The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen Page B

she remain single. 
    Although pretty enough, not a woman someone like him would marry. A sharp sadness made her want to pull her hand away and hurry back inside, but she forced her steps onward, keeping up with his slow yet wide strides.
    He spoke without looking at her.  "I find it hard to believe you managed to remain here in Colter Valley and not find a husband.  If that is what you want, of course."
    Confused, she wasn't sure how to respond.  His comment was contradictory to what she'd assumed. How had they arrived at this subject?  Why was he asking her these questions?  His curious nature was making her uncomfortable.  She didn't want to admit out loud what he had to suspect.  She was not a raving beauty, if marriage proposals came, they were more out of necessity than desire.
    "I've always wanted a family.  But some things are not meant to be." She deftly redirected the conversation.  "I can help you with your plans to purchase property. It occurred to me earlier that John Harrison, a widower who owns a small ranch just west of here is selling and moving back east to live with his daughter.  He and his wife lived here in Colter Valley for over twenty years.  Laura died just a couple months ago."
    "Is that so?" His lips curved.  "That is good news indeed.  Would you kindly accompany me to see this gentleman tomorrow?"
    Caught off guard she stumbled forward and he caught her by the forearms.  She put her hand out to catch herself, laying the flat palm against his chest.  Jerrick inhaled sharply, his lips parting and eyes flying to her face. His immediate reaction shocked her and Mary Ellen drew back. 
    "Don't." Jerrick took her hand and replaced it on his chest.  Without words, he communicated how much he needed the touch.
    Mary Ellen wanted to fall against him, instead she slid her gaze from where her hand lay against his chest up to his face.  He watched her with interest, his eyes darkening with what she could only construe as awareness.
    "May I kiss you, Mary Ellen?"
    The question so caught her off guard that she yanked her hand away and gasped.  "What?"
    He leaned forward, closer.  "You heard me."
    What was the proper reply?  Yes, of course, she wanted him to kiss her.  There was little she wanted more than for his lips to touch hers.  Yet she wasn't sure what he'd think if she blurted out a resounding yes.
    "You think too much."  Jerrick took her shoulders and his mouth covered hers.  Mary Ellen closed her eyes and for a brief moment everything except Jerrick was gone.
    Charlie looked up from the chair where she sat musing about the past day's events as Mary Ellen walked in.  There was a strange look about her, as if she were in a daze.  Her friend held her head cocked sideways, and her eyes were glazed over.  Without hesitation, Charlie rushed to her.  "Mary Ellen?"
    "Yes?" It took several blinks before her eyes leveled on Charlie's.  "What is it?"
    "That is precisely what I was about to ask you.  Are you ill?  You have this strange look about you.  Did something happen?" Charlie looked past her to the doorway.  "Something scare you?"
    "No, nothing like that.  It's just been a strange day."
    Something was off.  Mary Ellen never lied, but at the moment she did.  Her face flushed with color, she turned away toward the kitchen.  "I best get the dishes washed."
    "Stop right there," Charlie rounded her, blocking her path.  "I already cleaned up." She leaned forward and narrowed her eyes.  "What happened outside?"  A sneaky suspicion it had to do with Jerrick Black tingled at her senses. 
    It was apparent the man made the usually sensible Mary Ellen flustered.  She'd tried to hide it, but after living with her for several years, it was obvious to her.  Charlie was willing to bet, Joe suspected Mary Ellen was smitten with Jerrick as well.
    Mary Ellen's hands went to her hair and she patted it into place.  "Honestly, Charlie, I don't know what to tell you.  Nothing happened