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'Do you realise what you're saying? He may never speak to you. He'll certainly hold it against you.'

Mitch shrugged. 'Better me than you.'

Elizabeth placed her hands on either side of his face. 'You'd do that for me?' She was touched beyond belief. The tears which had been in her eyes before welled once more and flowed over. 'No one, Mitch. No one has ever put themselves on the line like that for me.'

'I've already
done
that for you,' he corrected as he tenderly kissed the tears away. 'And, yes, I'd do it again. I'm the type of man who protects his own—Especially his future wife.' He was lowering his head when the phone beside him rang.

He groaned but they both knew Imogen wouldn't have put any calls through unless it was an emergency. Mitch picked up the receiver. 'This had better be important,' he growled, and Elizabeth chuckled.

'It is,' Maude replied, and Mitch held the phone receiver so both he and Elizabeth could hear.

'What can I help you with, Maude?'

'You can put me out of my misery.'

Mitch laughed. 'I have some diazepam here—will that help?'

'No. Come on. You know what I mean. Can I call you my son-in-law yet?'

'Yes,' Elizabeth answered, and the squeal of delight which came down the receiver almost deafened both of them. Mitch pulled the receiver away and then did the only sensible thing. He hung up and returned both arms around his Lizzie.

'You want to know the
real
reason why I need to marry you?' he asked as he nibbled the side of her neck.

'Hmm. Do tell.'

'It's your surname, Lizzie. Something's got to be done about your surname.'

She groaned with delight, as he continued to nibble at her skin. 'Mrs O'Neill,' she mused.

'
Dr
O'Neill,' he amended. 'Much better than the mouthful of Blakeny-Smith.'

'But then we'd both be Dr O'Neill,' she protested mildly as his lips sought hers as though he really couldn't get enough of her.

'I know. Nice and equal...and I can't wait.'