“I saw the plums.” She glanced by the door to the basket filled with the wild fruit. “Thank you for finding them for me.” Maybe this time she’d have to save the profits for herself . . . just in case she took Astrid to the hospital in Denver.

He shrugged. “I found a couple of trees, and it didn’t take long to pick ’em clean.”

“And thank you for the puppy for Astrid. I know she’s been wanting a kitten, but I think the dog is actually a better pet for her right now.”

“I’ll get her a kitten too. But she might have to wait ’til spring.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Every barn needs a cat or two.”

“True enough.”

His fingers tightened against hers, sending a shiver down her backbone. When he rubbed his thumb over her hand, all she could think about was the kisses they’d shared in the bedroom and how much she liked them. Did he want to kiss her again?

Her breath stuck in her throat at the possibility. If he made the least move to do so, she wouldn’t resist.

“It’s not the plums or the puppy. It’s something else.” In the next heartbeat, he tugged her down. She shifted to sit on the bench next to him, but he guided her so that she found herself on his lap, her shoulder brushing his brawny chest. Her fingers tingled with the memory of running her hands so boldly over his shoulders and arms. Being so near only made her want to do it again. Yet she didn’t dare do something so brazen and held herself stiffly, uncertain what to expect.

He dug into his inner vest pocket and pulled out a small item. “I had a last little nugget of gold I’ve been hanging on to. And I finally figured out what I wanted to use it for.”

Her pulse pattered to a stop and a sputter of worry took up rhythm instead.

“I was planning on waiting a couple more weeks to give it to you. But now’s as fitting a time as any.” He lifted her left hand and slipped off the wedding band Mr. Steele had given to them. Wyatt’s expression was grave, his concentration intense, which made the drumbeat of worry inside pound louder.

He placed the old band on the table. Then he held her hand and slipped on the new.

“Oh my.” She took in the gold band engraved with twisted leaves that alternated green and yellow gold. “It’s beautiful.”

“Are you sure? The store in Leadville had slim pickings, but I was hoping it’d be alright.”