Page 72 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

Once she was securely in her room, she walked to the window and hesitated. Giles would be out there, waiting for her signal. She felt both foolish and excited. Taking a deep breath, she placed the lighted candle in the window and stepped back, covering her mouth with her hands.

It seemed like mere minutes had passed when she heard a slight scratch at her door. She flew across the room and opened the door a few inches. When she confirmed it was Giles, she grabbed his hand and pulled him in.

She wrung her hands. “I don’t think this is a good idea. You should go now, and we can speak tomorrow.”

He reached out and placed his warm hands on her face. “No, Suzanna. This conversation is long overdue. I have quite a bit to say, and the time is right.” He bent his head toward her and placed his warm, moist lips on hers.

She jumped back like a scared rabbit, and he chuckled softly. “All right. Let’s move to the settee near the window and talk.” He took her hand and led her to the window where they sat, facing each other.

He took both of her cold hands in his warm ones and looked directly at her. “The time has come to end the games. And the wager.”

Suzanna started. Was he calling off the wager, after all?

“What do you mean?”

Giles slid off the settee, resting on one knee. “I am deeply in love with you. I want, more than anything, to make you my wife. It took me this time away from you to realize I need you like I need food and water. I need your love, and I need you in my life. What I feel for you is no passing fancy. It is forever.

“I know your parents will most likely not approve, but if I have your consent, I swear I will overcome any and all objections. I will work to earn your love and your parents’ approval.” He kissed the backs of her hands. “Will you make me the happiest man in England, and marry me, Miss Blake?”

Chapter Twenty

Giles held his breath as he looked up at Suzanna. Would she scorn him because of his behavior? Had she decided in his absence that he was not worth the trouble? Did she trust him enough to realize he’d made an honest mistake? She continued to study him, her face a wealth of expressions. Sad, happy, frightened—determined.

“How do I not know you might again misinterpret something you see and jump to an unfounded conclusion without talking to me about it?” She glanced to the side. “It’s not so much that I don’t trust you, but if we were to be married, we must feel free to speak to each other about everything. I will not have a marriage where I have to guess what you’re thinking and feeling.”

He shook his head. “I agree. I know now I should have approached you, if for no other reason than to plant a facer on Pemberton.” He grinned. “After all, he was stealing my lady.”

“Except he wasn’t stealing your lady. He was setting her free.

Well, not that I am yours, that is. Or was. At the time. I think.” Her eyebrows drew together in confusion as she stumbled over the words.

Giles kissed her knuckles. “I will spend the rest of my life taking care of you, loving you, and never, ever again assuming.” He smiled. “Will you marry me, Suzanna?”

“What about my parents?”

“I don’t want to marry your parents. It’s you I love.” There didn’t seem to be anything more to say at that point.

“I love you, too, Giles.” Her chin quivered at her whispered words.

He closed his eyes in relief. “I love you and you love me. Nothing is stronger than that, Suzanna. No objection your parents will raise can break that. I had a very smart person point out to me that I have been quite favored in my life. Instead of insisting I would win your hand in a wager, I should be trying to earn it. Whatever I need to do to persuade your parents—both your father and mother, I will do. I will never again walk away from you. You are mine, and I am yours.”

A lone tear slid from her eye to drift down her cheek.

“Will you marry me?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He dropped his head against his chest and released a deep breath. “That is a relief.”

“Did you really think I would say no?”

“No.” He climbed to his feet. “I’m relieved to be off my knees.”

She swatted at him, and he took the opportunity to pull her close to him for a blistering kiss.

All the fear of losing her drained from his body at having her in his arms again, pressed up against him. “I desperately want to take you to bed, but I don’t want to do anything that gives your parents leave to reject me out of hand.” He kissed her on her nose and moved back. “I am leaving now, but I will be back tomorrow morning to see your father.”

“Don’t leave.” She pulled him back.