by Cheryl Holt
"My siblings would need assistance," he blurted out, the initial inklings of hope stirring in his breast.
"Have you any idea of how many empty bedchambers I have?"
"You would welcome them?"
"Of course, I would. We can send out letters immediately, advising them all to pack their bags and come."
"I have so many employees, who've worked for my family for generations. They need salaries and pensions and ... and ..."
"Just say the word, and your debts are paid."
He stared out the window again, imagining himself with her, with her each and every second till he drew his last breath.
Still, he was very proud, and arrogance made him foolish, when he couldn't deduce why he would be. He was drowning, and she was throwing him a rope. Why couldn't he simply latch on?
"It's so much more than I deserve," he said. "What must I do to earn it?"
'That's the easy part. Stay with me always, and love me forever."
He gazed at her, the sun shining on her hair, her eyes ablaze with affection. He'd discarded her once, had told himself he didn't need her, but it had been the worst blunder, and he wouldn't be so imprudent again.
He went over and clasped her hands in his.
"I could do that," he admitted. "I could love you forever."
"You could?"
"Yes."
"Then when do you intend to start? For I must tell you that I've been waiting a very long time, and I'm ready for you to get on with it!"
He laughed, then sobered, and he dropped to his knee. Humbled, happy, he announced, "I love you, Margaret. I've loved you from the first moment I met you, and I never stopped. I've been horrid to you, I've been stupid, I've been an ass—"
"Yes, you have been."
"—and I'm so sorry. I swear I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Will you let me? Will you marry me?"
"Yes, I will."
"As soon as we can arrange it?" "Yes."
"I can't live another day without you by my side."
She helped him to his feet, and as she nestled herself to him, his entire being relaxed into her. He was finally loved; he was finally home.
"Thank you," he murmured.
"For what?"
"For not letting me walk away."
"It was touch and go there for a minute. I actually thought you might leave. In the future, I shall always act to save you from yourself."
"I'll appreciate it."
She kissed his cheek, the sweet gesture inflaming the passions he'd doused a bit earlier. He bent down and caught her mouth, their lips connecting in a tender embrace that pledged and promised, that vowed and redeemed.
They'd both been so alone, but together, they could build something fine, something permanent. "I have one last important question," he said. "What is that?" "Is there a bed nearby?"
"Yes, there is. It's in excellent condition, with a thick, plush mattress."
"Is it the sort where we could lounge for hours—or even days?"
"Absolutely."
"Then I think you'd best show me where it is."
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