Page 74 of A Sweet Governess for the Godless Doctor
Daniel met Ruth’s hopeful gaze and his mouth curved into a smile. “Yes, I would love to see King. He’s on his way to becoming a strong stallion.”
“Don’t worry,” Mary smiled, having enjoyed the banter between everyone. “I’ll keep an eye on Matthew.”
Daniel felt his pulse quicken as Ruth stood and joined him as they walked to the corral together. She was close enough for Daniel to reach out to take her hand.
At the corral, King trotted around the perimeter beside his mother. Jimmy was right. King would become a fine stallion. His tan coat shone like his mother’s and his black mane and tail swept through the air as they trotted around the corral.
“Have you ever ridden a horse?” Daniel asked, and Ruth shook her head. “Well, I think it is time for you to learn to ride,” he said and gazed upon her fondly. “That’s if you intend to ride King when he’s old enough.”
“I would love to learn to ride,” she beamed, and he loved the way she looked at him; his heart was full of joy.
“I know I have said this many times,” Daniel began and suddenly felt shy. “Thank you for what you did with Alistair. You were so brave, and I was terrified he might hurt you. After you told me that he might have killed my father I was shocked, and thought there had to be records somewhere. It was your idea to talk him into confessing and it was a very good idea.”
Ruth bowed her head, embarrassed, and he thought he saw color rise to her cheeks. She looked so beautiful. Her hair shone under the sunlight in shades of gold and brown, like leaves in autumn.
“You brought justice to my father and provided answers to my unanswered questions. I now know that he died a senseless death and suffered at the hands of Alistair, but at least he will now pay for it,” he paused. “And you—you saved me.”
“I only did what I felt to be right,” Ruth smiled at him. “I was scared, too, but I knew God was with me … and I knew I had your support.”
Daniel admired her bravery. “Not many would have done what you did, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done,” he stopped and paused, looking into her eyes. “I have something important to tell you. I can’t hold it back anymore, Ruth.”
He saw her look up at him quickly as his eyes looked into hers and he was mesmerized by her coffee-colored eyes.
“From the day I met you I knew there was something different about you,” he moved half a step closer to her and saw her cheeks flush. “This has been a remarkable day, and one I will remember forever.” He bit his lip, drew in a deep breath, and heard his heart pound in his head. Could she hear it, too? A soft breeze blew tendrils of hair across her cheek. He brushed it from her face and tucked it behind her ear. He felt her shiver.
“I know I haven’t been the easiest man to live with. I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time, especially at the beginning.”
Ruth looking down at her feet and giggled, “Yes, I guess you have been a little difficult at times.” Her arms straightened as she clasped her hands shyly in front of her.
Daniel placed a finger under her chin and tipped her head back to look at him as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
“I love you, Ruth. You’re beautiful, your eyes are beautiful, you have a beautiful soul. Everything about you—I love you.”
He noticed she was blushing, and time came to a standstill. Nothing was present except the two of them as they looked deeply at each other, smiling. No one else mattered. Muse and King were long forgotten, and they existed alone in their perfect world.
After the passage of what seemed like years, Ruth’s face lit up, “I love you, too, Daniel. I have for a while.” Her eyes shone suspiciously bright. “I didn’t know if you felt the same way and …” her voice trailed away suddenly, and she was stunned when he took her hand and bent down on one knee. Her dark coffee eyes sparkled, “Daniel, what—?”
“Ruth, make me the happiest man in the world by marrying me.” Daniel’s heart raced and thought his head would explode if she didn’t answer soon. He was scared and overjoyed at the same time. What was she thinking right now? Would she accept? His heart thumped.
“Yes!” she cried, and her suspiciously bright eyes spilled tears down her joyful face. “Yes, Daniel, I will marry you.”
Elated, he got to his feet and pulled her closer to him. He cupped her face, all the while staring into her lovely eyes and kissed her deeply. He had not felt so happy in a very long time. “I love you Ruth,” he whispered and stroked her cheek with his forefinger before kissing her again.
Sudden shouts of delight and whistles came from the ranch followed by footsteps running on gravel.
“Well, you took so long we thought you got lost,” Jimmy looked at them with a sly smile. “It seems we were well off the mark. You both seemed to have found your way—finally.” He leaned against the fence with an arched brow.
Daniel’s smile was broad, and he happily announced, “Ruth’s agreed to marry me!” He looked over at Ruth and her face seemed to shine. He remembered how lost and alone he’d felt before he met her and how desperately he tried to cling to life as he thought all hope was gone.
Again, he found himself again lost in her dimpled smile, the one he’d grown to love, the one that had brought so much joy into his life.
Elizabeth clapped her hands together in delight, “I’ll say it’s about high time. I’ve seen those looks you’ve both stolen when you thought the other one wasn’t looking. For goodness’ sake, I was about to propose for the both of you!”
Matthew lifted his arms and Daniel reached out and took him from Mary, who’d been holding him. He watched Ruth stroke his cheek and his musical laugh filled their ears.
Daniel looked at Ruth, felt the love that radiated from her, and knew he was so blessed and thankful to the Lord for bringing her into his life.
THE END?
