Page 40 of His Perfect Bride
He reached up and scrubbed a hand over the day’s worth of scruff. “Yes. I shall easily turn back into the beast without you around.”
“Then that settles it.” Her eyes held a twinkle. “I must go back to Fairview to keep you tamed.”
“I agree wholeheartedly.” This bantering between them was new, and he liked it. Not as much as serious conversations, but it was a side to her that being around Willow possibly brought out.
She studied his face for a moment. “Thank you for bringing me. Even more, thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay tonight.”
“We’re not in a hurry to return.”
“Except that Augusta might be worried about what became of us.”
“She will understand we decided to stay longer.”
“I hope so. I don’t want to neglect my duties.”
“Augusta is perfectly capable of taking care of herself when necessary.”
“She is quite capable.” Sage’s tone held admiration. “But I have pledged to be there for her.”
“She knows you won’t be her lady’s maid forever.”
“I would like that, though.”
His thoughts went back to what he’d heard in bits and pieces today about her previous relationship with David. While Sage hadn’t come out and said so, David’s quick engagement to another woman so soon after ending the relationship with Sage hinted at unfaithfulness.
Whatever the case was, she needed someone to show her she would be safe in a new relationship and that not all men were like David. Could he be that someone? Was that even possible?
She glanced back at the door. “Have I given them enough time?”
He knew she was referring to Caleb and Willow and their saying goodnight. “Probably not.” She’d likely given them plenty of time, but he wasn’t ready for her to leave yet.
“He adores her,” she said almost wistfully.
“I noticed.”
Once again her smile crept up.
Jackson couldn’t keep from staring at her smile. Her lips were so perfect, so full, and so symmetrically shaped.
She shifted back a step, her gaze darting around, her cheeks turning rosy.
He was embarrassing her with his stare. Quickly, he looked away and cleared his throat. “They have done well here.”
“Very well. My mum would be so proud of Willow.” She’d mentioned to him that her mum had passed away last winter and how much she’d missed having her mother’s presence in her life. But she hadn’t talked much more about her, as if the grief was still too tender.
“Your mum would be proud of you too.”
“I’m not so sure.” Sage released a sigh, and then her shoulders slumped. “Sometimes I think I’ve disappointed her by leaving my family behind.”
He knew a great deal about being a disappointment. All his life he’d felt like he was disappointing his father, falling short of what the great man wanted him to be. It was difficult to live up to someone with the kind of reputation his father had—the daring, adventurous explorer who had accomplished so much and who’d even been knighted.
Jackson could admit to his many shortcomings and being a disappointment to his father. But Sage? She was admirable for what she was doing for her family—saving for their passage and trying to provide a new life for them.
“You’re not a disappointment.” He took a step closer to her, needing to reassure her. “You and Willow are brave for coming here.” He wanted to offer to help pay the passage for Sage’s family again, but he was also learning she was a strong woman who didn’t want to be reliant upon others.
“I’m actually a coward,” she whispered, dropping her gaze to the hay scattered on the dirt floor of the barn. “David was getting married, and I ran away so that I wouldn’t have to see him and his new wife.”
“David is a dolt.” The criticism slipped out before he could censor himself.
