"As confused as you. I don't know what I'm doing."
"That's it?"
"No. I'm scared I might lose you, and right this minute that's all that matters. What are you feeling?"
Sara sighed.
"That it's so right to be with you."
"Then let's be together, as much as we can."
Sara's eyes searched Kerney's face.
"Does that mean you want a relationship with me? Something more than time together every year or two, when we can fit it in?"
"I want as much of you as I can get."
"Seriously?" Sara asked quickly.
Kerney swallowed hard.
"I'll do whatever it takes to keep you in my life."
Sara's hard look faded, replaced by a soft smile. She moved to him, put her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his chest.
"That sounds like a plan. Take me to bed, Kerney. We can work out the details later."
Kerney grasped Sara's waist and pulled her close. He could feel a smile spread across his face.
"Is that the relationship you have in mind?"
"Partially"
In the bedroom, Sara snuggled against Kerney's shoulder.
"That was lovely," she said.
"Exceptionally lovely."
"Maybe we should just stay lovers," Sara said.
"We could see each other as time allows, write, vacation together."
"Sort of a non nuptial agreement?"
"You don't like my idea."
"It doesn't feel right."
"So marry me," Sara said.
"Seriously?"
"If you're game."
"Just like that?"
"Say yes before I back out, Kerney."
"Yes."
"I want to get married at my parents' ranch," Sara said.
"We've got three weeks to pull it off."
"Have you ever been to Ireland?" Kerney asked.
"You want a honeymoon trip, too?"
"Why not?"
"This is scary, Kerney."
"Let's do it anyway."
"I bought you a present."
"What is it?" Kerney asked.
Sara turned on the bedside lamp, got up, and walked to the dresser.
Kerney forgot about the gift as Sara moved across the room. She was incredibly sexy.
She came back and handed him a package.
"What is it?" he asked again.
"Open it."
Kerney pulled himself into a sitting position, unwrapped the package, saw the drawing of Hermit's Peak, and knew it was Erma's work.
"My God, it's beautiful.
She did it from the mesa."
"You think so?"