Page 70 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“I’m here,” Olivia called, her cheeks flushing with colour.
Nigel knelt on the ground, Dandelion sitting plaintively beside him. “You are everything to me. You are perfect. You have stolen my heart, Olivia Rokesby.
“You make my heart sing. You make even the darkest day seem as bright as Heaven itself. If I could sing, I would serenade you, because my love cannot be contained in words alone!” Nigel’s voice was full of warmth and hope.
“Perhaps you should try poetry?” Olivia suggested, unable to keep a small smile from her face.
Her heart felt as though it would explode. More than anything, she wanted to run to him. To throw herself into his arms and to be close to him.He loves me. And God help me, but I love him.
Nigel paused for a moment. “Would a poem help you forgive me?”
“It might,” Olivia answered.
“Very well.” Nigel stood up and cleared his throat.
“Could there be a love as good as my love,
She is pretty like a dove,
For how could I love another,
When Olivia is like no other,
For she is fair beyond compare,
With rather nice hair.”
Alexander groaned. The sound made Olivia giggle. Around them she heard several sniggers.
“Oh good sir, you are no poet.” Olivia shook her head, her eyes alight with mischief.
“I love you, Olivia Rokesby. And I will love you until my dying day. Will you forgive me and be my darling wife?” Nigel gazed up at her, holding his hand outstretched. “Let me spend the rest of my life proving to you just how sorry I am for not telling you the truth. Let me show the world how much I love you.”
“And you swear you will never lie to me again?” Olivia said, even as her heart soared.
“I will never,everlie to you again. I swear it.” Nigel held his hand over his chest and bowed a solemn bow.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “You are a fool.”
“I am, indeed, a complete and utter fool,” Nigel agreed.
“But you aremyfool,” Olivia said before she could stop herself.
There was a heartbeat of silence as something in the night air shifted. Nigel’s gaze found hers. Olivia’s heart thundered in her chest.
“I will always be your fool,” Nigel whispered.
“I would rather you were my husband.” Olivia smiled at him.
“Does that mean you forgive me?” Nigel’s voice was full of hope.
“I suppose that depends.” Olivia stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Did you mean it when you would say you would do anything for my forgiveness?”
“On my honour.” Nigel placed a hand over his heart and nodded. “Anything you asked.”
“What if I asked you to go, to leave and never return?” Olivia asked.
“If that is what you truly wanted, with everything that you are, I would do it.” Nigel’s voice was firm. “My heart would break, but I would do it.”
