AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No,” he said quietly. “Only the emotional scars are left, but even those have healed.” He watched as she continued with her gentle touch. “Violet, why did you run out on me last week? And avoided me at every opportunity since?”
She moved her hand away. “Ever since you came to Goldenrod, I knew the day would come when you’d tell me you’re leaving. I just didn’t expect it to come simultaneously with an expression of love. Do you know why I pushed you away, Hayden? Why I kept you at arm’s length for so long?”
His eyes narrowed. “Why don’t you tell me?”
“Because I was trying to protect my heart. The last guy I dated told me he loved me but left town within a couple of weeks.”
Hayden swallowed. “Did you love him?”
She shook her head. “No. I was basically a fraud, the radio host who advised everyone else on love but hadn’t found love herself. For a long time, I was in love with theideaof love. I didn’t know the meaning of love until you came along.”
Somehow they’d ended up sitting nearly back to back. Now they both shifted so they faced one another.
“I’m not going to Texas, Violet. That’s what I tried to tell you, but you wouldn’t let me finish.”
She blew out a sigh. “Sorry. You don’t know howhappyI am to hear you’re not taking the job.”
“I don’t need much, I don’t needthings, to make me happy,” Hayden said. “I’ve found everything I need in Goldenrod. In case you don’t know what I mean, it’syou, Violet. I’ve been in love with you since the first time you yelled at me. I’ve never met a woman who energizes me the way you do. A woman who cares so deeply for others and gives tirelessly of her efforts and talents.”
Her brow creased. “You love me even when I treated you so poorly?”
“You didn’t. Besides, I could see beyond that shell you’d erected around you to the beautiful woman inside. I suspected you’d been hurt somewhere along the way. I’m sorry, Violet.”
“Don’t be,” she whispered. “I’ve been waiting for God’s chosen man to come along.” She smiled. “And now he’s here.”
Hayden grinned. “I’d say He led us to each other.”
Their gazes collided and held.
Slowly they leaned in, inch by inch, until their lips met.
“I love you, Hayden. I don’t want to fight with you,” she said quietly. “I just want to love you.”
He jumped to his feet abruptly. “Be right back.”
“You have an interesting habit of doing this, don’t you?”
He laughed and darted into one of the nearby fields on either side of the dirt road Charles traveled to bring them here. “What are you doing over there?” she called when he dipped out of sight in the middle of the tall weeds.
“Patience, my sweet. You’ll find out soon enough. Close your eyes!” he called a couple of minutes later.
She did as he asked and felt something being placed on her lap seconds later.
“Open now.”
Violet glanced down at her lap and cried out with joy.
“For you,” he said. He’d pieced together a crown and necklace from wildflowers. Hayden gingerly placed the crown on her head then draped the necklace around her neck. “Now, for the third one.” He stood up and tugged something out of a pocket.
“What’s this?” She moved her hands over her face when Hayden dropped to one knee before her.
“If you accept this ring, it’s my pledge to love you forever.” In his hand he held a small black velvet pouch. “This is the ring Grandpa Ray gave to Grandma Beth when they were first engaged. Long story—basically she thought she’d lost it, he got her another one, then she found this one again. They were married for many years, and I went to see her last week. Grandma gave me this ring, and she wants you to have it.”
Her heart in her throat, Violet watched as he held her ring finger and slipped on the beautiful, round diamond in a vintage setting. She couldn’t have picked out a ring she loved more.
“Violet, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? To serve the Lord, raise children together, and love one another all the days of our lives together?”
“Yes, Hayden. I’ll be your wife.” She caressed the side of his face. “Nothing would make me happier.”
