"And you?"
"Yes, and me! But Lance, I'll miss you like crazy. You can't kiss me silly, marry me and treat me so wonderful and me not feel something. I'm not a rock, I'm flesh and blood and I do feel things."
"I know sweetheart, I saw that in your eyes in the kitchen this morning. Don't think I won't be missing you either. All the way up the trail and back. Can you promise me you won't leave?"
"That I can promise, I have a job here. And if you chose her and we can't work together, then I'll leave. I won't leave until we settle it between the three of us. When and if we come together, I don't want her in the middle. I want you all to myself. And I want you to be sure. Someone will get hurt in this, Lance, but let's make sure it's the right person."
He slowly nodded. "You're a stubborn woman, Trudy O'Toole."
"It's the Irish in me." She smiled sadly.
"Six months of waiting to make you mine."
"Lance you rushed me to the wedding. Don't rush me to your bed. I never had the pleasure of being courted. I worked all the time. Our wedding is like a beautiful blur to me, it was so rushed. There's a reason men court women, it's to see if time and place all comes together, if they can survive life together. If they are really suited for each other. Six months separated from each other is a long time, but still, if my heart aches as much as it does right now, to be with you I'll know it's right. And if you are sure, I'm the right lady in six months, then I'll be your wife forever. Is that fair?"
"I guess since I rushed you to the alter, it is! But damn it's a long time to wait."
"You courted Priscilla for two years by mail. And look where that got you? If I'm standing here in six months waiting for you to come home to me, then you'll have your answer."
"Alright, but can I court you a little before we leave?"
"Yes, I'd like that." She smiled shyly. "But I will not go to bed with you until you are sure of what you want. Very sure."
&nb
sp; "What makes you so sure I'm not sure."
"You're rushing things again."
"Your worth waiting for, Trudy." He pulled her so he could look straight into her eyes. "And I promise not to rush you into my bed. When you come to me, I want you willing and eager."
"I think making love with you would be the most thrilling thing that could happen. I want you to write Priscilla another letter, but not until you are sure how you feel. Wait at least three months, then write her and tell her what has happened and how you feel. If there is anything between the two of you left, then you and I must get this annulled."
"You're worried that I love her—"
"We haven't known each other long enough to be totally sure. But, no, I'm worried that you aren't sure how you feel yet. And I want you to be very sure."
"What will all of this prove?"
"One, that I can stand being away from you that long. Two that you still want me, not her. And three, that our love can withstand even distance, like you and Priscilla."
"Your right," he nodded slowly. "It will prove many things. But I sure wish you didn't have such a level head."
"I'm used to torture." She smiled.
Chapter Ten
That evening Lance joined her on the front porch, and he brought a guitar with him.
"Oh, do you play?" She asked with enthusiasm.
"He not only plays; he's got quite a voice too." George informed her.
"I'd love to hear you." She told him.
He took the guitar and tuned it a bit then strummed it several times, then he sang her a couple of beautiful songs, something she totally wasn't expecting. His voice was mellow and low, and she sat spellbound listening to him. It sent goosebumps up her arms. The boys enjoyed it too.
Trudy was impressed, she had no idea he could sing.