Carol Finch (20 page)

Her golden eyes widened again. Her mouth dropped open but no words came out. He was pleased to know that, for once, he’d left this quick-witted, sassy beauty speechless.

“Glenn and Reece are going with us to Fort Smith to
apply as deputy marshals so Judge Parker won’t be understaffed,” Gideon continued. “Your father doesn’t have to be shorthanded, either, because I can recommend several reliable young men who would enjoy working with him.”

Finally, she composed herself and frowned skeptically. “You’re not just saying all these wonderful things because you feel sorry for me after I was set up for a murder I didn’t commit and then nearly drowned, are you?”

Gideon shook his head. “The very last thing I feel for you is pity. I love you with all my heart, Lorelei. Until you came along to breathe new life into me, I wasn’t sure how much of a heart I had left. I need you like I’ve never needed anything or anyone else in my life—”

She squealed excitedly then flew into his arms—while he was down on one knee. They tumbled across the lawn as she hugged the stuffing out of him and showered him with delighted kisses.

Gideon cherished them, one and all, and he held her close to his heart, feeling whole and alive and complete for the first time in his life.

“Is that a yes?” he asked between steamy kisses.

“Yes, I’ll marry you,” she assured him. “Because I love you, Gideon Fox. Heart, body and soul. I was afraid you brought me out here to say goodbye, and I knew I’d shrivel up and die when you rode away.”

Gideon rolled to his side, taking her with him. He propped himself up on an elbow, then stared into her bewitching face that was surrounded by curly red-gold hair. When he peered into those amber eyes that sparkled with so much inner spirit and shimmered with boundless love, he knew he was staring at his
forever.

“Say you love me, Gideon, for now and all eternity,” she whispered playfully, and then moved provocatively against him, making him ache to express all the incredible
feelings and scorching sensations that loving her ignited inside him.

Gideon smiled as he angled his head and kissed her, savored her inviting lips that tasted like heaven. “Better yet, Lorelei, let me show you that you’re everything my heart and soul desires.”

And he did—thoroughly, tenderly, devotedly—for all the days of their lives….