It was simply the workings of this world, and they both knew it.
“And I have an undeniable charm that will work well with suppliers and such.”
She eyed him up and down in slow appraisal. “You do have those dimples.”
He would’ve smiled, but was too beset by nerves. The thought of her saying no…
No.
She wouldn’t say no.
He wasn’t above fighting dirty and using his dimples, either.
“Tilly,” he said, “I know you don’t want to rely on anyone, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a partner?” Here was the heart of his case. “Someone with whom you can share your dream?” A beat. “Me.”
“Rhys,” she said, suddenly earnest, “why did you do this?”
He needed to be careful here, for this shop was a gift in truth.
He expected nothing from her in return.
“If I say why,” he began, “I don’t want you to feel obligated to reciprocate.”
“Why, Rhys?”
“Because I admire you. Because you deserve to start your dream now, not in fifteen years. Because I love you, Tilly.”
He left the becauses there.
For another because ached to be spoken.
Because I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
But he couldn’t say that…yet.
And perhaps never.
He waited for his fate with the breath lodged in his lungs, with his heart attempting to pound free of his chest.
“Oh, you beautiful, generous, good-hearted man,” she said, rushing across the distance separating them and straight into his arms.
And when they kissed, it was with all the desperation and longing of that which was lost, regained.
She angled back, her gaze lifted, unshed tears swimming in her eyes—no small amount of joy, too. “I love you, Rhys. But not because I have any choice in the matter.”
“Who would choose a reformed rake, anyway?”
She shook her head. “Because you were etched into my heart long before I ever met you. Because you have so much goodness inside you. Because you’re the only man for me. But, Rhys?” Uncertainty flashed behind her eyes.
“Aye?”
“Can we just go on like this for a while?”
He took her meaning. “For as long as you like, Tilly. Forever, if you like.”
As long as he had her.
That was all that would ever matter.
