Margaret stared at her. No response.

“I feel guilty that the boys didn’t have the father they deserved. I feel guilty that in keeping a promise to you it takes time away from them. I don’t feel guilty about Sean’s death. It was his own damn fault. And you’d know that if you actually wanted to know what happened and who Sean really was.”

“He was a good man,” Margaret shouted.

The doorbell rang.

Sarah turned, poured her coffee, and faced Margaret again. “I wish he were the man you think he was.”

Margaret gaped at her.

“I’ll get the door.”

* * *

Luke smiled when Sarah opened the door, but it vanished the second he saw the anger in her eyes and the dark circles beneath them. He didn’t like how pale she looked. “Hey. Are you okay?”

“Not really. I’m sorry. I know we’re taking the kids riding, but they’re not up yet and I’m running a little behind.”

“You look like you’re running on empty.”

She held up her mug. “That’s what this is for.” She gripped his hand and tugged to get him to come in. “Come upstairs. I need to get dressed and wake the boys.”

Luke followed her. “Did you sleep at all?”

“Not really.” She took another big gulp of her coffee.

Luke stepped into her room behind her and found three laptops open and running on the bed. Another lay running on the nightstand. Files and papers littered the bed.

His heart tripped when he spotted the open music box, filled with pictures from the boys and a piece of the wrapping paper and ribbon the box had been wrapped in, among all the work stuff. One of the pictures showed a huge heart that said “I love you.” His heart melted as he remembered that she’d said she’d put her treasures inside. Sarah hadn’t filled the box with jewels. She’d filled it with what was most important to her.

Dressed in blue flannel boxer shorts and a cranberry-colored lace-trimmed camisole, she surveyed the bed with a wistful look.

“Sarah, honey, I’ll take the boys riding and you can stay here and get some sleep.”

“No. I promised them.”

“You need to rest.”

“I will. After our ride. The boys have been looking forward to it. And so have I.”

“Okay,” he reluctantly agreed. “But I’m worried about you.” He’d keep a close eye on her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his, her breasts against his chest. He knew exactly how they felt in his hands, thanks to the many make-out sessions they’d secretly shared during their stolen moments over the last two weeks.

What he wouldn’t give to get her naked and in a bed under him, all that soft skin pressed to him.

He shook off thoughts of deep kisses, soft caresses, and the building desire that needed to be slaked soon.

Luke kissed her softly and held her close because it seemed like she needed some affection and his warmth. “You okay?”