She searched his face. “I want to build the labyrinth, Smith, but I don’t have money for anything like the house you designed.”
Smith drew himself up. “Yes, well, my spoon is shiny enough for that much.”
“Are you saying you want to build your house on my land?”
“Our house on your land.” He raised her chin. “I still haven’t done this right. I don’t have the ring or anything. But I’m asking you to marry me.”
Genie raised her brows and breathed, “Whoa.”
Tessa’s breath grew shallow with emotion. “Would we keep our design?”
Smith laughed. “It’s more our design than Gaston and Petra’s.”
“We could do without the mirrors.”
“No, we can’t.”
“And the Roman bath.”
“I’m especially attached to the bath, but I’d prefer it in blue Spanish tile.”
She shook her head. “Is it possible?”
“It’s more than possible. By this time next year, we could be living there. If ”—he took her in his arms—“all those questions meant yes.”
“We could open the labyrinth for people who need the path?”
“Anything you want.”
Bair cleared his throat. “I think I’ll just take this.” He plucked the phone from Tessa’s hand. “And go where it’s not quite so …” He and Genie slipped away.
Tessa tipped her face up. “You know when I said I’d rather be anywhere than on a date with you?”
“I remember it clearly.”
“I was lying.”
He smiled. “I know.”
She shoved his chest. “Arrogant.”
He caught her hand and held it against his chest. “Here’s where you say yes.”
CHAPTER
42
Tessa straightened in the sun-drenched morning and looked across the thriving labyrinth as he approached. After seven months, he could tell it still caught her by surprise to realize he was there, loving her. But he didn’t mind. She might never take it for granted, and that was a good thing.
She had decided against the gate, but the boxwood stood waisthigh around her—separate plants that would grow together until they were indistinguishable. He hoped for that same thing between him and the woman he took in his arms. “I scheduled the final inspection for tomorrow.”
Her eyes shone. “It’ll take a little longer out here.”
“We have time.” He drenched his hands with her hair. “Are you busy?”
“Not really, why?”
“There’s a Roman bath inside, filled with hot, scented water. I’d like to share it with my wife.”
She looked into his face. “I love those words.”
He smiled. “I love you.” He couldn’t get enough of her, the days they spent honing each other’s art, arguing the best ways to do things, the evenings they spent sharing hopes and dreams. The times he cherished her with soul and body. Oh yes, life was beautiful.
Hooking her with his arm, he led her toward the house. “I hope I don’t have it too hot. I’d hate to boil my egg.”
She shoved his side, and he tossed back his head and laughed.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to all the people who were part of this book:
Jessica Lovitt for the characters Smith and Tessa,
the labyrinth motif, and much, much more.
Steve Meredith for architectural expertise.
Kelly McMullen for on-site setting stomping—
glad you got your sandal back from the sea.
Karen and David Mohler
for Maryland history, prayer, and friendship.
Tommy Courtney, Maryland waterman,
for fish straight from the net and great stories.
Tom Gandolfo for “paucity.”
David Ladd for encouragement and insight.
Karen Schurrer, editor, for services over and above.
My husband, Jim, my daughter, Jessie, and my mom, Jane,
for proofing and loving me through it all.
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The Edge of Recall Page 34