“Why does your heart hurt to leave here?” he asked, waiting with bated breath.
“What does it matter why I am torn? It’s just a projection of my own silly, stupid heart. My desire for something that will never be.”
Jack couldn’t see her tears, as the shadows hid her face, but he could hear the hopelessness and resignation in her voice.
“You asked me to trust you,” he said, “and I did. Now I’m asking you to trust me. I believe you. I believe everything you’ve told me. Everything your friends have told me.”
“You do?”
“Yes, as incredible as it is, I do.” He took a few steps closer. “May I sit down?”
She scooted over on the bench. “Yes.”
He sat next to her, not too close, but near enough that if she showed the slightest encouragement, he might pull her into his arms and kiss her. At least now he could see her face and read her emotions. Being near her gave him the courage to face his fears and uncertainties. The acknowledgment of his love for her was so recently realized that he ached to share it with her, but he couldn’t rush this. Gaby deserved to be courted.
“I didn’t tell you, but after I saw you in the hallway this afternoon carrying that tea tray, I went to Cynthia’s room to speak to her.”
Gaby looked down at her hands. “Did you go to propose your engagement?”
“Good God, no. I went to tell her the truth. That I didn’t love her, and she deserved someone who did.”
“You did? What did she say?”
He chuckled. “She was asleep, and Jenee had left Mafalda to stay with her. And, well, you know how formidable Mafalda is.”
Gaby giggled. “I spend most of my time with my kitchen crew, but yes, I’ve had dealings with Mafalda. She’s a force to be reckoned with. Your aunt is very lucky to have her.”
“Indeed. Well, suffice it to say, I never got a chance to speak with her, but I can assure you I will at the soonest opportunity.”
“But what of your inheritance?”
“My inheritance is not what I’m thinking about right now. I’ll figure out another way. The point is, I’ve discovered a great deal about myself since we met.”
“Have you?”
“Yes, I have. I thought it didn’t matter whether I married for love or not, but I’ve realized that it matters very much to me.”
Gaby nodded, and though he yearned for her to look him in the eyes, she stared down at her hands.
“What about you, Gaby? Does love matter to you?”
“Yes, it does, but I’ve resigned myself to living without it.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I-I… Because the man I love doesn’t love me.”
“And you know that for certain? Because I cannot imagine any man not falling in love with you.”
She looked up at him, her eyes wide and questioning. “You’re just saying that because you see I am distraught, and you’re feeling guilty about what we shared.”
“Is that why I’m here? Speaking to you about love and what is in my heart? Do you really think my actions are motivated by guilt? Search your heart, Gaby. Would I be willing to give up everything for the woman I love for the unworthy emotion of pity, or even empathy?” He chuckled. “I do not believe I am that altruistic or saintly.”
A small smile formed on the lips he longed to kiss. “You are definitely not a saint.”
“Ah, something we can both agree upon.”
“There might be other things we can agree upon.”
