"Unlike you, who was brought up with a silver spoon in your mouth." She teased. Her hand was tucked through his arm, and she felt contented just being with him.
He glanced at her, expression sober.
"Are you saying I'm a snob?"
She was about to answer with an offhand remark when she realized that he was serious.
"Not exactly."
Turning, he took her hand and steered her away from the crowd and into a corner.
"Not exactly?"
"Rodney, I was joking."
"Were you?"
She gave him a strange look.
"Yes. Why are you making a big deal out of what I said?"
He shrugged, feeling a little foolish.
"I don't ever want you to think that I'm that person."
Lifting a hand, she cupped his cheek.
"Never."
"Good." Easing out a breath, he bent to kiss her. "I noticed you admiring a painting. The one with the mother and son in the corn fields."
"I think it's a lovely depiction of true motherhood." Her eyes narrowed as he started over to where the painting was being displayed. "What are you doing?"
"It's yours." He told her simply.
Coming to a stop, she stared at him and then at the painting and noticed for the first time that there was a sold sign at the bottom. And also, that the price tag had been removed.
"It's--" She swallowed the lump that had found its way inside her throat. "I can't accept it. It's--the price--It's--No!" She shook her head, tearing her eyes away from the lovely painting. "I cannot accept it, it's too much."
"It's already a done deal." He drew her against him. "All you need to do is say thank you."
"Rodney--"
"I love buying things for you. Please don't spoil it for me."
She felt like crying. All of this was so beautiful, so magical. From the moment they met, he had been special. Treated her like a queen and she loved him for it.
She was in love with him!
It staggered her how much he had wormed his way insidiously into her heart. She was in love with him and he was going to despise her when he discovered what she had done.
"Melanie?"
Blinking away the tears, she went into his arms, burying her face on his chest.
"Thank you." She whispered hoarsely.
"You're welcome." Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he frowned thoughtfully at what he had seen on her face. That naked vulnerability and what looked like regret.
