Chapter 13 - Section 1

Once at the well, Bryant began examining Rayna’s hand tenderly. The already raw skin was deeply burned and Bryant’s heart ached in anticipation of how badly it must hurt. He longed to take away all the pain - not only of this accident, but of the injustices done to her, to restore her to her family and true life. If he could, he would bear every burden she ever had on himself. But he knew that was not possible, so he tried as gently as he could to care for her, using the salve Raygan had brought out for them.

But in his distracted state, he must have let more of his feelings show than he intended, for it was in those moments - the soft touches, the gentle caress - when Rayna became aware and saw the first signs of his true affection. Not by Divine revelation as he had hoped but through the bleeding of his heart for her pain.

He recognized his error when she gently pulling her hands away from his tender care and began taking charge of soaking the injured hand in the cool well water herself. All the while intentionally diverting her gaze from him leaving him to only sit and watch her.

What was she thinking? How would she respond? Should he press the matter now that she knew?

For several moments, they sat silently as she treated her hand with salve and water as Raygan had instructed. When finally the time came that she needed his help to wrap it, he ventured into opening a door to his feelings with her.

“Are you in much pain?” She shook her head as she fought back tears, indicating the truth more clearly than her words or actions could. Securing the wrap at her wrist, he held her hand, “Rayna, I care deeply for you. If I could take away this pain I would.” Taking her good hand, he placed it on his chest, “My heart aches for the pain you are enduring, not only from this burn, but all that has happened. I want to take care of you, protect you, love you...”

He was interrupted by Rayna’s sudden standing. Wide eyed, she wrenching her hand from his as if he was the fire that burnt her. And before he could say anything more, she turned and ran down the path leading behind the cottage.



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