“You should have thought to ask.”

      “You wanted me to create an environment for Laura that would be acceptable to the St. Clairs.” She straightened her spine. “I can tell you right now that if Winchester Falls doesn’t get a church, it won’t become a place the St. Clairs will consider suitable.”

      He sat there, staring at her. She would not look away.

      “You still should have consulted me first. As an equal partner.” He said the last few words quietly, so faint that she had to strain to hear them.

      “You are right.” And he was. She was barging ahead without thinking, but if he had done the same to her, she would have been furious. “I apologize.”

      “Apology accepted.” He stuck his hand out down the length of the table. “They can have the land. Do we have a truce?”

      She took his hand in hers. His was rough and calloused, the hand of a man who worked long, vigorous hours, using reserves of strength and vitality.

      She pulled away sharply, suddenly aware that she had let her hand rest in his for longer than absolutely necessary.