I know enough," Caleb shifted his gaze to Rosalind, but she wouldn't meet his eyes. She had dropped her head and rounded her shoulders. So he moved in front of her and took her hands in his. "I know that we all make mistakes and shouldn't cast stones. I know that I love her with all of my heart and want to build a life with her if she'll have me.

I love you, Rosalind Kemp. You. The woman who is kind to lonely old ladies and ornery boys.

Running wouldn't make her free. It would only further entangle her. True freedom could only be gained by trusting God and standing fast in his strength. Like David facing Goliath. Or Esther Standing uninvited before the king.

God will give us strength. You'll see. If we stand fast in him, we can overcome anything.

His chest tightened. This was what he wanted. The chance to make her happy, to see her eyes light up, to share little moments like this with her for the rest of their days.

He kept his hands to himself and made a show of watching the horses, but all of his attention focused on Rosalind.

He wanted to touch her, to clasp her hand or stroke her cheek, but he settled for holding her gaze, not wanting to jeopardize the fragile closeness blooming between them.