Nell could feel him relax and that let her relax even more. "You can hunt for a deer," she said murmured. "And we didn't have to have oatmeal if you don't want. It's a lot trickier on a wood stove."

She turned her head enough to kiss him, lingering for another moment. "Thank you for coming with me. And for understanding."

Not that she'd thought he wouldn't. One of the things she loved most about him was his acceptance of whatever she needed. He didn't try to tell her what to do or what she should do or protect her from the things she needed to do. He was just there, by her side, supporting her with whatever she needed.