Chapter 22

A month later, Heath had been into town for supplies, and the ride back allowed him time to think. Ever since he and Ellen had talked that afternoon up on the north ridge, he'd felt closer to her. It was almost a relief that she knew he hadn't been in love when they married. Now he didn't have to keep up a front with her. There were times he needed his space, and she gave it to him. He would go out riding, the time spent thinking about the choices he'd made. Ellen never asked questions or where he had gone, but always welcomed him back with open arms.

Ellen was a special woman. Heath had known that even before he'd married her, but it was even more obvious now. He'd heard once that love was a decision. You chose to love someone, but the catch was, they didn't always choose to love you back. That's what had happened with Ella. It still hurt, sometimes worse than others, to see her so happy with Jonathon. She would be having her baby in a few months, and the last time Heath saw her, she was glowing. Heath decided to shift his thoughts away from Ella, thinking instead about his wife.

"My wife," he said to himself with a small smile. "Boy howdy, do I love her."

The admission stunned him, and he halted the horse abruptly. He loved his wife. He loved his wife! Heath grinned. When it had happened, he didn't know, but he knew now that he loved Ellen. Now he had to find ways to show her. How could he make up the past few months to her? They could go on a trip. It was busy around the ranch, but he was sure they could get away for a few days. Maybe go to San Francisco or Sacramento? No...Heath wanted to go someplace where they could be alone, where they wouldn't see anyone else. Heath wanted to show Ellen how much he loved her. Heath's mind bounced around ideas. The lodge would need to be opened soon. Victoria always went up and gave it a good cleaning in the Spring. Perhaps, he and Ellen could go this year and do it for her? Heath's grin widened, and he thought that was perfect. He'd speak with Victoria and Nick, settle the plans, then talk with Ellen. She'd be surprised, and he couldn't wait to see the look on her face when he told her they would be going on a little trip.

It took some juggling, but eventually Heath and Ellen were able to get away and go to the lodge. The weather was perfect with blue skies and the temperature was neither too cool nor too warm. Ellen sat next to Heath on the wagon and took in the sights. She loved the outdoors and had heard many good things about the lodge from the family. She was looking forward to seeing it.

Ellen looked over at Heath who was grinning for all the world like he had a secret. Heath noticed her watching him and winked at her. Ellen smiled, and settled in for the long ride.

By the time they arrived and got one of the bedrooms ready for them to use, it was quite late. Heath wished they'd made it in earlier, but it couldn't be helped. He had everything planned out in his mind and he couldn't wait for the next day. They climbed into bed, letting sleep claim them.

They spent the next day giving the kitchen a thorough cleaning. Heath knew they would be there for several days and didn't see the need in tackling everything at once. After finishing the kitchen, they went for a walk, Heath carrying a small basket filled with a late lunch in one hand. He held Ellen's hand with the other as he guided her over the slightly rough terrain. He was taking her to his favorite spot: a small cliff that overlooked the lake. When they arrived, Ellen looked around with appreciation.

"Oh, Heath. This is beautiful!" she said, taking in the sight.

"It is that, I reckon," Heath replied.

"What do you mean, 'You reckon?'" Ellen asked, looking at him incredulously. She looked back out over the water and said, "I've never seen a sight more beautiful!"

"I can think of a sight that might be even more beautiful."

Ellen turned a questioning gaze back to her husband. With the crook of his finger, he motioned for her to come stand in front of him. She did but couldn't help but wonder what he was up to. Heath sat down and pulled Ellen in his lap.

"All this," Heath said, looking around him, "pales in comparison to the sight I hope to see soon."

"And what sight is that?" Ellen asked, curious as to what he would say, her face just inches from his.

"It's the sight of my beautiful wife, when I tell her that I have fallen in love with her. I know I don't have any right to expect love in return, but I wanted you to know how I felt."

Ellen's eyes widened. Then she burst into tears. Heath had not expected this and wondered what he'd done wrong. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her to himself.

"Ellen? Oh please don't cry, honey. Please? Tell me what's wrong."

Ellen continued to cry against him. Heath's heart knew a moment of fear. What if she didn't love him anymore? What if she'd changed her mind?

"Oh, Heath," she sniffed. He pulled out his handkerchief, and she wiped her eyes. Finally, she looked into his eyes. "I thought I'd have to wait years to hear you say that. I even feared you'd never love me. Heath, I love you so much."

She began to cry again, and Heath held her close, feeling relieved.

"We should head back," Heath said, starting to move.

"Why? We just got here," Ellen replied, slightly upset that Heath was ready to go back so soon.

"Because I want to make mad, passionate love to my wife, and I'm afraid we'll fall off this cliff if we try to do it here. I need you, Ellen. I love you, and I need you."

Ellen smiled and stood up. The trip back seemed to take forever, but when they finally made it back to the lodge, the wait was worth it.

Much later that night, Heath held Ellen in his arms, loving the feel of her next to him. She sighed contentedly one arm draped across his chest. Ellen was just drifting off when Heath got up from the bed.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"I forgot something. Be right back," he called over his shoulder. Ellen sat up and pulled the covers up higher. Heath came back in and climbed in next to her, a small box in his hands.

"This is for you," he said. Ellen raised an eyebrow at him, but took the box, slowly untying the ribbon. Taking off the lid, she gasped at what lay inside.

"Heath," she whispered.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Yes! but Heath. You didn't have to! This is too much!"

Heath took the small ring from the box and placed it on the ring finger of her left hand. It was silver with eight rubies and eight diamonds. Ellen stared in awe at the ring, then looked at her husband.

"You've shown me how much you love me. Now let me show you," she said, kissing him passionately. Heath gladly complied.