black, as the old saying goes.” His eyes darkened and his gaze shifted to her mouth as he leaned closer to kiss her.
She held him tightly while the endearment, his first, echoed in her mind and how she wished he had meant something by it. When it came to Zach, she couldn’t hang on to that optimism she had everywhere else in her life.
Through the night they made love and slept in each other’s arms. It was late morning before they dressed and ate. While Zach talked on the phone to Will, she sat at the kitchen table and gazed outside at the crystal blue swimming pool, the color reminding her of Zach’s eyes. She thought about all she loved and admired about him—his generosity, his care for Caroline and his family, even if he didn’t spend time with them, he obviously loved them. He was intelligent, talented, capable of running the businesses he owned and she had heard he started all of them, not his father. He was caring and fun, exciting, obviously a risk-taker although that wasn’t a part that held high appeal for her.
As soon as he told Will goodbye, she stood. “Zach, I’m going back to work. I can still get a lot done today.”
Nodding his head, he stood as she left the room. Her back tingled and she was tempted to turn around to stay with him and postpone work, but there was no point and no future in spending a lot of time with him. After this job ended, she did not expect to see him again.
Each day the rest of the week she spent nearly all her time reading the letters. When she returned Sunday night after the weekend at home, she was certain this would be her last week to work for Zach. A new concern nagged her constantly—for the first time, her period was late. They had used protection, so she dismissed the likelihood of pregnancy, but she didn’t know what was wrong. Tuesday morning she called to make an appointment to see her family doctor the following week when she would be at home in Dallas.
Later that day, forgetting time or her surroundings, she read a yellowed letter on crackling paper.
“Zach, do you have a moment? Listen to this letter,” she said. “This one is from your great-grandfather when their first child, a son, was born. Was your grandfather the oldest son?”
“Yes, he was,” Zach said, leaning back in his chair.
She bent over the paper spread on her knees, her hair falling forward around her face.
“My dear sister. Lenore gave me a son today. He is a fine, strong baby and I am pleased. He has my color eyes and his mother’s light hair. He has a healthy cry. I am certain his cries can be heard at the creek.
“With her long hair down Lenore looks beautiful. She has given me life’s most precious gift. I feel humble, because there is nothing as valuable that I can present to her in return. I have done what I hope will please her the most. To surprise her I have ordered a piano for her.
“I wish I could give her fine satin gowns and a palace, but she would merely laugh if I told her my wish. Instead, I hope she likes her piano. It will be shipped to Saint Joseph, Missouri, on the train. I will send four of the boys with a wagon and a team to go to Missouri to pick up the piano. They must protect it from the elements, thieves and all hazards because they will have to cross more than one treacherous river. They have promised they can get the piano and bring it back here.”
Pausing, she looked up as Zach crossed the room to her. “Surely, that letter means something to you.”
Taking the letter from her fingers to drop it back into the box, he pulled her to her feet, putting his arm around her waist. “I still say you’re a romantic.”
“If you destroy these, I think you’ll have regrets.”
“That’s impossible for me to imagine. Today I’m filled with positive moments because I expect a great prognosis when I go to the doctor this afternoon. I think he’ll say I’m healed and can wear regular shoes. After Christmas I want to take you dancing.”
Her heart felt squeezed. She was thrilled while at the same time, that was only postponing their final parting.
“We’ll see when the time comes,” she said, placing her hands on Zach’s chest. She could feel his heart beneath her palms and wondered if his reaction to her was half as strong as how he affected her. His blue eyes darkened with desire, causing her heartbeat to quicken. “You may not be able to dance as soon as you think. What is more likely—you’ll be half a world away by that time.”
“I don’t think that’s why you aren’t accepting, is it?”
“I don’t see much future for us. I think when you fully recuperate, you’ll be gone. You’ll return to life as you’ve always lived it. You have to agree.”
“I might hang around Texas for a while. There are things I can do here. Wherever I am, I can fly home when I want to.”
“I don’t know how you can even call one place home. This is the family ranch, now Garrett’s, not your home. You don’t stay in your home in Dallas,” she argued breathlessly, having to make an effort to concentrate on their conversation when all she could think about was being in his arms and wanting him.
He smiled at her. “I’ll ask again.” Sparks arced between them, the air crackling. Just as it had been between them that first encounter, she was caught and held in his steady gaze that made her even more breathless.
“Zach,” she whispered, sliding her arms around his neck.
He kissed her. Tingles streaked across her nerves. Awareness intensified of every inch of him pressed so close. Holding him tightly, she refused to think about the future, the job ending, her saying goodbye to Zach. Each day she was more in love with him. The world, work, letters, her future, all ceased to exist in her thoughts that focused totally on him.
His kiss turned her insides to jelly, ignited fires, heat sizzling in her. She pressed against him more firmly, taking what she could while he was here in her arms because too soon he would be gone forever.
Finally, she gave a thought to their time and place.
“Zach, there are other people in the house now,” she whispered, wondering if her protests fell on deaf ears.
He kissed her, silencing her conversation. When she felt him tug on her sweater, she grasped his wrists. Breathing hard, he looked at her as she shook her head.
“We’re downstairs. Nigel and Rosie are here. Within the hour you should leave for your flight to Dallas to see your doctor. We have to stop loving now.”
Combing long strands of hair from her face, Zach looked at her mouth. “You’re beautiful. We’ll come back to this moment tonight when I get home.”
“We shouldn’t,” she whispered. “You need to get lunch now before you go.”
“I know what I’d rather do.”
She shook her head. “Lunch is on the schedule.”
“Ok, come eat with me.” She nodded, walking beside him, unable to resist. Through lunch he was charming, making her anxious for his return before he had even left the house.
While he was gone the house was quiet and she read, stopping occasionally to stretch, or pacing the room and reading as she walked.
Late afternoon shadows grew long and she added a log
