It absolutely would be the first time a man had ever used that kitchen. His unfamiliarity with a wood stove might make the oatmeal nearly inedible, but Nell didn't care.

"Not like Cup Noodle is hard," she teased. "I just had to heat up water."

She stroked his face and kissed him again. "Will you make love to me?" she whispered. "Out here under the stars, on my land? I want to be with you here and then sleep curled up in your arms while Soulwood watches over us both."