"You do not and you know it." Caitlin's mood turned somber.
"Dear, are you all right?" Mrs. C looked around. "Wait a minute. Where is that man of yours? Don't tell me you two had a fight?" Her hand rested on the young woman's shoulder.
"No. We're actually doing okay. It's everything else." A deep sigh exited her body.
"I know it deals with Scott MacKay," she said now sitting beside Caitlin. She rested her hand on Caitlin's knee and patted it in a loving, gentle manner. "Ever since he blew into town like tumbleweed, that's all this town talks about. I say good riddance. The townspeople were ready to tar and feather him."
For the first time in twenty-four hours, Caitlin felt like laughing, and she did. The image of Scott in a stockade covered with feathers was very comical. Though the person who was doing this to her was definitely more deserving of the tar and feathers.
"Go find that man of yours and talk to him. Remember, making up is well worth the argument." She raised her eyebrows and mischief gleamed from her eyes. A gentleman's voice interrupted Caitlin from playfully scolding her friend.
"Rachel. Caitlin." Garrett stood tall, his shoulders back as if he could challenge the world and win.
"This is my cue to get to work." Rachel pushed Garrett towards Caitlin. "You two run along and have fun." Before she left she said, "One dance under the stars will seal your fate forever."
Caitlin stared at the ground, her cheeks flushed. She knew Mrs. Carrington meant well, but she wanted to know where Garrett and she would go from here.
"May I join you?" he asked.
"Yes."
Moments passed. When he took her hand, warmth radiated through her body and it reached her heart. Slowly the door began to open, but only a crack. It's as if it sensed a need to remain protected, but from what?
"I'm sorry about last night. I wish I would have been there to help, to protect you."
She squeezed his hand. For the first time he had not sensed her need for help. Though she did not believe in omens, this filled her with fear. Had these events pulled them apart? Would anything bring them together like before?
He took her hand and kissed it and then laced his fingers with hers. For a moment she remained speechless. "You don't mind announcing our relationship today, do you?"