Page 131 of The Making of Marnie Jones

He walked his niece over to the door and watched as she clipped the leash to the collar. “Will you go for a long walk?”

“I won’t overtax the puppy. Since it's such a beautiful day I’m planning to hang around the park down the street. Hopefully there’ll be some kids from the neighborhood. She needs to get used to them. “

“Thank you.”

She placed a quick kiss on his cheek. “Don't hurt her.”

“Am I moving too fast?”

“No. Make sure she doesn't feel pressured—but don't take no for an answer either.”

She and Bianca headed outside.

His niece was wise beyond her years. Their phone calls demonstrated she was dedicated to growing as a person. As he made his way to the guest bedroom, he marveled at her transformation. Two months ago, she'd been a lost child. Now, thanks to Marnie, she was on her way to achieving her goals.

He secured the ring in its box. Fingers crossed, Marnie’d miss the slight bulge in his shirt pocket.

When he returned to the kitchen, she turned on the dishwasher and wiped down the counter. “Olivia and Bianca are on their way?”

He grinned. “Bianca slept on Olivia's bed last night.”

“I'm sure it’ll be fine.”

“Me too.” He sobered. “We need to talk.”

Her eyes widened in alarm, so he immediately took her hand. Leading her to the living room, he encouraged her to sit on the couch where he joined her. Her hands felt cold. “How’re you feeling?”

She stared at her hands in her lap. “Truly good.” A blush accompanied the admission.

He guided her gaze to his. “You want to know how I feel?”

Her eyes lit.

“Like the luckiest man in the world.” When she rolled her eyes, he continued, “I think I’ve finally earned your trust.”

She pulled him in for a kiss.

As with every time they touched, he reacted. Her simplest touch was enough to light a fire under him. In this moment, though, he had to keep his libido under control.

When she ended the kiss, she pressed her forehead to his. “I do trust you.”

“Good.” He pulled out the box and handed it to her. As she stared at it, he dropped to one knee.

“No.” She pressed the box back into his hands.

“You haven't even looked.”

When she thrust the box toward him, he moved his hands up and away. “At least look.”

With great uncertainty, she opened the box. She snapped it shut and pushed it toward him. “Just because we had sex—”

“Made love, Marnie. Call it what it is. Making love.”Hold firm.“And it's not like I ran out and bought the ring an hour ago.”

“When did you buy it?”

“Before I left Toronto. Matilda helped me pick it out, and your father has given his blessing.”

Her eyes narrowed, disbelievingly. “His blessing?”

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