Page 7

“If you’re concerned about my reaction, don’t be. I’ve carried those rocks, you know.” His easy smile turns serious. “If it’s important to you, and I think it is, you need to check for damage. I’m not a believer in the meaning of stones and that kind of stuff. But I don’t put down people who do. You have the right to believe, to feel however you wish. And,” he drawls the word slowly, “I’m interested in learning more about you. I mean, the stones. Your connection. I⁠—”

His lips press together as though he’s trying to keep from saying anything more. A tiny thrill runs through me. Is he really interested in me? Might the stones be a starting place for us? I sober my thoughts. I can’t allow my hopes to color what I think he says. “Okay. I’d love about a half mug more of coffee if there’s some. You get that and I’ll dig the stones out of my suitcase.”

We meet back on the couch and I take a careful, fortifying sip of the hot brew before spreading five stones on the cushion between us. Studying them, Knight tilts his head.

“Interesting assortment. I was expecting rocks like you’d pick up outside.”

I lift the chunk of amethyst geode and turn it so he can see the rough surface of the rock surrounding the crystals. “Sometimes they are. You have to look inside to find the treasure.”

He takes the amethyst and turns it over and over in his hands, brushing his fingertips across the rough outer stone then the deep purple crystal points. My skin trembles almost like he’s touching me instead. When he sets the stone on the cushion with the others, I start to breathe again.

“This is the same as the one you wear around your throat?”

Curling my fingers around the wire wrapped stone of my necklace, I nod. “Amethyst is one of my favorite stones. It’s supposed to be good for emotional balance.”

“And the rest of these?”

“Mostly internal things, a little luck, and protection.” I touch each stone and name them for him. “The spheres are rose quartz and amazonite, this natural tumbled shape is a tourmaline. The tower is snowflake obsidian.”

“That really does look like snowflakes.”

I lift the tower and rest it against my palm. It’s as tall as my hand is wide and has been in my collection ever since my interest in gemstones began. I trace a finger along one of the cut edges to the point and freeze. “Oh, no.”

Knight leans closer. “What’s wrong?”

As if my denial is enough to make everything right again, I shake my head. “The point. The tip is gone. Broken off.”

Tears burn at the back of my eyes. I will not cry over a broken stone. At least not now, not in front of anyone else. I won’t give him any ammunition to use against me.

“May I see?”

After a moment’s hesitation, I hand him the tower. He studies the jagged stone where the pointed tip used to be. “I’m sorry this happened. There may be a way to repair the damage.”

Hope rises to dry my impending tears. “But… but the tip is gone.”

“I have a grinder that—with your permission—we could possibly use to at least smooth out the sharp edges. Maybe create a slightly different profile while maintaining the integrity of the shape itself.”

“A grinder? For stone?”

“Not exactly for stone. I use it for metal. I’m a metalworker.” He pauses and gives a self-deprecating snort. “A blacksmith. Although I don’t shoe horses. I make blades of various types, as well as some artistic pieces and the odd bit of jewelry. My smallest grinder should work on this.”

A blacksmith? That would account for his broad shoulders and thick, muscular arms. “So, that other building is your forge?”

He nods. “I’ll show you around in the morning and we can work on this if you agree.”

“And you make blades? Like swords? I’ve watched a few shows about that. It’s fascinating. Can I watch you work? I won’t get in the way. Promise.”

He seems surprised by my request. Before he answers I rush to solidify my request. “Really, I’d love to know more about forging. It’s amazing how you can turn a lump of metal into something practical. Or beautiful. Or both.”

Long fingers pressed to his jawline, he rubs his short beard before answering. “I am in the middle of a couple projects. You’re welcome to watch me work and ask questions. That’s not a problem.”

I clap my hands once. Only a few hours of being with him and he’s already sharing his life with me. While after three days existing in the same house, I knew nothing about the man I’d come to marry. The comparison couldn’t be more glaring. “Thank you. That’ll be great. I can’t wait.”

Much to my embarrassment, a wide yawn stops my enthusiasm. Knight chuckles, returns the obsidian tower to the cushion, and stands. “We’ll talk in the morning. I’ll get the bedding.”

He disappears down the tiny hall to the bathroom and I gather my treasured stones. I hate the idea of hiding them away in my suitcase. Dare I take the chance? Better to know now than to allow myself to dream again only to have those dreams implode. With a quick glance toward the hall, I arrange my stones in an empty space on the rough-hewn fireplace mantle. I step back, then make a couple of minute adjustments.

Footsteps sound behind me and I wince before I can control the startled reaction. My face heats and I refuse to look at Knight.