Clearing his throat, Ethan continued:
“We will build.
Each gentle touch, a mason’s grace,
Each whispered word, a statue fair
The arches formed, our arms outspread,
Encircling our love.
We will create
A hallowed sphere of mind and soul
Bathed in light from windows above.
A hosanna ringing to eternity,
My love.”
Allie closed her eyes, savoring the beauty of his words.
“Bellissimo,” she murmured. “It will be the capstone of your new book.”
Ethan shut his notebook. “I decided that I don’t wish tae publish a book of love poems.”
“Pardon? Whyever not?”
“Because I’m selfish.” Ethan cupped her cheek, gaze so open and earnest. “Because I do not wish to invite the world into our private lives. Because I want to treasure the love that flows between us, not wrap it in a leather binding to be sold for four shillings.”
“That’s the loveliest sentiment, Ethan—a poem all on its own. For me.” Tears stung Allie’s eyes. She tapped his notebook. “You should record your beautiful reasoning, too. Just for us.”
“Writing down our interactions is how we landed here, ye ken.” Ethan bent and pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “Tell me, of all the travelers ye accosted, was mine the most memorable kiss?”
“The most memorable kiss?” she asked on a startled, watery laugh. “Do you suppose I made a habit of kissing handsome men at gunpoint?”
“I shouldn’t blame ye if you did.”
“No, my love. That was never my way, even then.” Tears tumbled in earnest now. She cupped Ethan’s face in her palms. “I never kissed another traveler. There was only ever yours.”
“My kiss?”
“Yes.” She pressed her lips to his. “Merely that one kiss, alone.”
