She stood, wiggling the cord on the back of the scanner. “If this would just work—”
His hand closed over hers. “Eden.”
She froze.
“I don’t know what’s got you riled up, but I know it’s going to be okay. The refuge will survive without the Monroe funding, don’t you worry. We’ll figure it out.” He placed her hand on his chest. “You...” He shook his head. “You’re what matters to me. You’re brave—fearless, even. And you make me feel... Feel.”
She blinked.
“I started this week worrying about money and the refuge, the horses, life. And now all I can think about is keeping you here.” He swallowed. “Even though I know there’s no way in hell it makes any sense.” He blew out a deep breath.
Her hand tightened on his shirt, gripping the fabric. “It doesn’t. We’re...”
“Complicated,” he said, nodding.
“I n-need to tell you something that will make everything even more complicated.” Her voice wavered as her hand slid from his chest. “And you don’t do complicated.”
“I think I’d do just about anything for you, Eden.” His voice was rough, revealing how hard this was. It would be easier if he could tell her, if he could manage to say the words. Instead he kissed her, softly. His hands were gentle, cradling her against him, asking for permission.
“Archer?” Renata’s voice rang out. “Archer?” And she was upset.
“In here,” he called back, heading down the hall.
“Archer, where’s Dad?” Her eyes were huge, brimming with tears. “River just tore into the yard, but the saddle’s empty.”
He fought back the panic, the crushing fear that gripped him. “He was in the north field. I’ll go.”
He ran into the rain, ignoring the blinding flash of lightning as he climbed into the truck and slid out of the yard.
Chapter Twelve
Eden paced the floor, bounci
ng Lily. It was after ten and she hadn’t heard a thing. She’d sent Clara to the hospital, knowing that’s where she needed to be.
Lily hiccuped, still sniffling.
“She’s having a hard time,” Clark said.
Eden nodded. Her tension wasn’t helping Lily’s fragile state, she knew that. But Archer’s face, the fear in his eyes, had haunted her mind since he’d left the refuge.
“Ivy didn’t do this.” He paused, looking at her. “She didn’t, right? I mean, I don’t remember this.”
Eden shook her head. “No, Ivy didn’t cry much.”
“Didn’t think so.” He seemed relieved. “What can I do?” he asked.
She shook her head.
“Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“But you want to be there?” he asked.
She nodded.
“You like this Archer guy, don’t you?” he asked. “His family?”