A Lady's Secret
Page 17
“You did not answer my question, Amy. I am not in the habit of forgetting the important things in life, and that was one of the most important questions I have ever asked. Have you forgotten? Wait, I shall ask again: I need to know, do you love me at all?”
She released a long, slow breath. When she met his gaze, she flashed a little smile. “I have always had feelings for you. That is why I took up with—well, you know who I mean. I formed an attachment to him because you did not look my way. And, Miranda constantly looked your way. What choice did I have?”
He was learning to follow the female line of thinking, but he was still far from being an expert. She addled his mind, so he held up a hand as he pondered her response.
Had she said what he thought she said?
“Are you saying that you love me?” He had to be sure. And if she didn’t, he had to be sure of that, too.
Amy’s eyes were wide. Beautiful. Honest. She looked at him, and Oliver felt his soul melt. It was an experience like no other, and he did not want it to end. Ever.
“I am. I have…always.”
His mouth claimed hers. It was a tender kiss that sealed promises, fates and futures. Oliver wished he could kiss her forever, right under the pergola where his parents had proclaimed their love for one another. It was not possible, so he pulled his lips off hers with a groan.
Someday soon they would be free to kiss and kiss and kiss, without regard for propriety or what the kisses would encourage between them. Someday, they would have children.
But, first things first.
Oliver cleared his throat and smiled at the woman in his arms. She smiled back, sending his heart soaring out of his chest. He felt free enough to fly over the estate, like a bird. It was wild. Exhilarating. Joyful.
“Amy, I love you. Please, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to be the best husband I can be and to love you every day of my life. Please, say yes.”
“Yes.”
And with that, their fates were sealed. Beneath the pergola on a warm, sunny morning, they proclaimed their love. Kissed until they were ready to burst with excitement over the prospect of what lay ahead.
Then, he took her hand, and they walked toward the manor. Where, if Oliver guessed correctly, his mother was already planning a celebratory engagement dinner.
As Old Dorinda would say, the stars aligned and the heavens smiled, and love bloomed between a man and a woman when the time was right.
Oliver was grateful that time was now.
A word about the author…
Sarita Leone loves adventure, whether it be in a distant continent or her own backyard. When she’s not off exploring the world, she keeps busy writing, reading, and dancing beneath the stars. Always a fan of happy endings, she’s fortunate to have a job which allows for so many of those! She loves to hear from readers. Easiest way to connect? Check out her Facebook page, where all the latest news hits the screen.
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this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.