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“The hat looks fine”

“Thank you for buying it for me,” Lorna offered “I really like it”

“You’re welcoiven, he moved away

It was going to be difficult to make the overture when he was so determined to keep his distance from her She understood why, but that didn’t make her decision any easier to carry out She hoped she had the boldness to see it through

Her earlier calht all over again All through supper, the little flutterings in her sto dishes, Lorna saw Benteen go to the wagon for his bedroll, which she had hidden away

The last dish was handed to Mary to dry, and Lorna iping her hands on her skirt when Benteen walked over She felt the mad race of her pulse, caused by either anticipation or apprehension Part of her wasn’t sure She had difficulty aze

“What did you do with my bedroll?” He kept his voice down for only Lorna to hear “I can’t find it”

“I put it away” The casualness was forced “You won’t be needing it”

She hoped he would take the subtle hint and not expect her to be more explicit When she started to turn away, his hand was on her arm to stop her

“Why won’t I need it, Lorna?” His dark gaze searched her face for the answer

“Why would you, if you’re going to be sleeping in the wagon?” Her attempt at a smile trembled with nervousness

“Is that where I’?” Benteen asked huskily

“Yes,” she said, and took a deep breath “I want you to be my husband, Benteen”

She felt herself being drawn into hiather her into his arms and take her on the spot, the desire for possession was so overpowering in his look Then his glance swung i on the horizon She couldn’t hold back her nervous laugh It stopped abruptly when he looked at her again There was a h and deaze seemed to read her doubt

“I’ll make it beautiful for you,” he murmured