Chapter 67

“You did everything as you were told. If it’s anybody’s fault, it’s mine. I should have prepared you better, or done it myself.”

“But—”

“You are a level-headed, sensible person, Eliza. I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn right now.” He did spin her now, holding her chin and forcing her to look at him. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You couldn’t have done anything differently. I should have been covering the house. Me. It wasn’t your responsibility to account for every deputy’s place, Eliza. You couldn’t have known. I should be down on my knees begging your forgiveness.”

Eliza shook her head, but he dropped to his knees in front of her anyway. “Can you forgive me for endangering your life? For nearly losing you? Because I don’t know if I can forgive myself.”

“Stand up,” she said, tugging on his arm. “Stand up, please, Ford. Don’t do this.”

“Tell me you forgive me.”

“I forgive you. I don’t blame you. Please, stand up.”