He drew her close. “Just with kisses. That's all I need.”
Faith wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into his kiss, her heart expanding within her. It was a new feeling after so much disappointment. When she pulled away, she noticed a new photograph in the foyer—their contest reject.
A sputtering laugh escaped her lips. “Nice picture.”
Just over his shoulder she could also see the Three Sisters photograph above the fireplace in the living room. A heartwarming gesture.
Shane looked offended as he helped her slide out from under the wet coat. “It's better than nice. It's a work of art. Not my fault the so-called judges didn't recognize brilliance when they saw it.”
“You're right, of course,” she said.
His brow arched. “That phrase, coming from you...it's so foreign, yet so satisfying.”
She rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”
“Ah, there's the Faith I know and love.”
Faith's smile faltered and her heart careened at his words. Seeking cover, she looked over at the photograph again. “It is good, isn't it?”
Shane took her hand, tugging on it until she turned to him. “Faith,” he said, his voice low. “You know it's true, don't you? That I love you?”
She allowed his words to sink in deep before speaking. “Then we still agree. Because I love you, too.”
His face altered and he pulled her close. His gaze drew her in as well. “Are you sure you just don't feel sorry for me or something?”
Faith heard the tension beneath the teasing of his words. “Well, you are still recovering,” she said, keeping her tone light. “Added to that the fact that I've stolen your inheritance, I have to admit the pity angle has been effective.”
His hands tightened at her waist.
“But, as I told you, I was getting there at my own pace.”
Shane rewarded her with another kiss. “Speaking of my uncle, Merle will be pretty pleased about this development.”
Stiffening slightly, Faith stared up at him. “Are you saying we're together because Merle wanted it to happen? And here I thought you were this independent maverick.”
Shane linked his hands around her, effectively imprisoning her. “I just meant this is what Merle was hoping for. Before I moved here, he went on and on about you. And I pretty much ignored it.” His voice dropped. “Until I met you.”
She believed him, but at the same time her new feelings were still a bit shaky. “You're sure this isn't some kind of nepotism thing?”
He laughed out loud. “You should know better than that. My point is that while my uncle might be behind the times electronically, he was way ahead of the curve on this one. He said you were perfect for me and he was right.”
She glowered at him. “You still haven't answered my question.”
“I have.” He sighed dramatically. “I guess you just want some extra reassurance.”
Faith wondered if he was going to kiss her again, but instead he took her hands, his fingers warm against her palms.
“I'd do this on bended knee, but I'm not sure I'd be able to get back up at this point.”
She stared up at him, startled by his words.
“And I had wanted to take you some place panoramic and amazing, but you've already beat me to just about every one.”
“Shane,” she said, her respiration rising without wanting to acknowledge why. “What are you talking about?”
His expression gentled. “Now, who's the impatient one?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
When Faith saw it, she had a sudden urge to faint. No way. This can't be real. Not yet anyway. Maybe a year down the line...or something.
He tugged on her hands, bringing her back to the present. “Faith, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”
She blinked as she looked up at him, his image going a bit blurry around the edges. “Are...are you sure?”
He smiled, his dark eyes shiny. “Of course I'm sure. See, I have this ring and everything.”
Faith once again heard the hint of tension in his words. Well, if he was sure, that was enough. Because no way was she letting anyone else have Shane Zadopec.
Taking a deep breath, she whispered “Yes.”
The look in his eyes only increased her light-headedness. He put the ring on her finger. Faith figured it was beautiful, but couldn't quite tear her gaze away from Shane to check and see.
He pulled her into a fierce embrace and held her until she felt his heartbeat against her own. Faith opened her eyes after a moment and saw the Three Sisters picture over his shoulder, then thought of the Painted Hills picture just behind her. As her past and present looked on, she could only imagine the new prospects opening before her with Shane by her side; the hikes, the photography—the arguments...
The making up.
A prayer of thanksgiving lifted from her heart and was sent heavenward.
Her cell phone rang.
Shane released her with reluctance, a bemused look on his face.
Faith sent him an apologetic smile and dug the phone from her front pocket. She frowned at the unfamiliar number.
“Who is it?”
She shrugged.
“Answer it. Maybe it's good news.”
“I think I've had more than I can bear today.” But to humor him, she flipped the phone open and said hello.
“Faith?” said a woman's voice. “Is that you? This is Hope.”
Book Two in the CASCADE BRIDE SERIES
Bayward Heart (Oregon Coast)
Hope Conrad runs a whale watching business and is readying for the peak season when her boat is damaged. Boat captain Eric Bandon offers a solution that may only deepen her dilemma. Strapped for cash and time, and knowing one bad season will sink her business for good, she reluctantly accepts Eric’s offer. Will she heed his challenge to take the plunge with him as well as be reconciled to her sisters?
Coming in 2012 in the CASCADE BRIDE SERIES
Project Love (Willamette Valley)
Charity Conrad loves the bustle and quirkiness of living in the middle of downtown Portland. Her work as a barista at a coffee shop keeps her in the company of adoring customers and the caffeine keeps her personality perking. Next to her job, she stays involved in community and church causes. It makes her feel needed and important and she can also prove to herself that she's not weak—something she's fought ever since being a small, sickly child. When coffee shop patron Daniel Tabor begins coming in, she makes it her personal goal to get the taciturn man to smile. She soon discovers he has something of a goal himself—to help her face the fears that keep her frantic. Maybe then she'll see him as a prize instead of another project.
OTHER KINDLE TITLES BY BONNIE BLYTHE
Restorations
(Book One of Oregon In Love)
Can her old boyfriend rebuild their relationship as well as her house?
Lights and Shadows
(Book Two of Oregon In Love)
Chiaroscuro: the treatment of light and shade to give an illusion of depth—even in love.
Milagro For Miranda
(Book Three of Oregon In Love)
Miranda needs a miracle—finding her lost sister in a Mexican orphanage
Claire’s Not-So-Gothic Romance
Jane Eyre meets Lucille Ball
How Sweet It Is
Chocolate maker meets surfer dude
Dearly Loved
She loved him long ago. Can she now that he's back in her life?
Texas Whirlwind
Did she buy her ready-made family and can she do it alone?
Restorations
Can her old boyfriend rebuild their relationship as well as her house?
Melody’s Knight
British girl who has a hankering for American cowboys. A novella
Love's Unmasking
Regency novella. Two people mask their affections for one another.
Visit the author at www.bonnieblythe.com
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Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series) Page 18