“Yes, you did. At the time. And only because you were being a good friend.”
Uncertainty remained etched upon his face. “I don’t know. I—”
“For God’s sake, Griffin. What must I do to convince you?” Irritation threatened to swamp her fond feelings for him. “If it is forgiveness you want, then by all means, you have it, even though it’s completely unnecessary in my opinion.” She crossed her arms and pushed back her shoulders with the aim of being completely honest. “Also, if you have any intention of reciprocating my declaration of affection for you, now would be an excellent time to do so.”
He reached for her then and drew her roughly against him. Her body collided with his on a startled, “Oof!”
“I love you with all that I am, Emily.” His hand cupped her cheek, fingers stroking tenderly over her skin. “With every beat of my heart and each breath I take. You are everything to me, which is why knowing that I’ve caused you pain is impossible to accept.”
Heart singing with joy, Emily leaned back in his embrace and looped her arms around his neck. “Then I must do what I can to help you forget. And to show you that I am pleased with how things have turned out.”
An incredulous smile hinting at mischief pulled at the edge of his lips. “How do you plan to do that?”
“Like this,” she whispered with a cheeky playfulness meant to lighten the mood, right before she pulled him closer and captured his mouth with her own.
Griffin’s heart beat wildly. She loved him and she was kissing him as if she wanted to do so forever. When he’d thought for certain that he’d lost every chance he’d ever had of spending his future with her, she’d undone him with her understanding.
He’d meant what he said when he told her he didn’t deserve her. No woman in the world was as kind as Emily. Whatever he had to do from this day forward to make her happy would be a small price to pay for having her in his life. And her love… It was like sunshine falling on a dreary world; bright and so full of life that he wanted to bask in it forever.
His hand settled firmly against her waist, holding her to him, not wanting to ever let her go. Her lips were rose petal soft and plush like berries, just as tempting as they’d been the two previous times when they’d kissed. But this time was different. This time their hearts were engaged with the sort of unwavering certainty that caused joy to flow through his veins. He wanted to bask in the wonder of Emily Howard; he wanted to watch her eyes light up whenever she spotted him across a crowded room; he wanted to be the man who made her feel safe and cherished.
So he kissed her back with fervor, as if this was the kiss that all other kisses in the world would one day be measured against. It was bold and tender and full of adoration and love. Just like she.
“I think I can get used to your way of helping me forget things,” he murmured against the corner of her mouth.
Her lips curved beneath his. “Just as long as you don’t forget how much I love you.”
“I am the most fortunate man in the world.” Except, not quite. But hopefully soon. He drew back, adding some measure of distance between them, and clasped her hands between his.
She smiled, so pure and without pretense that his heart felt like bursting with the shocking awareness that he was the source. He cleared his throat, determined to do the right thing and hoping to God that he wouldn’t muck it up.
“I…er…”Christ. Why was this so hard? He pushed out a breath in an effort to calm his agitated body. His hands were now trembling, his skin flushed and prickly. He had no ring, but perhaps he had something better. At least for now.
Releasing her, Griffin reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out the paper packet he’d placed there earlier. He opened it while constantly aware of Emily’s curiosity. Yet another thing that he loved about her – this willingness of hers to learn about the world and discover new things. Gingerly, he retrieved the dark spindly stems tied with creamy silk ribbon.
Emily’s uncertain frown made him grin. He knew it looked as though he was offering her some dried twigs, when in fact his gift held tremendous value.
Without further hesitation, he lowered himself to one knee and held the odd looking bouquet toward her. “I purchased this earlier today when I rode into town. The fact that it was even available was so unlikely that I knew I had to buy it for you right then and there.” He tilted his head and considered her eager expression. “Do you know what it is?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t a clue.”
“It’s vanilla. From vanilla orchids grown in Mexico. They’re not at all common in English cuisine.”
“So they’re used for cooking?”
He nodded. “For desserts. As a substitute for rose water.” He considered the small bouquet which had cost him a fortune. “I know it is not a ring, but—”
“It is perfect!” She was suddenly on her knees, her hands on either side of his face as she kissed him again.
He laughed against her mouth. “I haven’t even asked you if you’ll marry me yet,” he managed to say while she smothered him with affection.
“Of course I will, Griffin.” She kissed him again and this time he allowed it, even though they were both on their knees in the rose garden and likely to have dirt stains on their clothes. But he didn’t care. The only thing that mattered right now was she. Emily. His future wife.
Heaven help him, he could scarcely credit how perfect this day had turned out after all.
“There are some things we must settle however,” she said once she’d taken the vanilla bouquet as a token of his affection and he’d helped her rise.
“Yes.” He’d considered a few himself. “As you know, I must return to Vienna. That cannot be helped. But where we make our permanent home will be up to you, for I can easily sell my business there and start a new one here in England.”
