Chapter Sixteen
Laura fought the smile threatening to blossom as she witnessed the telltale signs of nervousness in Dallas. To quell her jittery excitement, the rush of sweet, sweet anticipation—because both the signs and strong hints from Patrick led her in the marriage direction—she pretended interest in the Auckland skyline.
From their cozy, window-side restaurant table at the top of the Sky Tower, she studied the volcanic cones studding the landscape to her left. In front of her, the harbor spread in glistening blue, studded with yachts and cargo ships and the brooding presence of Rangitoto Island, yet another of Auckland’s dormant volcanoes.
“Would you like me to order for you?” Dallas asked.
“You look very sexy in a suit. It makes me want to rip it off. Maybe with my teeth.”
“Behave.”
“Ooh,”she said, bundling the sound with a teasing smile. He’d planned this for her—a weekend in Auckland, staying at a nice hotel and now a special dinner. Tomorrow he’d promised more sightseeing. She reached for his hand, his arm now free of the plaster. “I’d love you to order for me.”
While Dallas conferred with the waiter, she went back to watching the landmarks and the gradual creep of the day toward darkness. It was beautiful.
If only her family hadn’t insisted on their everything or nothing stance. If only they’d expressed their happiness at her independence.If only.
None of that would happen, not when her parents clutched the feud to their chests like a precious heirloom. She sighed. Talk about an understatement. They intended to take their self-righteous pride and sense of wronged, kicking and screaming to their graves.
“You are no longer my daughter,” her father had said when she’d gone to Clare with James to collect her possessions. James had persuaded her to undertake the visit and give her parents a chance to reconsider their stance. The face-to-face meet hadn’t gone well.
“You’re written out of the will,” her mother had told her in an icy voice.
Boohoo. Tough shit.
She didn’t care.
Laura, with James at her side, had packed her belongings and ignored the hovering presence of her mother, there to check she didn’t pack any Drummond valuables.
She had James and Steven, Patrick and even Quinn seemed to have come around. She’d spoken to Dallas’s parents via Skype. Although his parents had spoken with reserve, it was clear they were willing to give her a chance. It was her family who was busy keeping the feud alive, and she wanted no part of the stupid argument. Past history. It was time to embrace the future. Her future.
Dallas made her happy.
The waiter left, and Dallas picked up her hand, holding it in his. “Okay?”
“I’m so glad fate allowed us to meet, Dallas. I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you, Dallas.”
“God, Laura,” he said, squeezing her hand painfully hard. His eyes shone with bright emotion as he slowly smiled. “You’ve never told me before.”
“I was right. You needed the words. I’m sorry. I wanted the right setting and moment. I wanted to make my declaration special. I wanted impact so you’d never, ever forget.” She’d given up everything for him and gained so much in exchange. “I love you very much, Dallas O’Grady.”
“Hell, yes, I wanted you to say the words. I fell for you, and after everything with Maria, your reassurance would’ve helped. And if you tell my brothers I said that, I might have to spank you,” he added.
“It’ll be our secret. Dallas, I want you for my friend and lover.” She grinned, her eyes twinkling. “I want to marry you, if only you’d get around to asking me in a proper manner.”
“I think I’ll spank you anyway.” He released her hand and reached into his pocket to retrieve a black box. He opened it and extended it to her, the flash of a diamond and sapphire ring grabbing her attention.
“Oh, Dallas.”
Dallas cleared his throat. “I love you, Laura Drummond. Will you please make me a happy man and marry me?”
“Yes.” She never hesitated.
They shared a long glance, communicating so much more than mere words as he slid the ring on her finger.
“We’ll get married in Clare with your family and our friends,” Laura said. “I’ll send my parents an invitation, even though they won’t come.”
Dallas linked their fingers again. “I’m sorry.”
