Page 31 of The Banker's Bride

She wore a white ballgown that was off the shoulder, fitted at the waist, and bustled in the back in the latest fashion. But it sparkled silver when she moved, shimmering in the lamplight. Her light auburn hair was pulled up and rolled with a silver ribbon that set off the dress. Tendrils lay against her neck. She would be overdressed compared to the other ladies that would attend the party, but Dallas didn’t care. She looked gorgeous. Megan smiled, enjoying his reaction.

Without taking his eyes from hers, he closed the distance between them in a few short steps. Then he took her hand into his and lifted it to his lips. “You look lovely, my dear.” Then his eyes narrowed as he looked her over.

“Is something wrong?” she asked as she looked down at her dress.

He nodded. “Yes, there is. Something’s missing.”

“What could possibly be missing?” Megan asked as she looked over her dress and then raised her hands to her hair.

“This.” Dallas pulled a slender box from inside his suitcoat.

Her breath caught. “Oh, Dallas! Ye didn’t have to do that!”

Then Dallas stepped before her and opened it. Inside lay a silver locket with diamonds encrusted along the edge and a pearl in the center. With it were matching diamond studded earrings with a small pearl on a silver loop.

“It’s beautiful,” Megan gasped. “But this is too much. I cannot accept—”

A crease formed between his eyes. “Do you not like it?”

She smiled as her eyes widened. “No, I love it. It’s just that ye don’t need to lavish me with such expensive gifts.”

He smiled as he placed his hand on her cheek, causing her to blush. “But I want to. Will you not accept this small token of my love?”

“Yes, of course. Thank ye. It’s too much, but I love it.”

The necklace sparkled in the candlelight when Dallas lifted it from the case. “May I?”

She nodded as tears filled her eyes. “Yes, of course.”

He walked behind her, slid the necklace around her neck, and hooked the clasp. It fell perfectly onto her chest, bringing out her beauty.

She crossed the room to the mirror hanging on the wall and fastened an earring into place.

Dallas smiled, pleased that she had accepted his gift. “I’m glad you like it. I picked them out this afternoon.”

“You did?” she asked as she finished fastening the other earring. “You have great taste.” When she turned around, the picture was complete.

His heart swelled with joy and love as he drank her in. “You are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met.” Then he pulled her into his arms and held her close. “Megan, I’m so sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean—”

“Shh….” She placed a finger to his lips. “All is forgotten… and forgiven. Let’s just enjoy ourselves tonight.”

Dallas smiled as he offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

She nodded. “Thank ye… fer everything. Ye went through a lot of trouble for tonight and I know it’s going to be a success.”

Dallas patted her arm. “I just want you to have fun.”

Megan nodded. “I will.” She pulled him to a stop, her eyes filled with concern. “Dallas, I want ye to enjoy yerself, too.”

He smiled, pleased by the sentiment. “I will… as long as I’m with you.”

“I feel like a princess,” Megan said, a slight blush touching her cheeks.

Dallas gazed into her eyes, seeing something he hadn’t seen before, and his heart fluttered with joy and anticipation. At that moment, he had never wanted a woman so much before in his life. “Youarea princess.” Then he kissed her lips, tasting her. “You deserve fine things. I would give you the moon if I could.”

She looked at him through her lashes, tugging at his heart. “Dallas, ye don’t have to keep showering me with gifts. Not all the time, anyway. All I want is you.”

He nodded, understanding. She didn’t want him for everything he could give her. She wanted him for who he was. Dallas pressed his lips to hers and she melted into his arms. He wanted to hold her, to freeze the moment and keep it in his heart forever.

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