She gave his arm a small squeeze. "I wish I could take you with me," she mused. "But I think California might be a bit far for someone with a family he cares about in Virginia."

For however long that lasted. Which reminded her...

"I've been thinking," she said. "As much as I'm able to think, anyway. And someday, I do want you to come west with me. I suppose you could say I have a business proposition for you." She giggled. "As they say."