fixing everything. Maybe it’s just about showing up.”
He was quiet for a long moment. “What if I get hurt all over again?”
“You might.” She squeezed his arm gently. “But maybe this time, it’s worth the risk.”
He looked down, nodding slowly. The weight hadn’t disappeared, but it had shifted. A little lighter. A little less tangled.
“We’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready,” she said softly.
“I’m right behind you,” he replied, and this time, it was a promise.
One last steadying breath, then he turned back toward the house.
Whatever came next, he was committed.
He’d help Michelle find her way back—even if it hurt him.
Chapter Three
How was it possible she’d lived in this world and had no memory of the people or the stories being thrown at her? An itch spread across her hand, and she scratched absentmindedly at the spot where her skin had touched Chase’s. She envied his easy confidence, the way he walked into a room and took possession of it with his presence.
If she’d ever had anything like that, she lost it along with her memories.
“Could I take a walk around the ranch?” The need to move caused her nervous feet to tap across the linoleum. She pushed to her feet and gathered up her dirty dishes, prepared to carry them to the sink.
“Of course.” Maude took the dishes from her. “Why don’t you sit outside while I wash these and then we’ll take a stroll.”
“Oh, no. I couldn’t impose. Aunt Sarah was excited to visit with you. The two of you should have time to catch up without having to keep me entertained.” She flapped a hand toward the front door. “I can handle this on my own. Pretty sure I won’t get lost going from here to the barn.” Trying to smile, she tappedher temple. “It’s a blank slate up here, but I can remember directions, especially since the house will be in sight.”
Sarah choked on her laughter, covering her mouth with both hands. A snort burst out, and she slapped the table hard enough for the silverware to jump and rattle. “There she is.” Her bun shook loose with the guffaws that rippled through Sarah’s body. “Honey, you might have lost your memories, but your sense of humor is still intact.”
She added that to her list of characteristics about herself. Gratitude welled. Maybe all wasn’t lost after all.
Footsteps sounded behind her, and she didn’t have to turn around to know that Chase had walked back into the kitchen. He’d bolted so fast earlier it left her breathless and uncertain. He looked at her with so many emotions in his dark eyes. She had no context for how to unravel the mixture of sadness and hope she’d learned to recognize in her own features after waking up in the hospital.
“I was headed to the barn to check the horses.” He paused and cleared his throat. “You’re welcome to walk with me.”
Michelle turned slowly to face Chase. He’d been so polite and careful throughout dinner. He smiled and chuckled at the stories of Uncle Fred but hadn’t added to any of the tales. The feel of his hand around hers sparked and sizzled, but nothing more than the physical reaction rose in the blank space that hid her memories. “I’d like that.” She meant it, and the warmth made its way into her voice. “Your mom says you’re the ranch manager. What does that mean?”
He walked backward to the front door. “It means I oversee the entire operation. I’m in charge of making sure all the animals are taken care of, the bills are paid, and that we have enough to get us through the winter.” With his attention locked on her, he grabbed his hat and settled it on his head.
Having him stare at her like that made everything else fall away.
“You two have a good time.” Maude tossed a hand towel over her shoulder and pushed up her blouse’s sheer sleeves. “The horses will be glad to see you.” Something in the statement caught her attention, but like everything else, it raced away into the blackness.
She joined Chase on the front porch and followed him down the steps. “Why does it feel like I should know you?”
