He must be in his workshop by now. She let go of the anger she’d held in check since his glance swept over her, and with him safe out of the way, she scoured hard at the hearthstones. Was she such a trouble? Did he not know she was a woman grown? The broom slowed as her temper cooled. She wished he wouldn’t frown so much. Her heart beat swift when she stood beside him. No matter how gruff he seemed, she didn’t think him cruel. He’d not beaten her like he threatened over the mushrooms. She didn’t think he ever would. When she woke this morning, she’d made a decision. She wanted to stay with him. What was it about his eyes that made her believe all his words were true? Why did she want him to be pleased so she could see his smile? She crossed her hands over the handle, rested her chin on the top, and leaned against the broom as the dust motes sailed in the light.
