Eye of the Beholder (10 page)

“I’m so sorry,” she said, placing her hand
over her hat to hold it in place as she turned to the person she’d
collided with.

And looked into familiar green eyes, crinkled
in a smile. Her heart lurched.

“Grayson.”

“I’ve been waiting for you for three
days.”

She blinked. “We were delayed—weather over
the channel. You’ve been waiting for me?”

“Do you think I could let you walk away? Have
I not told you that you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever
known?”

She took a step back, breaking his hold on
her. “You—I didn’t think—”

“You didn’t believe me.”

“No.”

He stroked his knuckles down her cheek. “I
don’t lie, Sarah. I hide things, but I don’t lie.” He moved back as
well, giving her breathing room. “You left without saying
good-bye.”

“I didn’t know—I wasn’t sure how. I only sent
word because I didn’t want you to worry.”

“And I appreciate it.” He glanced past her.
“Are you traveling alone?”

“I have a chaperone.” She waved her hand in
the direction of the doors.

“And you’ll be seeing the sights with
her?”

“She’s very grateful for it.”

“Then I’ll be sorry to disappoint her. I wish
to be the one to introduce you to the beauty of Europe.”

Her pulse quickened. “Yes?”

“But I rather think we should do it in the
manner of our countrymen, don’t you, and see it as a wedding
trip?”

She stared. “A wedding--?”

“I have a friend, a minister, who will be
happy to perform the ceremony on the morrow.” He captured her hand
and brought it to his lips. “Miss Dusenberry, will you consent to
be my bride?”

She felt her face heat and she sought the
words. “I’m not increasing,” she managed at last.

He cocked his head curiously. “Should that
matter?”

“I don’t want you to believe you must wed me
because you bed me.”

The grin encompassed his face now and he
moved closer. “Miss Dusenberry, I must say you are quite the
poetess, but the thought did not cross my mind. I want you, by my
side, in my bed, until the end of time. And to that end, I’ll go
the traditional route and face the minister. What do you say? Will
you be traditional with me?”

Everything in her thrilled as she looked into
those beloved green eyes, as she thought of the new future that
rolled out before them. She returned his smile and dipped her head
coquettishly.

“Only this once.”

THE END