Page 75 of Lady and the Gamble (The Colby Brothers 2)

“So what brought you back? And what are you doing on my father’s boat?” Wanting desperately to reestablish her indifference toward him, she latched on to her condemnation. “As far as I’m aware, the wager involved you marrying me in order for you to take possession of the Lady Evelina.”

He searched her face, and then slowly said, “I decided to risk it all.”

“Risk what?”

Instead of answering her question, he held out his hand toward her. “Come here, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Your surprise is on the Lady Evelina.”

“I’m not interested in any surprise.”

“Don’t be foolish, Come here.”

“I’ve already declined.”

“What for? You don’t even know what it is I want to show you.”

“Whatever it is you can just tell me instead.”

“You have to come aboard to see it.”

“I have no wish to go on that boat.”

He paused, frowning. “Why not?”

“No reason. I’m sure describing it to me will suffice.”

“I’d rather show you.”

“Then it’s obviously not that important.” She went as if to turn and leave but Ryan rushed to stop her.

“All right, wait!” He quickly leaped off the boat to place a hand on her arm. Then exhaling a weary breath he relented and tells her, “I’ve renovated the cabin and converted the single bunk into a double bed.”

“Whatever for?”

A gradual smile lit up his face. “For us.”

“I beg your pardon!”

He quickly reiterates. “I meant as a married couple.”

She froze.

“Is that meant as a proposal?”

He blinked then produced a dazed grin. “I suppose it is.”

Evelina turned away, concealing her disappointment. She had always dreamt of a romantic proposal. However, she was no ordinary heroine. Indeed, she was the type of woman who would receive an off the cuff kind of marriage proposal.

“So you decided you want to marry me after all?”

“Yes, if you’ll have me.” He smiled. “I don’t want a wife who is waiting back at home while I’m gone months on end. I want her by my side.”

Her insides went numb. “You want to take me sailing with you?”

“Yes.”

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