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Ruth forced her gaze from Garth’s. She couldn’t say what she had to say when those beautiful eyes were piercing into her. “I wish to finish my outing with the doctor. I will speak with you later.”
Garth dropped his hands to his sides. Her flesh tingled where he had grasped her shoulders. Burned through her dress, her skin, all the way to her heart.
“No need to speak later. I came for Mary Alice. She wants you to dine with us tomorrow evening. She has some…questions.”
“Of course. I’m happy to speak with her. How about six o’clock?”
“Fine.” His face noncommittal, he turned and walked back toward the house.
Ruth watched him, unable to turn back to Doc. Garth’s strong back in retreat brought mist to her eyes. His blond locks curled around his neck under his black Stetson. His posterior, taut in his trousers, drew her gaze. She’d seen its beauty unclothed. Natural.
Oh, he was magnificent. Raw and untamed. And alone. So alone.
She loved him. She loved his daughter. He may not love her, but he sure needed her.
“Garth!” Her own voice startled her.
He turned, his bronze eyes sunken. He did not speak.
“I…” She took a deep breath. “I need to speak to Doc for a few moments. Would you please wait for me outside the house?”
He nodded and resumed his walk.
“I have the feeling I won’t like what I’m about to hear, Ruth,” Doc said.
“I’m truly sorry, Doc. I can no longer accept your suit.”
“You’re in love with Mackenzie.”
She nodded. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
“I understand. I’ll see you to the house.”
Though her legs itched to run to Garth, Ruth allowed Doc to escort her quietly back to her father’s house where Garth stood waiting next to his buckboard and team. Doc tipped his hat to both of them before heading away in his buggy.
Sudden chills rippled over Ruth’s flesh despite the pleasantly warm evening. Her body trembled, and tiny flutters flew through her belly. Did he still want her?
“Well”—Garth’s voice was still hoarse from the fire—“what did you want to talk to me about?”
Ruth swallowed, and then said boldly, “I’ve decided to accept your proposal.”
His eyes widened. “My proposal?”
“Well…yes.” Heat flooded her cheeks. “You said you’d marry me to…well, to have me.”
“What about Doc Potter?”
“I ended that. I…that is…” Goodness, why did she have to do all the talking? For once, she had no idea what to say.
“You’ll marry me?”
“Yes, Garth, I will. If you still want me.”
He gripped her elbow and rushed her to the door. “Your pa’s inside. He can marry us now.”
“Now?” What on earth was he thinking? “Now is out of the question, for goodness’ sake. You have to court me first, and then we’ll—”
“I didn’t offer to court you, woman. I offered to marry you. And I’ll have you. Tonight.”
