Page 132 of Not a Fine Gentleman

He exhaled a part laugh, part sob.

“And,” she added, “I’m sorry I slapped you.”

Wincing, he chuckled ruefully. “I had it coming. But I’ll remember what a powerful arm you have, with or without a big stick, and do my best not to anger you in the future.”

She laughed.

Rachel stepped up to Connor, fixed a fearsome stare on him, and poked him in the chest to punctuate her every word. “Do not break her heart.”

Connor shook his head and said solemnly, “No, ma’am.”

She stared at him a moment longer, then nodded and stepped back.

Grant’s voice cut in. “So, is that what you wouldn’t tell me—that you’re in love with my sister?” Despite his gruff tones, amusement lit his face.

Connor nodded. “That was it.” He glanced at the other members of her family as if he half expected them to rearm themselves and charge him.

Grinning, Jared shrugged. Jared watched, thoughtful but silent. Grant looked upward and shook his head as if he found the whole thing ridiculous. All the sisters-in-law smiled as if they were about to shed tears of joy.

Margaret understood the sentiment. Her own feelings overflowed.

Jared snorted, and amusement lit his expression. “Is that all you’ve come to say to my sister? Women remember these things, you know.”

He made a good point. Connor turned back to her. “Lady Margaret. Meg.” His voice caressed her nickname. “Will you marry me? Me—a common working man, not a fine gentleman, with little to offer you but an honest and faithful heart?”

Tears sprang to her eyes, and her heart, once again whole, danced. “I don’t want a fine gentleman. I want a fine man. A man of honor. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

His mouth curved into a joyful, yet disbelieving smile. He took her hand and looked into her eyes. “You’ll stay?”

There was no mistaking that soft affection in his expression. Smiling, she said, “I have a better idea. Come with me.”

He chuckled softly. “What? Where?”

“On my trip. If we delay it a little, we can purchase a marriage license and marry right away. Then we’ll leave together and tour the continent on our honeymoon.”

He hesitated. “The continent?”

“All the arrangements for the journey have already been made.”

“And believe me, I’m happy to give you my place,” Rachel said gustily.

Margaret glanced at her to verify the truth of her words.

Laughing, Rachel said, “Surely you know that I never really wanted to go. I was only going to keep you company. And I have no wish to travel with a pair of lovebirds.”

A look of wonder touched Connor’s expression. “I’ve never traveled the continent for pleasure; I was only there during the war. It would be pleasant to see it now in a time of peace.”

Grinning, Margaret said in a louder voice, “Jared, can I convince you to delay our departure long enough for us to get married?”

“I suppose her maiden voyage can endure a brief delay.” Laughter wove through Jared’s voice.

Connor touched her face. “You truly don’t mind that I have little to offer you?”

“I’d only mind if I didn’t have you to share my life with, my love.” She put a hand on his chest and looked into his eyes. “Shall we live in your world or mine?”

He touched her face. “We’ll make our own world. Together.”

“Together.”

With a whoop, he picked her up and swung her around. Her joy bubbled over, and she laughed. The whole world burst into song and light and color.

In full view of her family, he kissed her, a kiss of abiding love. He kissed her more thoroughly than ever before, with passion and tenderness. His kiss lingered, a kiss of promise and loyalty.

No indeed, he wasn’t a gentleman. And Margaret liked that just fine.