He raised a cocky eyebrow at her. “Who would you get to kill me? You can’t stand to hurt a worm.”

“You mention Deputy Porter again, I’ll make an exception.”

“Good luck with that. I plan to live forever.”

“No one lives forever.”

“I might not live forever, but I do plan to live long enough to break the record of being the oldest person to ever live.”

Alanna’s eyebrows climbed. “How old is the current record holder?”

“One hundred and twenty-two years and a hundred and sixty-four days.”

Her eyebrows climbed higher. “You want to live to be over one hundred and twenty-two years?”

“Don’t you?”

Alanna looked toward where her bobber was floating in the water. “I’ve never thought about it. My parents both died young. I’ve never pictured myself as an old woman.”

“You think you’re going to die young?”

Matthew saw her slightly nod.

“You’re not,” he said confidently. “You’re going to live forever, like me. I’m going to share the secret to longevity with you.”

Alanna turned to smile at him from over her shoulder. “Tell me, oh wise one,” she mocked.

Studying her, Matthew saw the deep sadness in her eyes. He had to grip his fishing pole to keep from pulling her protectively into his arms. Instead, he looked around, pretending he was afraid of listening ears, then lowered his voice. “Love,” he whispered as if it were a state secret.

“Love?” she scoffed at him. “How does that make you live longer?”

“Because your memory never dies in the ones you leave behind. With all my brothers, Ginny, and all the children I plan to have, I will live into infinity.”

Alanna lay back on the blanket, setting her fishing pole next to her. “How many children do you plan to have?”

“I plan to outdo my dad. I’m going to have ten children.”

“Do all your family members want large families?”

“Yes, that’s why we work so hard, so we won’t have to sell any land off. We want to have our own little town.”

“That makes sense; you all had a happy childhood and want to share the same experience with your own children.” Alanna curled onto her side, laying her cheek on her arm.

Matthew rested his weight on his elbow to stare down at her. “How many children do you plan to have?” Matthew saw her lashes fan across her cheek when she closed her eyes.

“None.” She opened her eyes. “I can’t have children.”

Matthew felt as if someone had just snuck up behind him and stabbed him in the back.

“You can’t or won’t?” he asked hoarsely.

“Can’t.”