Page 43 of His Unforgettable Bride
A rush of warmth spread inside Juliet, catching her by surprise. Why did he notice things others didn’t? Had God poured an extra dose of goodness into his heart? Most likely. “What a twist that I long to forget a chunk of my memories, and you desperately crave to recall your share.”
As they strolled up the hill arm in arm, they chattered and bantered the whole way. Juliet’s heart grew lighter with each step until it almost felt like it might float away.
Her life now was everything she wanted, wasn’t it? That’s what she’d told Livy about her goal on her first day in Everly—something about having a roof over her head, feeling safe and secure, and holding a steady job.
But deep inside, didn’t she desire more?
Of course, she’d imagined someday getting married if the right man came along. But truthfully, she’d always put off the idea for one reason or another. Even with the fellas who’d come calling on her when she’d lived in Victoria, she’d had excuses for why she didn’t want to court them.
Was she afraid of getting married and possibly having children? Afraid to allow herself to dream that she could have a future filled with her own family? Afraid that she’d lose everything again?
That was silly. But Ruby’s threats certainly weren’t. Juliet shook her head and then stumbled.
In the middle of recounting something funny Livy had done yesterday, Gray tightened his grip on her arm, keeping her upright and tugging her closer to his side.
As she regained her balance, their hips bumped.
He halted his story mid-sentence.
Suddenly, she was keenly aware of the long, hard length of his body against hers, the grip of his fingers on her arm, and the slightly labored breaths he was taking. She could almost feel his warmth and strength, stirring the memory of their encounter yesterday in the carriage house when she’d dropped her scarf.
She closed her eyes briefly at the remembrance of the dark heat in his eyes and the warmth that had seared through her, making her breathless with a strange wanting. It was a wanting she’d never felt before but liked.
And that wanting rippled through her again.
“Are you all right?” he asked, slowing his steps to match hers.
“Yes, I think so.”
“Rest steady, for I shall strive always to keep you safe.”
Had anyone ever spoken something similar to her before? Not that she recalled. Nor had she ever expected anyone to do so. Yet, she didn’t hate Gray’s concern for her welfare. Likewise, she intended to watch out for him. “Thank you, sir.”
He dipped his head. “My pleasure.”
Although she preferred not to ponder the matter, she couldn’t stop wondering if he had a woman waiting for him somewhere. Nobody would want to lose a man like him. The sisters said their nephew wasn’t married, but that didn’t mean someone special hadn’t caught his eye.
Gray ambled even slower. “I think the reverend may set his hat for you.”
“Don’t be…absurd.” There had been a glint of matchmaker in Livy’s eyes, though.
“If I recall, you mentioned wanting a husband who is decent, kind, and stable.”
“Did I? Well, those are admirable qualities.”
“The reverend certainly has them all from what I could ascertain.”
“Perhaps he does.” Should she be more interested in getting to know the reverend? Because she wasn’t.
“Not at all unstable like someone we both know.” Although Gray spoke the reference to himself in a light voice, he grew morose.
And suddenly, a gloominess embraced her, too. There was no denying an attraction was blossoming between them, but clearly, they both understood it could never go anywhere. Not even a little bit of anywhere.
Fourteen
If you wish to be a well-bred lady, you must carry your good manners everywhere with you. It is not a thing that can be laid aside and put on at pleasure.
It was hard to pick what was sweeter—Icala fawning over his lovely wife who was expecting a baby or the slice of apple pie Juliet devoured minutes ago. The sisters had her deliver a care package to the couple on the following lazy, late Sunday afternoon, and now she was eager to return home.
