He brought one of her hands to his lips and kissed each finger in turn. “I know this is too soon, but I’m just putting it out there as something for you to think about.” Gill angled her so that she was looking straight at him. “I want to marry you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “You don’t have to marry me, Gill. My reputation can withstand our being together.” The last reason she wanted to be married was out of a sense of guilt or honor. Gill was an honorable man with his own code of ethics. He wouldn’t worry about himself, but he would worry about her reputation and her livelihood.

He shook his head and gave her a gentle smile. Once again, she was lost. Having him look at her as if she was the center of his world made her insides melt.

“I know I don’t have to marry you, sugar. I want to. I thought you’d take pity on me and make me an honest man. We can have a long engagement if you’re not sure.” He smoothed a lock of damp hair from her forehead. “I don’t mind waiting. I’ve waited for you my entire life, Alicia.” His voice grew huskier with each word he spoke. “I’ll wait for you forever if that’s what it takes.”

“Yes,” she blurted out.

He stilled. “Yes, what?

“Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, I love you. Just yes.” Flinging her arms, around him, she began to laugh. Gill hugged her so tight, she could barely breathe, but who needed to breathe anyway? She was in love.

Gill met her lips as she reached out to kiss him. Their bodies melded together and he shifted, lowering her to the mattress. She smiled even as they continued to kiss. There were plenty of details to be worked out, but none of that mattered. There would be time enough for that later.

Much later.

Alicia wrapped her arms around him, remembering all the years of loneliness. They were behind her now. They’d been worth it, if only because they’d brought this man to her.


Gill eased his lips from hers. “Do you need to go back to work today?”

She grinned back at him. “The boss gave me the day off.”

“That so?” He felt an answering smile cover his face.

She nodded solemnly. “To celebrate my engagement.”

Gill swore and leaned over the side of the bed, dragging his jeans close. How could he have forgotten? He dug into the pocket and pulled out a small box. “I bought this yesterday just in case.” He felt awkward as he held out the box with the ring. He’d spent hours searching for the perfect ring for Alicia. He was only getting engaged once in his life and wanted to do it right. “If you don’t like it, we can exchange it.”

Nestled inside the box was a brilliant emerald, surrounded by diamonds. Tears welled in her eyes and began to slip down her cheeks.

Immediately concerned, Gill tugged her closer. “It’s okay, sugar. I bought it because it reminded me of your eyes. We can take it back.” He should have known better than to try and pick out the ring without her. That kind of thing was important to a woman.

“Don’t you dare.” She swiped at her eyes and held out her hand. “It’s perfect.”

He eyed her questioningly. “Those are happy tears?”

She nodded and wagged her hand. He pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it over her finger. It fit perfectly.

She held her hand out in front of her, turning it one way and then another, admiring the ring. “I can’t believe you bought a ring. You must have been pretty sure of yourself.”

He shook his head. “No sure. Just hopeful.”

Another tear spilled slowly down her cheek. “Thank you.”

Gill used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “No, thank you. Thank you for giving me everything I’d ever dreamed for, but never thought I’d find.”

When he’d come to Jamesville, he’d hoped to find some peace of mind. Instead, he’d found so much more. He’d found a home.

Their lips met and he deepened the kiss, determined to love her until she screamed with pleasure. He smiled in anticipation. It was going to be a long afternoon.