Page 105 of Bride By Coronation

That's my queen.

They're going to love her.

I put my hand on her back. "Shall we go to our room and change into something more appropriate?"

She glances at her robe, and a flush crawls up her cheeks. "Oh. Yes. Sorry. Forgot about our attire."

"See you soon," I say, guiding Fiona through the ship.

She takes everything in, commenting on different rooms as we enter and exit them. We get to our suite and I open the door, stating, "I'm glad you seem to approve of everything."

She stops in the doorway and scoffs. "How could I not?"

"Everyone has their own likes and dislikes," I claim.

"True, but you have good taste," she comments.

"I do?"

"Umm...yeah."

"Good to know," I say, happy with her approval.

She peers at me.

My mouth turns dry. "Something wrong?"

She studies me closer, then asks, "You honestly had doubts about whether I'd love this ship?"

My nerves reappear. "As I stated, I try not to make assumptions."

She doesn't take her gaze off me.

She's staring at my scar.

My anxiety skyrockets. I open my mouth and then shut it.

She prods, "Why'd you write me those letters?"

A lump forms in my throat. I swallow it, thinking about how to answer her question, and then blurt out, "I knew you'd never want to marry me if you weren't put in the position you were in. But I didn't want you to be more uncomfortable than I assumed you would be. And selfishly, I guess I didn't want you to hate me forever."

"But you knew it was me you were marrying?"

"Yes."

She pins her eyebrows together and blinks hard.

My pulse races so fast that a wave of dizziness hits me.

She lowers her voice. "Is that what you really thought?"

I look at her in question.

"You thought I'd hate you?"

My stomach quivers harder, and pain shoots through my chest. I reply, "I didn't want you to, but I didn't see how you couldn't."

She takes several breaths, then steps forward. She puts her hand on my cheek, running her thumb over my scar.

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