He did his best to mask his disappointment. He considered that might be a sticking point and right now he did not care. Just knowing that he would spend the rest of his days with this incomparable woman by his side, brought a smile to his face. “E’en so. If friendship is what ye want, ’tis what I will give ye.” That admission pained him, but it was true.
“Aye.”
One single word. But it was enough. He did not need more. “My lady, I believe we will have some planning in our near future on how we shall convince everyone we are a love match. But for now, I think we should return inside and request a private audience with your cousin. What say ye? Shall we tell all those rabid men awaiting ye that they shall take their leave?”
She smiled. A genuine smile that lit up her face and chased the clouds from her eyes. He got the feeling that Willamina Watson had not had the happiest life until now. He vowed that though their marriage was on paper only, he would do everything in his power to ensure her happiness.
He could not believe he was thinking the thoughts he was. He was excited that she had agreed. He found himself looking forward to the days they would spend together. The realization that he had actually fallen for this woman and that he had managed to convince her to marry him was not lost on him.
He could only hope that in time, their relationship may bloom and blossom into something wonderful.
And mayhap, just mayhap, one day she would see him as more than just an escape.
