When they had gotten further away from the main part of his property, she said, “I’ve enjoyed me stay here. Ye have good people wit’ ye.” She wanted to hear his voice, not that the silence was uncomfortable between them. In fact, it seemed a companionable silence for the most part, but there was something about talking to him that made her feel happy.

“Me brother has a mount named Jenny. While she isn’t a horse, she is close enough to one that I’m comfortable around them. I just never rode before.” Her eyes moved to his face again and she swallowed. Lord, he was getting to her.

She continued to walk along side him and the mare while they talked. Finally, she just tilted her head at him. “Lorn, I…” she started and then stopped, feeling unsure of herself at the moment.

She had been fighting it, but now she felt the urge to confess her... not love, but the admiration of him. She not only enjoyed his company, but he made her feel again after being so numb. She had realized her mistake with Fred, but it was necessary that it happened. It made her slow down a little bit, and let herself heal. Lorn made her feel alive again in his company, and for that, she broke her silence. "Lorn, there is somethin' I need ta tell ye, but... I don't want ye to take it the wrong way." Her words were so very quiet that it was almost hard to hear. She stopped walking and instinctively tugged the reins and said, "Woah," like she had heard her brother do.

Karen took a deep breath and then let it out. "I admire ye, Lorn."