Griffin paced the living room. What was taking Melisande so long? Had she fallen asleep on the bed? He ran a hand through his hair. He’d dreamed of entering that room with her, watching her for the expressions on her face and in her eyes.

It had only taken him a couple months of being alone in Wyoming to realize he’d been foolish to leave Melisande behind. Then he’d bought the furniture and set up the purple bedroom just as she’d described it to him that night at Lookout Point — the night he’d kissed her for the first time. Her violet eyes had always drawn him in. He’d never seen eyes that color before and they were beautiful. Melisande’s every emotion shone through them with sparkles, flashes, and storms. He could drown in the depths of those violet pools. The day he’d told her they were over and he’d left, he’d seen the light in her eyes falter. Then they grew dark. He’d seen hurt in there. It had hit him like a fist to the gut, and still, he’d walked away.

The sound of movement at the top of the stairs interrupted his thoughts. He held his breath as he waited, his eyes on the stairway. When Melisande came into view, Adora on her hip, his breath caught in his throat. She must’ve brushed her hair, for now it hung in smooth waves around her face. Even with the dark circles of sleeplessness under her eyes, she was still beautiful. She stopped just a couple feet from the stairs and their gazes locked. Griffin couldn’t breath.

After a moment, his breath returned in a forceful exhale. “What are you doing here, Melisande? Did you come just to let me know about … the baby?”

Fire flashed through her violet eyes. “Her name’s Adora. And she’s only part of the reason for my coming. You left without any explanation and that has been eating me up inside. I can’t figure out what I did wrong.”

Tears pricked the backs of his eyes. “What you did wrong? You did nothing wrong.”

“Then why? I thought you loved me. You told me you did, and I … I gave you something that should’ve waited for my marriage bed.” She squeezed Adora closer to her side.

“I … I’m sorry. I was foolish and stupid, and as much as I wanted you, I … I didn’t want to be tied down.”

The corners of her mouth dipped into a frown and her eyes grew dark again. “Why did you come to Wyoming? What are you doing here?”

“I’m making rustic wood furniture and live-edge tables. I love it here in the mountains. In an area that hasn’t been developed into towns and neighborhoods. I breathe clean air.” His words came quick and he smiled.

She took a step closer to him. “You like being alone.”

His smile slipped. A moment passed. Then, “I did. At first. But I couldn’t get you out of my head.”

“Yet you never called. Not even a text. You haven’t even been back to see your parents.”

“It’s only been a few months.”

“A year, Griffin! It’s been a year. Right after you left, I found out I was three months pregnant. Six months later, Adora was born, and she recently turned six months old. Do the math.” She glared at him with a challenge in her eyes.

Griffin’s gaze dropped to the floor. “A year. How has that much time passed?”

“I guess you really do like it here by yourself.” She strode across the living room toward the kitchen.

Griffin turned and followed. “Where are you going?”

She spun around to face him. “I don’t know. But obviously you’re quite happy here. Alone. You don’t even realize how much time passes. I imagine you don’t need a woman and a child to ruin what you’ve obtained and are so happy with.”

Before Griffin could form a word, Melisande carried Adora through the front door. When it slammed, reality hit him. She was leaving. He ran after her.

“Melisande, wait!”