Hushed Willows world enough, and time

True to Eleuthera's thoughts, Kincaid was in the process of convincing himself this was just another fling — oddly out of season, but temporary all the same. In this way, he would protect himself from further misery, even if it made the current situation less of a balm on his soul. (It was not, he reminded himself, this woman's business or responsibility if he got his heart broke.)

I have, said Kincaid, his voice quietly troubled. Eleuthera would likely be able to read the worry in his eyes, if she happened to look up into his face. I wouldn't blame you for leavin', little darlin'. In fact, I want you to come away with me right this moment.

He settled a foreleg protectively over her lilac withers. But if you won't — I think I better stay a spell, jus' until things settle down.

Kin's head whipped around at the sound of another's approach. He still just as swiftly, briefly standing over Eleuthera before he disentangled himself an put a proprietary inch or so between them.

Ma'am, he greeted with a polite dip of his head. I'm Kincaid. A friend of Eleuthera.