Page 69 of Winter Vows

He grinned. “That took some planning.”

“I’m touched,” she said. “And grateful.”

“Why?”

“I was dreading tonight.”

He drew her close. “Darlin’, there’s nothing to dread.”

“But I expected everything to end and now...” She studied him intently. “You’re not going to end it, are you?”

He laughed suddenly. “You can read me like a book, can’t you?”

“Not always,” she admitted. “For instance, right now I can’t figure out why you’re keeping me in suspense.”

“About?” he teased, eyes twinkling.

“Fine,” she muttered. “Suit yourself. I think I’ll pour myself a little champagne.”

She walked over and picked up the bottle, then handed it to him to open. He popped the cork, picked up a glass and handed it to her. She heard something ping against the crystal wineglass and glanced inside. Her mouth dropped open, a lump formed in her throat.

When she could finally speak, she said, “It’s a ring.”

“Really? Let me see,” he said, peering into the glass. “Why, so it is. A diamond, in fact. Now how do you suppose that got in there?”

She touched his cheek. “Hardy, don’t,” she pleaded. “Don’t play games. Not about something this important.”

He met her gaze, then silently plucked the ring from the glass and held it up so that the waning sunlight made sparks shoot from it. His gaze still clinging to hers, he said solemnly, “I know we got engaged this morning, and I know you assumed it was just an impulsive thing I did to get your father off your case, but it wasn’t, darlin’. I love you. I want this engagement to be real. Brief,” he added fervently, “but real.”

Tears swam in her eyes. “How brief?”

“Oh, I’d say a few days ought to be long enough, but you can decide. That is, if you’ll agree to marry me, if you’ll let me be your husband and Laura’s father.”

A million things crowded into her mind at once. Joy spread through her heart. She couldn’t seem to think of a thing to say.

“Trish?” Hardy prodded, his expression worried.

“I’m overwhelmed,” she said finally. “I’m grateful.”

“Dammit, I don’t want your gratitude,” he said impatiently.

She kissed him to silence him. “I am grateful,” she repeated. “But I was also going to say that I love you, Hardy Jones. You are the most amazing, sensitive, incredible man I’ve ever known.”

Hardy stopped and stared, clearly taken aback. Apparently he’d expected to have to put up more of a fight. “Say that again.”

“I love you,” she said, grinning.

“You do?”

She nodded. “Get used to it, cowboy. Your bachelor days are numbered.”

Hardy whooped and gathered her into his arms. He twirled her around until they were both dizzy and giddy.

Laughing, Trish gazed into his eyes. “I take it you’re not as upset by this as you would have been a few months ago?”

“Upset? No way.” He peered at her intently. “You are saying you’ll marry me, right? You are saying yes?”

“No need to say it,” she informed him. “I’ve already told the world—well, my father, anywaythat we’re engaged. I wouldn’t want to make a liar out of either one of us.”

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