Octavia’s heart took flight. “You did?”
The way Harred was watching her made her heart skip a beat and had her knees go a little weak. “Before I met you, I didn’t think I would ever find love. Or that anyone would be able to fill the void in my heart. But all that changed when I met you. You broke down my barriers, and touched my soul, making me whole.” He paused. “But I have a problem.”
“What is that?”
With a tender smile playing on his lips, he replied, “I have come to realize that I am hopelessly, desperately in love with you, and I can’t go on without you by my side. I love you, Octavia. I have for a long time now, and I was hoping you would do me the privilege of becoming my wife.”
Octavia felt tears well up in her eyes, but she made no attempt to stop them. These were happy tears.
But Harred failed to recognize that. “Did I say something wrong?” he asked with concern in his voice.
“No, you did everything right,” she rushed to assure him. “It was perfect.”
“Then why are you crying?”
She smiled through the tears. “I do not think I have ever been so happy in my entire life as I am right now,” she admitted.
“Does this mean you will marry me?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed. “I would marry you today, tomorrow or any day you would like. Whatever day you choose, it cannot come soon enough for me.”
Harred moved closer and cupped her right cheek. “I love you, my dear,” he said. “You have made me the happiest of men.”
Octavia stared up at him, fearing that her heart might burst from happiness. Was that even possible? “I love you, too.”
“I wanted to tell you so many times, but I was afraid you didn’t feel the same,” Harred admitted.
“I was worried about the same thing.”
Harred smiled, and in that smile, she saw her future. “It sounds like we prolonged our own agony,” he said.
“Did you know that Fredrick foresaw this happening?” she asked. “That is why he has encouraged us along.”
“Your brother is a wise man, but do not tell him that I said that. He is already cocky enough,” Harred remarked.
“That he is,” she agreed.
His finger started tracing along her bottom lip, distracting her terribly. “May I kiss you?” he asked.
It took everything she had to nod. She couldn’t formulate words, not when he was looking at her like that. It was the way that every woman wanted to be looked at by the man she loved.
Harred leaned closer until his lips brushed against hers. “Octavia,” he whispered. “I have dreamed of this for so long.”
Then he kissed her. It was soft, gentle, and she found herself lost in his touch, trusting him completely. This was everything that she had ever wanted. She didn’t have to pretend with him anymore. Her heart now beat with his, and they would never be apart.
He broke the kiss but remained close. “That was better than I ever imagined,” he said, his warm breath on her lips.
“It wasn’t bad. But I think if we practiced more, it would be much better,” she joked as she flashed him a coy smile.
Harred looked amused by her response. “I would be a fool to turn down that offer.”
Fredrick’s irate voice came from behind them. “Your time is up,” he said. “You will release my sister, Harred!”
Harred dropped his arms and moved to create distance between them. “Octavia has agreed to be my wife,” he announced.
“What wonderful news,” Fredrick muttered. “I don’t need to challenge you to a duel- at least this time.”
Octavia placed a hand on her hip. “Promise me that you won’t shoot my fiancé for any reason,” she said.
