Part 321 (2/2)

He turned back. She looked so beautiful, the dress s.h.i.+mmering down, the

light from the fire catching in her hair, glowing on her skin. ”I love

you. I've always loved you. We haven't had a lot of time to let

things just happen. I'd like to say that I'm ready to give you that

time.”

He picked up a crystal b.u.t.terfly then set it down. ”I'm not.”

”Michael, if I wanted time, I'd take it.” She stepped toward him. ”What

I want is you.”

After a long breath he took a small box out of his pocket. ”I bought

this months ago. I'd wanted to give it to you for Christmas, but I

didn't think you'd take it then. I'd figured on being traditional,

having a candlelight dinner, music, the works.” With a half-laugh, he

turned the box over in his hand. ”I guess it's a little late to start

being traditional now.”

”Are you going to give it to me?”

With a nod, he held it out.

”I'd like to say something before I open it.” Carefully, she studied his

face, every inch, every angle. ”If this had happened five or six years

ago, I wouldn't have appreciated it, or you, the way I can tonight.”

Her hands weren't steady. She let out a frustrated breath as she

fumbled with the lid. ”Oh, Michael, it's lovely.” She looked up from

the ring. ”Absolutely lovely.”

”Be d.a.m.n sure,” he told her. ”You take it, and that's it.”

She strangled on a laugh. ”That's the most romantic proposal a woman

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