It was the first time she’d confessed to her fear. Her low voice sounded like thunder in their small, quiet corner.
He cupped her cheek with infinite tenderness. His fingers quivered. “No, I don’t believe it. I refuse to believe it.”
“Dr. Tucker is considered the best physician in the country. The freezing water and the fever weakened my body, and I couldn’t recover fully. Ever. No one told me I’m dying, but I feel it in my bones.”
His eyes flared wide, and anger—not worry—flickered in them. “I want the captain’s opinion.” His fingers moved with sharp gestures.
She chuckled bitterly. “I respect the captain, but he can’t be more knowledgeable than Dr. Tucker.”
“If you really think you’re dying, which I don’t, then why not listen to another opinion?”
“Even if I want to, how can I let him visit me? My parents will never agree. Not to mention they have no idea Captain Jackson is your friend and mine.”
“I’ll find a way. You see obstacles everywhere.”
“I’m being realistic.”
He shook his head. “I was like you. When I was in the circus, I was scared of everything and had nightmares. I didn’t believe I could ever be happy until I met you. Trust me, if there’s someone who understands what you’re going through, it’s me. You became my friend, even though I was frightened and weak. You saved my life in more ways than one, and I’ll be honoured to return the favour.”
She took his hand, smiling. “I’ve missed you so much.”
He kissed her knuckles, sending a jolt of sensations down her back; it was like waking up after a long slumber.
She hugged him, sighing when she rested her head on his chest, hearing the strong thumping of his heartbeat. They held each other for a long moment.
His amber eyes glowed from within. He held her hand in his. “Vivienne, will you marry me?”
She tilted her head. “Excuse me?”
“Marry me. Leave this house. This horrible life of illness. Stay with me forever.”
“Forever? You might become a widower in a matter of months.”
She’d meant to say something else, like why on earth did he want to marry her after they hadn’t seen each other in years? But her first thought had been about her death. Perhaps he had a point when he said she saw only obstacles.
“No, I won’t be a widower.” He started to sign with sharp gestures. “I’m not a doctor, but I learnt a lot by standing close to Captain Jackson, and I know something about drugs. I’m sure we can help you.”
“But Dr. Tucker?—”
“Sod him!” He snapped his fingers angrily before stopping again. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He laughed softly. “Raise my voice.”
She gave him a little smile.
“If you marry me, you won’t have to worry about lying to your parents or how we can see the captain.”
She arched her brow. “Are you telling me I should marry you so that I can see the captain?”
He flashed a charming smile that made his eyes more intense. “No. I want you to marry me because I know with all my soul that I’ll make you happy.”
Happy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been happy. No, actually she could. She’d been happy with him.
They walked along the gravel path through the flowerbeds of violets without talking. He didn’t press her further, which she appreciated because she needed a moment to fully understand the meaning of his proposal.
She, married to the golden king. But above all, she would be next to him and his radiance every day. Her heart gave a quickkick, and her cheeks grew warm. Her vision became sharper for a moment. Had the flowers in the garden always been so colourful? She didn’t remember all those peonies, roses, and geraniums to be so vivid.
If she was truly dying and her end was close, then she wanted to live her last months free and happy. No, that wasn’t the only reason why she wanted to accept his proposal. His energy was contagious, and his optimism gave her hope. A small, timid hope, but it was there. And she’d missed him terribly. She’d never stopped thinking of him.
She cleared her throat. “Father will accept you, happily. But I’m not sure my mother would approve.”
“If there’s one thing I learnt during the years I worked hard across Northern America, it’s that everything is possible if you have the right attitude, mind, and will. Also, I don’t have a title, but I’m one of the wealthiest men in the world. I’m not bragging…well, I am, but if I can’t brag, then who can?”
She laughed, surprising herself with the sound of her happy voice. “I’m looking forward to becoming Mrs. Samuel Lyon.”
He seemed to grow taller. His whole face transformed with happiness. He was so happy it was difficult to hold his gaze. He held her by the waist and twirled her in a circle. Laughter burst out of her until she coughed.
He put her down. “Are you all right?”
She coughed in her closed fist. “Never been better.”
He scattered kisses on her hand, lingering for a few moments. “Let me talk to your father. I’m sure everything will go smoothly.”
