Nineteen

He was glad that this year was still warm at this time in autumn.  Matthew had gone riding when he could not get the picture of Kara kissing Brad’s cheek out of his mind.  He had wanted to shove Brad away and pull her possessively into his arms.  She was his.  In her anger and passion, in her laughter and tears; he wanted her to belong to him and no one else.

Business on the ranch had kept him from visiting her, though he had wanted to before now, but he had forced himself to stay away when he walked into the house late in the evenings.  This time of year they all worked until late to get everything done for the winter.  She had things keeping her busy too and undoubtedly she was also exhausted when she walked into her house in the evenings. 

He knew with her situation she probably had more to do and more on her mind than he did.  And though he had considered offering her help he was not sure if she would accept it; she was