“What do you want, Baxter?”
“I wanted to come by and see how you were doing. The children said you weren’t feeling well.”
“I wasn’t. I think I’m better now.”
He rubbed his thumb along his chin. “Good. Good.”
“Thank you for the coats for the children. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know. I don’t have to do anything.”
“Peter said you did it because you love me. Is that true?”
Baxter gave a chuckle. “That is what I love about you. There is no pussyfooting around. You get straight to the point.”
“I love you too, Baxter. I may not like the way you behaved, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”
“I said the same thing to Peter this morning.”
He moved closer. “You seem very grumpy, Miss Beale.”
“Maybe it’s because I’ve been missing you.”
Baxter leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Midge’s breathing quickened as she felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. She melted into him, letting herself be consumed by the warmth of his embrace. He broke the kiss and held her face in his hands, looking directly into her eyes.
“I missed you too, Midge. I learned kissing makes you less grumpy.”
“You’ve been doing some thinking, I see.”
“I have. Miriam Beale,” he began, his voice trembling ever so slightly. “A lot of thinking. I thought about how miserable I’ve been being apart from you. I thought about how you and your siblings have brought light into my life in ways I never imagined possible.”
“Petunia told me you purchased this house so that we could stay here.”
“I didn’t want you to have to worry about a place to live until I was ready.”
Midge felt her cheeks flush as her siblings watched in silence, anticipation hanging heavily in the air. “Ready?”
He cupped her head, pushing her hair back from her face. “Your strength, resilience, and love for your family have touched my heart,” Baxter continued. “And I want nothing more than to be a part of it, if you’ll have me.”
Her breath caught in her throat as Baxter pulled her closer. Her heart pounded relentlessly against her ribs, threatening to break free. “What are you saying?”
“I’m asking. Miriam,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rush of blood in her ears. “Will you marry me? Will you let me love and protect you and your siblings for the rest of our days?”
Tears welled up in Midge’s eyes, her vision blurring as she took in the sight before her. The man who found her stealing just to feed her family was now offering her something more. He had entered her life as a stranger and was now offering his heart and his loyalty to her and her family.
“Y-yes,” she stammered, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Yes, Baxter Hartman, I will marry you.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Baxter’s eyes lit up in delight. He hugged her fiercely, picking her up off the ground as he swung her around. Midge’s siblings cheered and clapped, filling the room with their excitement. It was a moment of utter joy, and Midge could feel the love radiating from everyone around her.
As Baxter put her down, he brought his hand up to her face, brushing away the stray tears. “I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my days, sweetheart. And I vow to take care of your family, no matter what. You won’t have to worry about a thing ever again, as long as I am here.”
Midge smiled, her heart melting with affection for the man standing before her. “I believe you, Baxter.”
He leaned in and kissed her again, this time with a passion that made her knees weak. Midge wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as they deepened the kiss. For a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble of happiness. When they finally parted, Midge could feel her cheeks flush under Baxter’s intense gaze. She could hardly believe that this man, who had once been her enemy, was now going to be her husband.
Baxter Hartman was her gentle protector.
