Her smile must’ve answered him, because he dropped a quick, firm kiss to her lips before he stumbled from the bed to dress. They raced, each laughing and tossing shoes or stockings back and forth, in a routine they’d done a dozen times on their journeys.
But tonight?
Tonight was different.
By the time they reached the well in the center of Hearthwell, they were breathless from running and laughter. They’d forgotten their gloves, but gripped each other’s hand tightly to stay warm.
She’d found a gold coin, and it was pressed between their palms.
The village was still and silent, the Epiphany celebrations long since quieted, and their breaths fogged the still winter’s air. But they smiled at one another, hearts light, as they moved toward the stone columns that framed the little square in the center of the town.
Amanda was anxious to get to the center of the square—they only had a short while till midnight, after all—but Hiro stopped her by tugging on her hand. She followed his gaze to an envelope tacked to the column.
With their names on it.
They exchanged glances, then stepped up to the it. His expression twisted in confusion, Hiro pressed the coin into her hand, then reached for the envelope and pulled out the paper inside.
“Dear Amanda and Hiro,” he began to read, “I figured you would be here at some point today, but by the dinner hour, I decided there was no reason for me to stand out here and freeze off my bollocks.”
He glanced up at Amanda, who twitched a brow. “Alistair?”
“Alistair,” Hiro confirmed, his voice wavering slightly. He glanced down, continuing to read. “There is no need for me to see you two tonight, I assume you have plans I do not want to know about. So, after you throw your money in the well or whatever, do me the favor of collecting the copies of this letter I left on the other columns, to save me embarrassment if they are found.”
Amanda smirked as she craned her neck. Sure enough, there was an envelope tacked to the northward-facing column as well. Her brother had gone through much trouble to get them this message tonight.
“Hiro, you know—” Hiro began to read, but his voice cracked, and he went silent, his gaze skimming across the paper. Amanda saw him lift the letter closer, as if uncertain he was understanding, his skin paling.
When he finally looked up, there were tears in his eyes.
Heart pounding furiously, Amanda snatched the letter and held it up in the lamplight.
Hiro, you know I have held you in the highest regard, not only as the man who made me who I am today, but as my friend. I love you, and if you really love my sister the way she insists you do, then I can think of no better man to be shackled to her for the rest of her exasperating life. You are the best thing to happen to me prior to meeting Olivia, and you will be the best thing to happen to Amanda.
Marry her with my blessing.
And agiganticdowry.
I know you have been traveling on her allowance, but add this to the nest egg you—if I know you well enough to guess—have stashed away, and you will both be wealthy enough to travel the world indefinitely.
Only, do not forget to come home. To York, to Effinghell, to London, to Hearthwell. To us.
I love you both.
Alistair
Amanda’s smile rivaled the street lamp when she looked up and met Hiro’s gaze.
“Your brother’s still paying me,” he grumbled.
She shoved the note in the pocket of her long coat. “No,I’mpaying you.” Laughing, she reached for his hand. “Do you not see, my love? It ismydowry, and I can think of no better use for it than to adventure with you for the rest of our lives!”
His lips twitched, as if there was so much happiness inside him he couldn’t contain his scowl. “I’ll make you a deal, Mandy. You finance our adventures, and I’ll buy the house with my investments. That way we’ll have a nice home to return to.”
Immediately, Amanda nodded. “In Hearthwell,” she whispered, glancing toward the well in the center of the square.
He finally smiled again. “In Hearthwell,” he murmured, tugging her into motion.
Together, they stepped up to the ancient stones that ringed the well. Slowly, reverently, Hiro held his hand, palm up, over the well.
