Page 65 of Air Affair

“I don’t know how I could ever deserve you, but I absolutely cannot live without you. No one else will do, Rory. It has to be you.”

“Oh, Hank,” she said, tears forming in her eyes. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

“So you’ll marry me?” He held his breath, desperate for her answer.

“I’ll consider it. Give me a few days to think it through. I don’t want to rush into this.”

Progress at last! His heart soared.

“Of course,” he said. “I have another run to D.C. tomorrow, and I’ll be away for the next three days. But take all the time you need. I love you too much to rush you into anything.”

“Oh, Hank, you are the sweetest, most considerate man a woman could ever hope for.” She kissed him on the cheek, not daring more in public in broad daylight. Even that chaste peck could be considered scandalous if the wrong person saw it.

“Let me walk you home.”

They were silent as they strolled back to the O’Donnell’s, her hand on his arm. He’d never been so hopeful and content in his life. She was nearly his. He’d found the magic key to her affection at last.

As they walked down the street, his eye caught on Portman and Sons Law Offices, and an idea struck him. Rory wasn’t just worried about him getting tired of her. She was worried about her freedom. What if he allayed that worry too?

“Rory, would you mind if we made one more stop before home?”

Her tentative smile encouraged him. “What do you have in mind?”

“I have an idea about how I can prove that you can marry me and still be your own woman.”

Her eyes narrowed, and her smile tightened. “Hank⁠—”

“Please. Just hear me out. With Mr. Portman’s help, I think I can put your mind at ease.”

She tensed as she cast a dubious glance at the law firm’s storefront. “A lawyer? I can’t imagine what you have in mind.”

Pausing, he took both of her hands and met her gaze. “Men have been making decisions without you your whole life. I don’t want to be like them. I want you by my side while we talk about our potential future and lay out the ground rules. I want you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all I want from you is your love and companionship. I don’t want a cent of your money or an ounce of your freedom, now or ever. I’ll commit to it in writing, and you can take all the time you need to decide.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Was this the right thing to do? He sure as hell hoped so. It was a gamble, but he was willing to try anything at this point.

“Do you trust me?”

With a deep breath, she met his gaze. “Yes.”

“Then let’s go inside.”

Together, they ducked into the cozy, wood-paneled office, and, to Hank’s deep relief, they found the elder Mr. Portman free.

“Lieutenant Hawley, isn’t it? I’ve seen you around for years.”

“That’s right, Mr. Portman,” Hank said, shaking his hand.

“And who is this lovely lady you have with you today?”

“This is Miss Aurora Belmont.”

Mr. Portman’s eyebrows shot up, but he held out his hand to her. “Any relation to August Belmont, the financier?”

Rory sighed and took the old man’s hand. “He’s my father.”

Mr. Portman’s eyes were wide as saucers as he shook her hand.

“Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle,” the lawyer muttered under his breath. Then he cleared his throat. “Have a seat and make yourselves at home. What can I do for you two today?”