R age unlike any other Matt had ever felt threatened to choke him. How long had she been carrying this burden? Blaming herself for circumstances well beyond her control? Matt forced himself to remain as outwardly calm as possible. One wrong move, one wrong word and she would bolt. He wasn’t about to let that happen .
Not now. He kissed her lightly, just a quick brush against dark red curls. He wondered if she had even felt it. Her breathing even out against his chest and she unconsciously snuggled closer .
Matt’s fate was sealed in that instant and he knew it. She just fit right exactly where she was. Matt wasn’t about to let her go. Not any time soon. And not until he absolutely had to .
Matt held Pip, absurdly touched at seeing her small body curled there on the hay. The exhaustion she felt showed beneath her eyes and in the depth of her sleep. He thought about waking her or carrying her inside, putting her in her own bed where she belonged, but when Wind Lover whickered, he knew he couldn’t do that. The two were so bonded the horse needed Pip nearby. And Pip would never forgive him if he took her inside. That left only one option. He pulled the spare blanket from the shelf and tossed it over her .
There was plenty of room left for him. He took advantage of it, sitting beside the woman and thinking for a very long time .
She didn’t open her eyes again until he shook her awake just in time for them to watch Wind Lover bring her first filly into the world .
Matt just held her as they watched .