an array of memories tracked through his mind just then : jessie 's cold hand in his the day they met , her compassion for critters and people alike , the gentle warmth of her lush body as they rode double on his gelding , uncontrollable hiccups , her tendency to blurt out everything on her mind , her cheek against his chest at the dance , her display of wills across the fence from him at the round-up , the be-safe kiss before he downed the grizzly , his thumbs sliding across damp cheeks from her tears of anguish , of love .