Dreamwalker's Bride - Chapter 379

Chapter 379: Accomodating
Mia’s face burned hot enough to warm the air around her. And probably Ford as well! He didn’t need a coat if her face was fully aflame with embarrassment!

What must he think of her? Turning so close to his face, speaking of his lips! She’d only meant to be kind, to take notice of the fact that he must be chilly as well, but instead…

She gulped. She was playing with emotional fire. Her father seemed to have changed his tune entirely, but even so, would Ford ever accept her?

The spark of hope, of something more, refused to be quashed within her. Her magic had apparently chosen Ford as a suitable husband, and steadfastly stood by that determination. Though the pull abated while she was in physical contact with him, she still found herself wanting to be near him for other reason.

Because she enjoyed it.

His caustic sarcasm and snark had softened into a playful banter. He’d consistently shown deference and care for others, not just herself. She’d seen him discuss whittling with Daniel, and treated the boy with respect when they discussed theories on wights.

He got along well with Grandpa, and her Aunt Anaisa, who treated him more and more now as a brother.

And her father. He hadn’t sneered at Ford even once today!

Was this an actual possibility for her life? Was Ford someone who her family would accept as a match for her?

She knew in her heart the answer was likely to be yes, but the self-consciousness of it all made her attempt to keep her hope in check.

Her heart had not quite gotten the message, however, judging from its rapid, unsteady pounding. Ford’s dark eyes sent her senses flying! It was as if she couldn’t think straight while they stared at her.

It had been like that from the beginning, but for different reasons. She’d been afraid then, that he hated her, and that had bothered her, deeply.

Now, she was afraid of something else. Of the rising tide of emotion in her soul. Of Ford leaving her and the pull being a constant reminder of what she’d lost.

She swallowed her fears and looked forward. Her family was still riding in a loose formation behind them through the forest. No one spoke, likely because Martin’s presence threw off the established social dynamics, and Mia’s place in front of Ford might make it awkward for someone to talk to them both.

Like a couple.

It was true that, apart from Daniel, Mia was the smallest person, and therefore the best candidate to share a horse. She also needed physical contact with Ford to keep her magic from draining, and after the scare she gave everyone, she understood the caution.

Her father’s complete turnaround still baffled her a little bit. Maybe something had happened while she was unconscious, some sort of discussion. Ford had implied as much, telling her that ‘things had changed’, without further elaboration.

That was mildly frustrating.

Not mildly. Very frustrating.

“Sorry,” She said.

“For what?” Ford’s voice was close to her ear, but clearly confused.

“For stealing your coat. Mine’s in my saddlebags,” She explained.

“You didn’t steal it, I put it around you,” Ford shook his head as she spoke. Why was she so keenly aware of his every movement, even without looking at him? “And I’m not that cold.”

“Are you sure?” She was tempted to turn and look at him again.

“My lips are probably always this color,” Amusement tinged his voice, and Mia’s face burned once more.

“They are not,” She mumbled before she could think better of it. She flinched. That came out wrong.

“I suppose I don’t spend that much time looking at them,” He mused. Teasing her. But not unkindly. Flirtatiously!

“I don’t either, but when the change is that drastic, it’s difficult not to notice,” She defended herself.

“Hmm,” He responded, and she desperately wanted to turn and look at his face. To try to guess what he was thinking. Because right now, she hadn’t the foggiest idea, and that was driving her a bit mad.

She could ask, but that might dig her deeper into the hole she already felt she’d dug for herself.

“Let me know if you want your coat back,” She told him instead, and felt the slight rumble of a chuckle in his chest.

“Sure, I’ll let you know,” He said softly.

“I’ll get my own at the midday stop and you can have yours back then, at the very latest,” She promised.

“Sounds fine to me,” He was being incredibly agreeable, aside from the teasing, and Mia sighed.

Her body began to ache from holding so still in the saddle since her faux pas. She’d tried not to disturb Ford by squirming, but it was a little difficult. She needed to stretch.

Trying to be subtle, she shrugged and flexed her shoulders. It wasn’t quite subtle enough.

“Need a break?” Ford’s question was soft. Just for her, not the group. “We’ve been riding a while, and I just realized you might feel cramped without all your normal space.”

Mia wanted to make a face at him, but realized he wouldn’t see it.

Instead of answering, she closed her eyes and searched for the safest place for a midday stop. There was no pull, and she frowned, searching again.

Though they were moving, there was no tug one direction or another, forward nor backwards. At the very least, there was no place any safer than any other. Whether that was good or bad, she couldn’t quite say.

“I’m fine until everyone else needs to rest,” She said at length, though she did take the opportunity to twist her torso slightly in a light stretch, and roll her shoulders a little. One bumped against Ford’s chest, and somehow he managed to scoot backwards and away from her.

“Is that better?”

“You’re very accommodating today,” She observed.

“You make that sound bad,” He teased, and she shrugged.

“As long as you’re being you, it’s not bad. Just make sure you’re not being… something else.”