Noah’s hand stroked his cheek as he gazed out at the turbulent water.
As she watched him, a longing burned in her. How could Margaret possibly refuse this man? If someone as good and honorable as Noah offered for Hannah, she would be helpless to refuse him. And now he sat there, pining after someone who was not worthhistime. The irony was not lost on Hannah, even if he could not see it. Noah deserved someone who celebrated him for who he was and the joy he brought to their life. Not someone who tried to cage him in and hold him back.
Hannah’s eyes trailed over his hair as it blew in the wind, and she wondered what the strands would feel like if she ran her fingers through them. Had Margaret ever touched his hair in the short time they held a quiet understanding? Had they been that far into their relationship to broach such a gesture?
“Noah?”
He turned his face toward her, and his lips still wore a slight frown. “Yes?”
“How did you feel about yourself when you were with her? With Margaret?” she clarified.
He shook his head as a small scoff escaped. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“I am only curious. Would you humor me?”
He scratched his neck as he thought. “I was entranced. She is lovely—”
“No,” Hannah said, cutting him off. “How did you feel aboutyourselfwhen you were with her?”
His brow furrowed, and he returned to eating his apple, taking his time to chew and swallow. “I couldn’t speak to how I would feel now, as I haven’t seen her since that night. But when I was with her before, I felt in love.” He shrugged, tossing his core aside. “Or so I had thought.”
“That is incredibly vague.” Hannah’s pile of severed grass blades was practically a tower now. “What about her made you love her?”
Noah’s mouth pulled to the side. He hunched forward, picking a small wildflower and twirling it in his grasp. “I cannot say for sure. Our families have always been friends, so we spent a lot of time together. She was beautiful. And I suppose it was always assumed that we would one day marry.”
“So did you love her? Or was it expected of you?”
Noah’s frown deepened, and he took a long breath. “I had to have loved her. Right? Otherwise, why did it hurt so much when she—” His words stopped short, and he shook his head. “Enough of this talk. We were talking about you.”
She looked down with a grimace. “That’s why I changed the subject. I do not wish to talk about myself.”
“Come now.” Noah turned until he faced her, his legs crossed in front of him. “You always close up when we venture to topics regarding your life. Let us continue.”
“My blunders in society are not enjoyable to relive. I would much rather not.”
“Then we will not speak of your blunders. We will speak of the many wonderful things about you.”
“Ah, yes.” Her voice took on a bitter note, and she looked out at the water, taking a deep breath of the salty air. “I am a wealthy heiress. Some younger son will be very happy to marry me one day, and in doing so, elevate my parents to the social standing they crave.”
Hannah felt a finger beneath her chin, and her breath caught as Noah gently spun her face about so their eyes met. His smile was gone, and his eyes were a tempest. “I hate to hear you speak of yourself that way, Hannah. That is not what you are and you well know it.”
She swallowed, his nearness and touch beneath her chin making her heart beat quicker. “Perhaps. But it is what others see.”
He slowly shook his head. “Not me.”
Did he not realize how his words sounded? Or how his nearness made her cheeks flush or her heart flutter? Suddenly, she felt a boldness swell up within her.
“And what do you see?”
Noah held her gaze for another moment, then released her chin and sat back. The storm in his eyes began to fade and the gravity of the moment lifted like the morning dew evaporating when the sun breaks through. “I have an idea.” He gave her a smirk, holding a finger in the air.
Hannah raised her brow. “I am listening.”
“Come.” He stood, holding his hand out for her and helping her up. “Now, you are going to look out at the sea and yell all of your amazing qualities for the world to hear.”
Her eyes widened. “I will do no such thing.”
“Yes you will.” His grin widened. “Come now. This will be good for you.” He jerked his head as if to get her to face the water. When she made no move to turn, he came behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, twisting her around so she overlooked the waves crashing against the shore. She gave a light gasp, but she allowed him to guide her until she stared out at the sea, letting the wind push her fears and anxieties away.
