“Of course,” she said, taking the arm he held toward her, allowing him to lead her from the table. Instead of heading to a private table, however, he led her toward the door.
“Do you mind if we take a walk?” he asked, and, while surprised, she agreed.
They headed down the gravel road, the only sound their footsteps crunching on the small rocks and the din of the tavern behind them.
“Is everything well, Tommy?”
“We will find out soon enough.”
“That is cryptic.”
He turned to her, taking her hands in his.
“Minnie,” he said, taking a deep breath. “I have enjoyed getting to know you over the past while.”
“As I have you, Tommy,” she said with a genuine smile.
“You are kind and caring, and you want nothing but the best for everyone around you.”
“Those are lovely words,” she said, though she was confused as to what had brought them on. Was he going to kiss her? She would have guessed it was so, except for the nervousness in his eyes. A man like Tommy didn’t become nervous from the thought of kissing a woman.
“Minnie,” he said again, looking down at their joined hands before raising his green eyes to her blue. “I have a question for you.”
“Of course,” she said, waiting, her heart beating fast, although why, she had no idea. It must be from the nervous apprehension in his own gaze.
“Will you marry me?”
Chapter Seven
Tommy held his breath as he waited for Minnie to respond.
So far, she was just standing there, staring at him, eyes wide and lips slightly parted.
He didn’t think it was a good sign.
“Minnie?” he said hesitantly. “Did you hear me? I said?—”
“I heard what you said,” she cut him off, her words coming out in a rush. “At least, I think I did. It’s taking me a moment to consider what you asked. You do know what you asked?”
“Of course I do. I asked if you would marry me. Now you’re just staring at me with your mouth open like a freshly caught fish.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, if I weregoingto say yes, now I’m not sure that I would.”
“You were going to say yes?”
“I hadn’t decided on my answer yet.”
“Then what were you doing, standing there so still?”
“I was… thinking.”
“What did you think about?”
Minnie ran a hand over her brow.
“I was wondering whether you were in your right mind.”
“Minnie—” he protested, slightly hurt at her words, even if he did understand them. His question had come out of nowhere.
