The ride wasn’t long. They looped down, following the fence, crossing the bridge, then skirting around the refuge and back to the Lodge. He wasn’t sure when Ivy fell asleep, but the sight of her sprawled across Eden’s lap made him content. About the only thing that could make it better was hearing Eden say they’d stay.
The strands of light cast the wagon’s inhabitants in a soft glow. But he saw only Eden. Her fingers stroked through Ivy’s curls, her own long hair swaying in the evening breeze. She was listening to Deacon as he strummed his guitar and sang some classic coun
try tunes.
When they got back to the Lodge, he tied River to the hitching post, then hurried over to lift Ivy into his arms before Eden had a chance to climb down from the wagon.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He stared down at her, wishing he were better with words. He nodded, carrying Ivy up the steps and inside the Lodge.
Eden offered. “I can take her.”
“You can get the door,” he said, waiting for her to open the door to her suite. Once they were inside, she tugged back the sheets and blanket. He stooped, placing Ivy gently on the bed before Eden covered her with a fluffy pink blanket.
Ivy yawned, gave them a bleary-eyed smile and rolled over. “Night, Momma. Night, Dr. Archer.”
“Sweet dreams,” Eden said, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Archer felt that strange warmth again. A contentment both new and comfortable. Eden brushed past him to check the crib. Her scent filled his nostrils, stirring every nerve to life.
“Lily’s sound asleep,” she whispered.
He nodded, still reeling from the effect she had on him. Was this normal? To be so struck by her that thoughts, words and simple actions became difficult? At the moment, he was aware of how alone they were. How good she smelled. How badly his arms—he—ached to pull her close. But first, he needed to know. “Eden?” he whispered.
Her gaze locked with his.
“You’ve been dodging me all night.” His voice was low, soft. “What happened? What changed?”
She shook her head.
He stepped forward, frowning down at her. “Something changed.”
“Things... Everything has changed,” she murmured.
“It has?” His voice was gruff, anticipation swelling in his chest.
She clasped her hands in front of her. “If I stay, I want it to be for the right reasons.”
He couldn’t stop his smile. It was involuntary, uncontrollable, and it felt good. Damn good. “What would the right reasons be?”
Her eyes went round, her breathing shallow. “I’m still working that part out.”
He stepped back, needing space before he lost his head and gave in to temptation. If he started kissing her, he wasn’t going to stop. “Let me know when you’ve worked it out.” He nodded and walked out of the room.
* * *
“I NEED BOOTS,” Ivy announced as Eden navigated the stroller through the crowd. The main square of Stonewall Crossing was covered with tents and tables, craft booths and small stages set in each corner for evening entertainment. Market Days and the Labor Day holiday had Stonewall Crossing buzzing with activity.
“Boots?” she asked.
“Lily, too,” Ivy said, looking up at her.
“We’ll see.” Eden smiled at Clara.
“Boots?” Clara shook her head.
“Boots everywhere,” Ivy said. “Blue ones and brown and pink and red...” She kept going.