I climbed out of bed and watched the lake glisten in the morning sunlight. When I heard Clark get out of bed, I turned and did my best to smile. I needed to talk to him, but wasn’t sure how to start.
Clark walked up to me and slid his arms around my waist. He kissed me and whispered, “Good morning.”
“Good morning. I’m sorry I disturbed your night again.” I couldn’t look him in the eyes.
He lifted my chin with his hand. “Is something wrong? You’re too quiet.”
I sat on the window seat and looked up at him.
I could see it in his eyes. Love. He loved me. In a flash, I knew what I needed to do. I felt his love travel from his eyes to my heart. I loved him, too. More than that, I was in love with him. Tell him, Annie. Tell him before you lose him. You need this wonderful man to be a part of your life.
“I umm; I’m sorry you ended up sleeping on top of the quilt again. You slept on my couch for weeks, and then I thought you were a crazed killer. It isn’t fair.” My eyes dropped. I was searching for words.
He sat next to me and said, “Annie, I love you. While cuddling together under the quilt would be wonderful, I would spend the rest of my life on top of the quilt if it meant you were close.”
“That would never work. One of us would eventually throw the quilt out the window. I’d love for you to be under the quilt with me, but I think I’ve forgotten. Steve was my first and only, and he’s been gone ten years.” I drummed my fingertips on my knees.
“I know that, Annie and I know this is hard for you. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. You’re an extraordinary woman Annie Ryan, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to apply for Berg’s position. I would never try to take Steve’s place. I just want my own spot in your heart.” He reached over and picked up my hand.
I stared at the floor and said, “You have one, a big one.”
There I said it. I said it, but I can’t look at him. Tell him you love him, too.
“Annie, I wanted to talk to you about this when we went out to dinner last week, but you were worried about Detective Berg and Claudine. I didn’t want them to be part of this memory. I’m in love with you.”
Annie if you don’t say something now you never will.
I inhaled and said, “I’m in love with you, too” I looked at him and he dropped to the floor in front of me.
“What are you doing on the floor?” Yes, I can be this naïve.
Clark laughed and held out a small black velvet box with a beautiful emerald cut diamond ring in it.
“Annie Ryan, make life easier on both of us and more wonderful than we can imagine. Please marry me.”
Oh my goodness gracious. Say something, Annie. Now.
I threw my arms around his neck and whispered, “Yes, oh yes.”
The End?
Watch for the next Annie Ryan book out Spring of 2015. Will Annie settle down and marry Clark? Her life is turned upside down when she discovers a body floating off her pier. She’s the prime suspect. Will she and Georgie find answers in time?
Thank you for reading my book. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have a chance, please leave a review on Amazon. I would appreciate it. For more information on all my books, future Annie Ryan Cozy Mysteries, and short story mysteries please visit my web site Marianne Spitzer, Author, Amazon site Marianne Spitzer on Amazon, my blog Musings Under the Willow Tree., Facebook page Marianne Spitzer, Writer or follow me on Twitter @MarianneSpitzer
Heavenly Corners Page 15
