Inexplicably, the multicolored illuminations had warmth. As if reading her mind, Brax scooped M’lissy’s body up in his arms. I want to ask you something. Snowflakes had begun falling even before she’d left the train station. I think I’m pretty well stuck on you! She’d never actually seen a man faint before, but the one before her seemed to be near that point. ***
The weather was worsening. Teasing and playful banter came as easily as if the two had known each other for years. When the last circle was complete, she pulled the scarf free and tossed it at her feet. Brax lit a kerosene lamp and sat it in the center of the table. I said I’d probably freeze to death before I got home. The woman nearly lost her balance as she fell forward. Instead, his natural, rough-natured humor asserted itself. Implausible as it was, she was falling head-over-heels in love! With high expectations, the mountain sheriff had looked forward to meeting the nurse. M’lissy’s legs trembled as the sound came closer and the threatening tone intensified.
