by Leah Atwood
“Hello,” she said tentatively.
“Do you have time to talk?”
“Yes, I was just about to go home for the day.” She rubbed a hand on her skirt.
“Would you like to talk here or somewhere else then?” His heart beat erratically.
“Here is fine.”
“I believe this belongs to you.” He handed her the envelope with money.
Shaking her head, she refused it. “No, I can’t take this back. It was wrong of me to let you purchase a ticket, knowing it wouldn’t be used.”
“The ticket will be used. They’ll allow me to transfer it to another ticket.”
“Oh, where will you be going?” Caroline’s ears perked.
“Nowhere. I will be sending the ticket to Molly. She is coming home for good.”
“That’s wonderful news. I can’t wait to see her again.” Caroline cast her gaze to the ground before looking back up at him.
Silence permeated the small room, as both Wyatt and Caroline stood still, facing each other, unsure of what to say. A loose tendril of chestnut hair escaped Caroline’s chignon and Wyatt couldn’t help himself. He lifted his hand and gently pushed the hair behind her ear. Her downcast eyes looked up, searching his for answers.
“I owe you an apology, my dear Caroline. I said some things at our last meeting out of anger, and I pray you will forgive me. I’m also sorry that I was not honest about my feelings for you, especially because they were so strong. Had I told you how I felt to begin with, you never would have come up with your scheme,” Wyatt said all in one breath.
“I never meant to hurt you. And I have never once thought you were dumb. I think you are a very smart man, Wyatt and don’t ever discredit yourself by saying otherwise.”
“It hurts a man’s pride to admit when he lacks something as basic as reading and writing.”
“May I ask why you cannot?” she questioned.
This was not a topic Wyatt would normally discuss, but he wanted Caroline to know everything. “My mama taught all of us kids, but for me the letters were always jumbled. I can write the individual letters, but when it comes to forming the words, I just can’t.”
“If you would like, I can try to teach you. My cousin had a similar problem but with some work and different techniques, she was able to learn.” Caroline soft words gave him hope.
“I would really like that. I’m not sure if anything will work, but I’d be willing to try.” If he could learn to finally read and write, then anything was possible.
“I love you, Caroline,” he blurted out. “Can you forgive this stubborn man and see yourself married to him?”
It was not very romantic, he knew, but he found himself overwhelmed with emotion.
“Is that a proposal, Mr. Lance?”
“Yes, yes it is,” he said. Bending down on one knee, he took her hand. “For two years, I have watched you, admiring your strength and dedication. You are a beautiful woman, not just in physical appearance but in spirit and personality also. I would be honored if you were my wife.”
“The answer is yes, my Wyatt. I would like nothing more than to be your wife.”
He stood and embraced her in a tight hug. For a brief second, he allowed their lips to touch. At that moment, he knew their lives would be forever entwined and in the shadows, they had found their light of love.
Other Titles from Leah
Contemporary Romance Novels
Come to Me Alive
Come to Me Free
Come to Me Again
Come to Me Joyful (Bonus NOVELLA)
Brides of Weatherton Novellas
After the Rain
Fire and Ice
Winds of Change
Whiter than Snow
Dancing on Dew (December 2015)
Texas Wildflowers Novelette Series
Free to Love
Free to Heal
Free to Protect
Free to Serve
Free to Roam
Free to Forgive
Mail-Order Short Stories and Novelettes
The Ultimatum Bride
A Man to Be Proud Of
Their First Noelle
The Not Quite Mail-Order Bride
The Mail-Order Bride’s Quilt
Riches of the Heart
Unlikely Substitute
The Most Wonderful Bride of the Year