Country Romance - Carolyne Aarsen Page 0,64

he dropped onto the couch. Far enough from Adele to keep the distance they had spoken of yesterday, yet close enough that if she wanted, she could reach out and touch him.

"I would hope so, after spending that much time outside."

"It was good for them. I'm glad we could do that."

Adele caught his grin as she remembered that moment in the snow. Though they hadn't kissed, she had felt as if they had.

"Me too," she said. "Though I had to change my shirt, I got so much snow down my coat."

"Serves you right for pushing me around like that."

"Just asserting myself."

"And I'm asserting myself and asking you to come and sit closer to me," he said, grinning at her.

"Bully," she said, but she moved up beside him, snuggling up against him.

"I know we said we should be careful, but I'm thinking things are moving in a good direction. Am I right?"

She was quiet, thinking of the shift in plans she was contemplating.

Though part of her tried to tell herself it was for Dean, it was for herself and Wyatt as well.

"You're right," she said, resting her head on his shoulder, her arm twined through his. Though she wanted to kiss him, right now this felt even better. His hand stroked hers, making gentle circles on her skin.

And as they sat there, just touching, she realized that she missed this connection even more than the more sensual kiss. This ordinary being together. A connection, a peaceful bonding.

"This might seem odd, but I feel like I shouldn't be staying here at the ranch. Now that the roads are cleared."

He was quiet a moment, then she could feel his chuckle. "I think you're right. And with Ruby coming back, it might look better."

"I just don't want to create gossip," she said.

"So you'll be leaving tomorrow?"

"Actually, I'm going tonight." Adele was reluctant to leave. She knew the sooner she left, the better it would look for everyone. "I've got my stuff packed up."

"And then?"

He threw the words out casually, but she knew where he was going. Could feel the tension in the arm curled around her.

"I'm sticking around. For a while." She tacked on the last words as a gentle out. A way of evading a complete commitment that frightened her even as it appealed. It was a delicate tightrope she was walking. Letting Wyatt know she was open to whatever may happen, yet giving herself space. Old fears still haunted her.

They made her need to be the one in control of the leaving.

"Okay. I don't like the idea of you traveling in the dark, but I can see your point." He seemed to relax as he spoke.

She was glad about his cooperation. She’d been reluctant to tell him, but she knew it would be for the best.

"You'll be leaving Dean here though, right?" His quiet question held a leaden weight.

Adele realized the import of the situation. She had come here with Dean for that very reason. To leave him here. But now that she was moving out, it felt so final.

"Of course," she said. "This is his home. I explained things to him this afternoon. He was unhappy. I think that's why he was crying about missing his mom, but afterward he realized that this is where he'll be staying."

"He's such a sweet kid," Wyatt said. "Sally did a good job with him. I wish...I wish I could have known her despite our first meeting."

The mention of her friend's name created another flicker of sorrow. "I wish you could have too. She grew up a lot after Dean was born. Or so she tells me."

"Anyway, I hope he's okay," Wyatt said. "I'm sure he'll have some sad times, but he won't be alone."

An unspoken question hovered under Wyatt's words.

Would Adele be here?

"I'm sure he will too," Adele said, her heart still pierced at Dean’s sorrow. But even as she spoke, she thought of the girls. "What about Maya and Maria? They also seemed pretty upset about their mother."

Wyatt eased out a sigh. "I don't know why. They were six months old when Theresa left. They don't remember her."

"Oh. From the way they were crying I thought they genuinely missed her."

"I have a feeling they were picking up on Dean's sadness. Figured they may as well join in. Not that I want to belittle or demean their tears, but they haven't seen Theresa since she left and have never cried about her before."

This surprised Adele. "Not at all?"

Wyatt's hand tensed on hers, tightened its