Emerald Desire (Emerald Trilogy) (35 page)

He grew quiet and slept.

The river was calm and resembled a strip of silver satin. Dera watched from the levee as the last of the Spanish ships lifted anchor and sailed for Cuba. Her heart thumped when she saw Quint leave the barracks and head for her. He was more handsome than when they met years ago, on the day she begged him to pay rent to Avery Fairfax. A cool breeze ruffled his hair and reminded her of the winter meadow, blowing softly in the wind. He stopped before her.

“
'Tis important that we speak."

She nodded, too emotional to say anything.

"I've resigned my commission. After today I am no longer a soldier. That portion of my life is over. But I don't plan to run a fabric shop, either."

"Then what are you planning to do?"

He showed her his hands. "These hands are the hands of a farmer, of a man who loves the land, Miss Busy Bee." He smiled, using the name he had given her in Ireland on the day they met. "Good King Charles has granted me some land upriver. I hear it is a fine place with beautiful green meadows like in Ireland. I plan to build a grand house and farm. The land is in my blood, Dera, as are you."

He drew her into his arms. "I was wrong to think you betrayed me, and deep down, I knew you were blameless, but I was still hurt because of Fairfax."

Tears streaked her face. "So much has happened. I still can't believe you want me."

He looked into her eyes. "I love you, and you're my wife, the mother of my son. I want us to be a family, to have other children."

She smiled up at him. "I am your wife. I truly am."

He kissed the palms of her hands and put his arm about her waist. "Will you come with me, share my life and be my love?"

"Quint," she breathed, feeling as if they were in the meadow again and starting over. "I'll follow you wherever you want to go."

Rapturous love shone on his face. Before he claimed her lips, he said, "My mother was right. You are the one."