Page 42 of Horsemen and Hot Chocolate

Her parents had been worried about her whereabouts until she recounted half-truths about discovering Willem in the forest and bringing him back to his parents.

Since leaving Willem at the café, she hadn’t seen him since. She knew he would need time to adjust and spend time with the parents he hadn’t seen in fourteen years. She’d spent the past month with him—she couldn’t be selfish by asking for more.

However, her heart ached in Willem’s absence. The shadow of his kiss lingered on her lips, and her pulse thrummed beneath her skin at the memory. She couldn’t seem to evade how he’d poured desperation and passion into their clumsy kiss—how he clung to her like a man dying of thirst—for every drop of her touch. The reminder heated her cheeks.

For weeks, she’d pushed the spark of feelings for the man she thought was a ghost. But now, he was as real and alive as any man. The curse was broken—he was free, and she was free to explore the feelings she’d guarded behind her heart. Nothing stood between her and the man she wanted.

Except for time.

Katrina sighed. As much as she wished to respect Willem’s time, she also wanted to march into the café and throw herself into his arms.

Father’s rattling coughs echoed from upstairs, jolting her from her daydreams. Katrina frowned, knowing she couldn’t keep her parents waiting much longer either.

“Miss?” Greta asked.

Katrina’s head snapped in her direction at the threshold between the dining room and the hallway leading to the front doors. “Yes?”

“You have a young man who wishes to speak with you.”

Her heart fluttered with eager anticipation. Katrina lifted her velvet sapphire skirt and cream petticoats and raced to the door. Upon opening it, Katrina’s smile wilted.

Brom Bones stood before her. Some of his loose, black curls escaped the queue at the nape of his neck, effortlessly framing his angular jaw. He flashed her a brilliant smile, but she did not return the sentiment.

She should have known it would be Brom. She’d spent all her time thinking of Willem that she’d nearly forgotten about the man she was actively avoiding.

“Good afternoon, Katie,” he said. “May I come in?”

Katrina grimaced, not wishing him to enter her home. “We may speak outside.”

“Does the cold not bother you?” he asked.

A stray snowflake landed on one of her lashes, but she shook her head. “No, I’m perfectly comfortable. I needed some fresh air anyhow. Did you need something?”

Brom drew himself up, his smile never wavering. “I’ve been thinking about you more lately. I’ve given you the time you requested. Have you considered our future?”

“I have,” she answered.

“And?”

Katrina chewed her lip. She’d imagined this moment and rehearsed the words in the mirror, yet it was not so easy to say when he stood before her. Another nagging thought also wondered if Willem truly wanted her. What if she was making a mistake?

Swallowing, she summoned the dregs of her courage. “I’m sorry, but I must decline your offer of marriage.”

A tense silence sat like a yoke on her shoulders. A flash of frustration gleamed in his eyes, and his grin vanished. “Do you not share the same affection for me?” he asked.

“I do not. And I don’t wish to marry you, knowing your feelings are stronger for me than mine for you—”

“That can change with time,” he said. “I will be a good husband. I can take care of you.”

“I know you would,” she said. “To some lucky woman, but not me. I’m sorry for leading you on, but I cannot be true to myself and accept your proposal.”

“But what about your father? He gave me his blessing to marry you.”

Katrina hesitated, doubt flaring in her stomach. “I know he wishes for me to be happy. And I am not content unless I marry someone I love.”

Confusion marred his brow. “I don’t understand, Katie. I thought we were getting along so well. What has changed?”

Guilt stabbed her in the chest. The disappointment in his voice sounded sincere, and she averted her eyes.