“Did you just growl at me?” Jessie’s surprise was genuine this time.
“Yes, because a couple usually kisses after declaring their love for each other. But—”
“But I’m still married. And I wouldn’t feel right about kissing you while I’m still married to Patrick.”
“Just like I don’t feel right about kissing a married woman.” He rubbed his jaw, and Jessie wanted to reach out and stroke the smooth skin. “That’s where I was going with all of this, by the way.” He waved his free hand toward the candles and their dessert plates. “I want to marry you and give your child the father he or she deserves. I’ll try not to rush you, but as soon as your divorce is final, I want to put my ring on your finger and make you my wife.”
Jessie’s heart swelled, and tears filled her eyes. She didn’t deserve a man as amazing as Robert.
“I want that too. With all my heart.” She took a quick breath. “Oh, with all the craziness of teaching, I forgot to tell you, I have an appointment in two weeks to get my divorce finalized.”
Robert’s grip on her hand tightened. “Say the word, Jess, and I’ll put a ring on you so fast and take you to the courthouse, or the church, or wherever you want. I’ll even spring for plane tickets to Vegas if that’s what you want.”
They both laughed, because years ago they had joked about eloping to Vegas before Robert went to the police academy.
Then Jessie sobered. “Please don’t joke about stuff like that. Let’s agree not to discuss this again until my divorce is final, and you have a ring.”
“I’ve got a ring.” Robert held her gaze.
He’s not joking.
Her brow furrowed, and she tilted her head, trying to make sense of his words. “When did you buy a ring? I only decided yesterday that I absolutely wanted to stay in Providence.”
“I’m not sure it would do any good to tell you.” Robert scratched his jaw and dropped his gaze.
Jessie’s chest grew tight, and a sense of foreboding swept over her. She had a feeling she was about to be served another giant helping of regret.
“How long have you had the ring, Robert?”
He released her hand and stood. “Let’s discuss this later, after your divorce is final.”
Jessie stood, too. “No, we need to discuss this now. I need to know.”
“I bought it...five years ago. I was going to propose to you...that night.”
She dropped back into her chair. “And I dropped a bomb on you, by telling you I was leaving before you could. No wonder you were so upset. I ruined all of your plans for us.” She looked up at him, her eyes full of tears again. “I’m so sorry. I was such an idiot. I was so focused on chasing my dreams that I didn’t see how hard you were working to makeourdreams come true.”
He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. “Jessie, don’t. It won’t change anything.”
“You’re right. Regret changes nothing.” She blinked the tears away. “I won’t dwell on it. And my admitting to being an idiot doesn’t change the fact that you were an idiot too.”
“Me?” He released her hands and stood again.
“Yes, you were an idiot.” She stood too and smacked his arm. “You had a ring in your pocket, yet you let me walk out of your life. Only an idiot lets the woman he loves walk away. Besides, what man builds a house without consulting the woman he plans to share it with?”
“You’re right, I was an idiot.” Robert grinned.
“I love the house, by the way. It’s beautiful.”
Robert puffed his chest out in a show of pride. He cupped her face in his hands. “I intend to learn from my mistakes, sweetheart. I promise to never let you go again.”
His gazed dipped to her lips and his hands tensed. He wanted to seal his promise with a kiss—she could see it on his face.
She wanted that kiss.
He let out a deep groan-like sigh and lowered his hands, his fingertips leaving a trail of fire down the length of her neck. He tugged her into the family room. “Come swing dance with me. I need upbeat music and lots of movement or I’m going to break down and kiss you.”
Jessie had a feeling swing dancing would do nothing to dampen the attraction and desire building between them.
