Page 96 of Midnight Surrender to the Spaniard

‘Is she still speaking Scottish?’

‘Spanish now.’ Anna smiled. ‘How was the rest of last night?’

‘Pretty grim,’ he said. ‘I had to tell Carmen that Maria has been left the family home. I promised her we’d fight it.’

Anna looked out at the ocean, trying not to let him see that it hurt her that he’d rather face all that alone than with her.

‘Oh, and I was wrong,’ he added. ‘Therewasdancing. Maria kicked things off. In my father’s memory, of course...’

‘She really can’t help herself, can she?’

‘No.’ He sat down on the lounger beside her. ‘Anna, it was hell...’

‘It sounds it.’

‘No, growing up with her, I mean. She left, and then came back, then left again. I think I was eight when I swore off marriage for life.’

‘I can see why...’

‘So if we do this, then we have to do it right.’

She frowned.

‘Ihave to do this right,’ he said. ‘Because the most important person in this isn’t either of us.’ He nodded to where Willow was playing. ‘Could you see her being happy here?’

‘Here?’

‘Well, in Jerez. Because we need to know what we want before we tell her...’

‘Tell her?’

‘I love you, Anna, and it would seem we’re no longer a secret.’

‘Then why did you send me away?’ she flared. ‘You’re grieving and upset. Please don’t say you love me if you’re going to take it back tomorrow morning.’

‘I love you.’

She knew that tone, and her eyes flew to his. If anyone else had heard his terse words they might think the delivery odd, but she knew him better.

That abrupt tone was calming to her heart.

His decision was made.

‘I don’t think it’s a complete guess that you feel the same. I don’t think you’d be here otherwise—and certainly not with Willow. I had time to think last night. Look, I know I’m not ideal father material... I mean, I’m not brilliant with children...’ He grimaced. ‘I don’t know any.’

‘I happen to think you’re brilliant with children,’ Anna said. ‘And with teenagers and troubled young women.’ She looked at him. ‘You told your father what I said about Carmen’s riding?’

‘He would have said the wrong thing otherwise. But he always steps up in the end.Stepped.’ He closed his eyes.

‘I think you’ve been a parent for a very long time,’ Anna said. ‘Since the age of ten.’

‘Will you marry me, Anna?’

It was so sudden, and it came out of nowhere. And just as she caught her breath there was more.

‘And, if you agree, I would like to make Willow an official cousin to Josefa and adopt her.’

He misread her frown.

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