Page 68 of Deadly Peril

Early that morning, Jana had flown into the city then taken a cab to the restaurant. She was a bundle of nerves. On the drive, butterflies fought in her stomach. She was going to see Thaddeus but had no idea how it would go.

When she’d called, Thaddeus had suggested the restaurant. That was best, since he was familiar with the city. The cab pulled in front of an upscale place downtown. Jana paid and went inside. She took a breath then walked over to the greeter.

As Jana was escorted to the table, she spotted Thaddeus, and he stood up. Her heart skipped a beat. He was so handsome, and he was wearing a navy blazer that looked great with his blue eyes. He’d dressed up for her.

“Jana,” he said, and took her hand then pulled out her chair—always the gentleman.

“I’m glad you agreed to see me,” Jana said, forgetting the speech that she’d rehearsed. Looking at Thaddeus, seeing his broad shoulders, strong jaw, soft lips…

Jana’s mind went blank. “Anyway…”

The server came over, and Thaddeus ordered a bottle of champagne. Then he caught the eye of a waiter and a dozen red roses appeared. Jana cradled them in her arms. “What’s going on?”

“I better get this out before I lose my nerve. You see, when you called, I was just on my way to the airport.”

“You were leaving?”

“I was about to take the company jet to Tahoe.”

Jana looked into his eyes. “Why were you going to do that?”

Thaddeus took her hand. “For one reason…I wanted to tell you something.” His eyes filled with emotion. “I love you…with all my heart.”

Jana’s eyes welled with tears.

“I love you, Jana…so much.” Thaddeus kissed her hand. “Do you hear me?”

“Yes, yes.” She nodded. “Well, you sure took your sweet time telling me.”

Thaddeus laughed, then Jana laughed—then they laughed together and couldn’t seem to stop.

“I love you too, Thaddeus…more than you know. More than I thought possible.”

Thaddeus slipped out of his chair and got down on one knee. He held Jana’s hand. “Then marry me.” He looked into her eyes. “Please, honey…marry me. I want you to be my wife.”

Jana choked with tears and was unable to speak.

Thaddeus took a velvet box from his pocket and handed it to Jana. With trembling hands, she opened the box to find a lovely diamond engagement ring. “Oh, Thaddeus…”

“Just say yes.”

“Yes…yes!” Jana hugged him. Then Thaddeus stood and pulled her into his arms. He lifted her off her feet and it seemed like he would never let her go.

Then Thaddeus lowered her to her feet and kissed her deeply and passionately. “I don’t deserve to be this happy,” he said breathlessly.

Jana grinned. “That’s the thing I came to tell you…you do, Thaddeus. You deserve happiness.”

Despite all his reserve, Thaddeus didn’t hold back—he smiled brightly. And when he did, it was as though the sun had come out, because he lit up the room.

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