The gesture reminiscent of their early days, when simple, affectionate touches were common, made her heart ache. Evie blinked back tears. The back of his fingers left a trail of tingling nerves across her cheek. She allowed it, savoring the moment then stepped back.
“I get the feeling you don’t believe that.” His voice sounded hoarse, shaded with mockery. She shook her head, unable to speak. He’d traded on her love too many times before and her trust was frail.
“Fine, you won’t have to worry about our poor neighbors any longer because we won’t be here. It’s time we moved on.”
Anxiety made it hard to breathe. The thought of starting all over yet again was almost unbearable. “No.”
“What?”
“I’m not moving.”
“Don’t be foolish.”
“I’m not.”
His head tilted slightly to one side, he studied her. “Do you want to see me arrested?”
“For gambling?”
Ben held her gaze but didn’t say a word. The sick feeling she’d tried to ignore for so long threatened to overwhelm her. She sensed he was waiting for her to ask, to bring things out in the open.
“The sheriff suspects you of something?”
“After last night, it’s just a matter of time.”
“What did you do?” Disappointment tasted like ashes in her mouth.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
His tone set her teeth on edge. “Of course not.”
“Good then-”
“If this is how you want to live then it’ll be without me. I want no part of it.”
“But I’m your husband.” His expression incredulous, he stared at her as if she’d grown horns.
“Yes, I know.”
“Do you know what would happen if I abandoned you? Do you really want to find out how vulnerable a woman alone is?”
“I already have.” The dreadful pressure around her chest increased. She crossed her arms over her stomach. “Last night.”
Silence stretched between them. For a long moment, the only sound came from the wind blowing through the branches of a straggly oak tree near her. Despite the warm spring day, she shivered.
“Look, Evie I … I’m sorry about that.”
Though his words felt sincere when he stepped toward her she put one hand in front of her, palm out. “Please don’t.”
“All right.” Ben stilled. “Just hear me out. We’ll start fresh. We’ll-”
“Own land as far as the eye can see and you’ll build us a grand home? I’ve heard this before.”
“It’ll be different this time.”
Evie fought the urge to cry. “Like it was supposed to be when we lost the boarding house in Montana, the saw mill in Salmon or the little farm right outside Cedar Ridge?”
“I’ve learned from my mistakes.”
“You were passed out in the barn a few hours ago.”
“What do you want me to do?” His hands clenched at his sides and his voice sounded edgy.
“Stop lying to me. Stop cheating people. And please, please stop doing whatever it is you’re doing that has the sheriff asking questions and is driving you to drink. Remember your dreams? Riding the range in the Wild West? You could make that happen. We have good land. We could have a good life here if you’d just-”
“I can’t chase those dreams here.”
“You won’t know unless you try.” Her tone fierce, Evie scowled at him.
“We have to move.”
“Don’t give up, please Ben.”
“We don’t have a choice anymore.”
“Yes, we do.” Tired and cranky, Evie snapped. “I do.”
“I sold it.”
Her vision blurred. A headache pulsed to life, pounding behind her eyes. “You did what?”
“I sold it.”
“Our home?” Her voice trembled, a whisper, barely audible. Dazed, she stared at him. “How could you do that?”
“I did what I thought was best.”
“Without even discussing it with me?”
“It had to be done and I didn’t want to argue.”
Tears clouded her vision. “You knew I wouldn’t agree.”
“Doesn’t matter, it’s done.” The note of finality in his voice made her stomach clench. “We’re moving as soon as possible.”
Her poise precarious, it took her a second to respond. In a voice soft, but clear, she forced words out. “You are. I’m not.”
“You can’t stay here.”
“Yeah, you made sure of that.” Sick at heart, she averted her face, looking away.
“Evie-”
“I guess that explains the money.” A short burst of ugly laughter escaped her. “I should be relieved it came from a lawful source, shouldn’t I?”
“Sweetheart, I just-”
The gentle coaxing tone caused tears to spill down her cheeks. “No. Excuses.” She choked out, his attempt at softness now made her want to hit him. Pride kept her upright but she couldn’t take anymore. “Just go.”
Ben stood, studying her silently for a long moment then turned and walked away. Evie stiffened when she heard him pause for a few seconds a short distance up the trail. “I do love you.”
His words sparked a heated response. As the sound of his footsteps faded, Evie kicked the basket hard, sending it flying over the rocky bank. She snatched the flannel up and threw it in the creek with a hoarse cry. Her chest heaved. Tears streamed down her face. She collapsed on the ground and wept until it hurt to breathe.
When the emotional storm passed, Evie got to her feet, slow like an old woman. Her hands rubbed her temples as she tried to ease her vicious headache. She shuffled over to the creek, bending down to splash water on her hot face and her swollen eyes. As she straightened, she noticed the shirt she’d flung, tangled on a fallen log some distance downstream. She made no effort to retrieve it. The sweet connection she’d felt moments earlier had soured.
Dread stalked within as she headed back to the cabin. Her steps dragged. The steady breeze chilled her despite the bright sun. She swayed on her feet, exhausted, though it’d been a short walk to the simple log structure. Still and quiet, it seemed to reflect her loneliness.
Her gaze swept the area. As she’d expected, the pasture appeared empty. He’d left. Arms crossed, her hands rubbed over her upper arms.
Ben wasn’t coming back.
Worn, weary, she felt hollow inside.
All of a sudden, Evie heard shouting in the distance from the direction of the road. Her heart raced. She gathered her skirt up enough to run, dashed into the cabin, grabbed the rifle then peeked outside. No one had ridden in.
An ominous feeling settled in her gut. Warily, Evie stepped outside. Normal day sounds greeted her as she slowly scanned the surroundings. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. Though she knew it wasn’t wise, she headed