Page 36 of Beware A Wallflower's Wrath
When she saw Rabbie later, she shared Fin’s concern. “I’m beginning to agree with you. It will just take time.”
“We have that,” she answered and kissed his cheek.
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
“No’ today, but several times yesterday.” She chewed her bottom lip, then rushed on, “And I love ye too, Rabbie Harding.”
He picked her up and swung her around with a loud “Hurrah!” then set her down with a loud kiss on the mouth. “Could this day get any better?”
“To think it’s only morning,” she said with a laugh. “By the way, how long will I be bombarded with missives in my texts?”
“Until you marry me.” He kissed her again, swatted her backside, and left the shop humming.
Annis smirked as she watched him leave, wishing she could see the look on his face when he found the riddle she’d tucked in his waistcoat pocket.
What is part of timeless and is something I can give you that you’ve always wanted?
tiMEless
CHAPTER 16
She didn’t see Rabbie for two days. Had he not found her riddle? Was he ill? When she’d asked Fin, the boy had shrugged his shoulders, unconcerned. That afternoon, fifteen tulips of various colors were delivered to the shop. An hour later, Rabbie appeared, looking braw in a crisp white linen shirt and cravat, an umber coat and waistcoat, fawn trousers, and a new brown beaver hat. He smiled like the cat that had just caught the mouse.
“Where are ye going all dressed up?” she asked, swiping the dust from her hands.
“To see you, of course.” He leaned over the counter and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I received a reply from Anthony.”
“Och, already?” Her heart was pounding as she waited for the news.
“He apologized for his behavior, thanked both you and Finlay for your letters, and said he would be honored to see me again in London when he returns to Westminster.” He held up a finger when Annis opened her mouth. “He is willing to come to Glasgow and meet us but is not yet ready. He still needs time.”
“That’s wonderful news.” Relief rushed through Annis. She had not wanted anything to mar their nuptials—when he asked again.
He stepped around the counter and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close. “I have a riddle for you.”
“And I may have an answer,” she retorted with a grin.
“I am endless, and once you have me, you are bound for life. What am I?”
Annis looked into those brown eyes, the green specks bright with love. The ice around her heart had melted long ago, and she only wished to begin the next part of their journey.
“Marriage?”
He kissed her, a slow, unhurried kiss that sent heat rushing to her toes.
When he pulled back, he asked, “What connects two people but only touches one?”
She sucked in a breath as he opened his fist and held out a small box to her.
“A wedding ring.” He bent on one knee and opened it. A sapphire stone winked at her from an intricate braided silver setting. “Will you do me the honor of finally becoming my wife?”
The tears began, silently at first, then sniffling, and ending in a loud sob. She nodded her head and clung to his neck. “Aye, my ridiculous, dearest, kindest, sweetest, most romantic Rabbie. Aye, I will marry ye.”
Robert couldn’t wipe the lopsided grin from his face. It had been a small ceremony at Annis’s parish kirk. Lachlan and Fenella had arranged for the wedding celebration to be held at their larger home in a western Glasgow neighborhood. Since this was Scotland, and not England, there would be a supper, music, and dancing. Everyone from the mill who belonged to the MacNaughton clan would arrive for the latter.
Annis stood across the room, speaking with her father, Jamie Craigg, her Aunt Sorcha and Uncle Donald, Rose and Colin. Her wedding dress was a simple cerulean silk that brought out the blue of her eyes. Her hair was pulled up in a half chignon, the dark-honey waves tumbling down her back and onto her shoulders. She caught his gaze and smiled at him.
“I didn’t believe there was a man left in all England with such courtly love,” Fenella said, coming up to him. Lachlan’s wife was a beauty. Very tall for a woman, she had white-blonde hair and clear gray eyes.
