steady patience of her gaze had him trying again. "i love you, caroline. jesus." he had to take a moment to be sure he had his balance. "i love you," he said again, and it was easier. in fact, it was just fine. "i've never said that to a woman. i don't expect you to believe me."

"i do believe you." she lifted her lips to his. "it means more that it cost you some effort to get it out."

"i s'pose it'll get easier."

"i s'pose it will. why don't we go on back to the house so you can practice?"

"sounds reasonable." he whistled for the pup as he slipped an arm around caroline's waist. "this time you didn't answer me."

she laughed up at him. "didn't i? how about a simple yes?"

"i'll take it." he scooped her up as they stepped into the sunlight. "did i ever tell you about one of my great-great-aunts? might've been three greats. her given name was amelia. that's a nice soft name, don't you think? anyway, she ran off and eloped with one of the mcnairs back in 1857."

"no, you didn't tell me." caroline hooked an arm around his neck. "but i'm sure you will."