Tonight,theycame first.
“I’ll tell you more soon enough.” Mouth dry and palms damp, he adjusted his grip on the roses behind his back, deciding now was the time.
Wasn’t it? He detested how uncertain and awkward he felt.
“I look forward to hearing about it.” Her eyes narrowed as she studied him, seeming to sense his uncertainty. “Is…all well?”
“It is. More than well.” He presented the roses in as gallant a move as possible, the moment feeling more uncomfortable than he liked. “I brought you these.”
“Oh!” Her eyes widened as she took the roses. “They’re beautiful! How thoughtful of you.” She held them as if they were a cherished possession before leaning close to draw in their scent. “They smell wonderful. I’m so touched you thought of me—thank you, Henry.”
This was it. This was the moment.
He cleared his throat, fearful the words wouldn’t come out. Drawing a breath, he took one of her hands to press it gently between his, the contact settling him. “Amelia, I—I don’t think this will come as a surprise, and I certainly don’t mean to pressure you by any means.” His mouth was so dry he could barely continue. “But we’ve always agreed that honesty between us is important.”
Her puzzled expression suggested he wasn’t doing this right.
Well, what else was there to say?
“I love you,” he whispered, searching her face for a reaction. “I love everything about you. You are courageous, kind, and honest, and I enjoy every moment we spend together. And I hope many more such moments are in our future.”
Honest?Why on earth had he added that? Where were the words he’d so carefully prepared in his mind over the last two weeks?
Tears filled Amelia’s eyes as she stared at him, clearly shocked by his declaration.
Shocked or merely taken aback? Henry couldn’t tell for certain.
His stomach dropped to his knees. Had he ruined everything he’d been hoping for?
Eight
Ameliahardlyknewhowto respond, too surprised—too touched—by his words.
Yes, she’d half expected him to say something of the sort a week or two ago, but when he hadn’t, she decided she’d clearly misunderstood. That she didn’t know him as well as she thought.
And now the man was staring at her in worry and she had said nothing!
“Henry! I-I feel much the same.” She shook her head. That wasn’t what she’d meant to say. She was already making a mess of it. “I love you, too. I admire your determination to provide justice to those who can’t seek it themselves. I admire your integrity, your trustworthiness, and so many other qualities I can’t find the words for at the moment.” She let out a small laugh, blinking back tears.
Oh, this was too much. Too much, and all she wanted.
“As long as I have your regard, that is all I need.” He smiled as he gazed into her eyes, emotions swirling in their dark depths.
With one hand still holding hers, and taking care not to damage the flowers, he wrapped his other arm around her. Hekissed her, long and deep, as though determined to express his love with more than simple words.
Passion took hold, surprising her with its strength. The idea that this handsome man with his arms wrapped around her loved her only added to the heady moment, one that would surely never end—
“Meow.” The sensation of a feline rubbing against her skirts had her drawing back with another laugh.
“M-Master Leopold, you have poor timing.” Amelia was breathless, both from the kiss and the emotions racing through her, and she had yet to release his hand.
Henry’s grin suggested that pleased him to no end.
“Indeed, you do,” he agreed, bending down to scratch the cat along its neck.
At least Master Leopold’s arrival allowed them both time to gather themselves. The feline was a relatively new member of the household, an indirect result of one of Henry’s murder investigations. Amelia had known the victim in Gravesend and agreed to take the cat when none of the deceased’s family wanted the poor thing. Master Leopold now managed the entire household, keeping a close eye on them all and, of course, greeting visitors.
Having done his duty, the cat strolled toward the fire to make himself comfortable on the rug before it.
