Chapter 6 I was close enough to see the weariness and regret etched on Ryders face as he spoke .
My heart felt like it cracked open , letting in a biting wind that sent shivers through me .
I wanted to run , but my foot crunched on the snow , betraying my movement .
I turned back .
His comrade , sensing the awkwardness , discreetly moved away .
Ryder looked at me , his dark eyes intense , his voice unexpectedly urgent .
What are you doing here ? How long have you been here ? I forced my voice to sound even .
I came with the other wives .
Just arrived .
Ryders furrowed brow eased slightly , as if relieved .
Before he could speak , Autumn Searss voice cut through the air .
Ryder , were almost done ; we only have half the saplings left .
Autumn looked surprised to see me , then offered an apology .
Claire , Im sorry .
I didnt know youd be here .
Im new to Southern Command , so I asked Ryder to help me .
Dont misunderstand .
She wont , Ryder said , cutting me off .
I lowered my lashes , giving a light smile .
Yes , Uncles right .
I understand .
Ill go plant saplings by myself .
I picked up my tools and moved to another area .
Ryder watched me go , his gaze darkening , that earlier unease returning .
He blurted out , Since youre here , join us .
< Chapter 6 A fleeting shadow crossed Autumns eyes , quickly masked by a smile .
Yes , Claire , let Ryder and I help you .
I couldnt refuse .
We started planting .
It was my first time , and I was clumsy .
My hands started aching after a few minutes- from the cold or the digging , I wasnt sure .
Suddenly , a warm touch .
Ryders large hand covered mine , guiding my grip on the shovel .
Why are you so clumsy ? I showed you how to hold a shovel before .
Have you forgotten ? I paused .
He had .
Back in high school , Id heard that tying wishes to a silk tree brought good luck .
I bought a silk tree sapling to plant in the yard but developed blisters in less than two minutes .
Ryder scolded me for my superstition but , seeing my pleading expression , patiently taught me the right way to hold a shovel .
Ryder , this willow keeps falling over .
Could you help me steady it ? Autumns voice broke my train of thought .
Ryders touch was gone .
He went to help Autumn , Soon , their playful banter filled the air .
I focused on my work , digging , planting , filling the holes .
By the end of the morning , my back ached , but I felt a sense of accomplishment looking at the rows of saplings in the snow .
I was leaving this place soon , but I hoped these saplings would thrive .
11:37 < Chapter 6 Menu Just as I would grow and contribute to my country .
Around noon , the sun peeked through the clouds , offering some warmth .
I joined the others for lunch .
I instinctively asked for two boxes , but then saw Autumn serving Ryder and changed my mind .
One , please .
I found a quiet corner to eat , not wanting to disturb them .
By four oclock , the sky darkened ominously .

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The park ranger , Mr.Charles , used a loudspeaker to warn everyone about the impending storm .
Guys , its about to rain heavily .
Finish up and head back .
The mountain paths are still icy ! I had finished planting and was gathering my tools when I realized Ryder and Autumn were nowhere in sight .
I hesitated but decided to leave .
The rain started abruptly , a torrential downpour .
Soldiers escorted the wives down the mountain .
I struggled through the rain , and a tree branch tore my collar , causing a sharp pain .
I pressed on , hurrying along .
Suddenly , my foot slipped .
Just as I was about to fall , strong hands caught me .
Ryders voice rumbled above me .
Where do you think youre going ? Didnt you know to wait for me ? I pulled away , my voice trembling .
Thank you , Uncle .
Seeing me recoil as if he were a wild beast , Ryder frowned , about to scold me , when he noticed a bright red scratch on my neck .
11:37 Chapter 6 My wet clothes clung to my body , outlining my curves .
Ryders throat bobbed .
He quickly looked away , removing his jacket .
Before he could offer it to me , a worried voice called out from behind .
Colonel Landon , its not good ! Autumn fell and twisted her ankle ! Ryder didnt hesitate .
Claire , Ill go check on her .
Go with the group and wait for me at the bottom of the mountain .
He ran towards Autumn without another glance at me , nearly causing me to stumble again in his haste .