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“Because you feel responsible for what happened last night. I know what an honorable man you are, but I will not allow you to be coerced into marriage over some misplaced sense of honor. That is simply not acceptable. I wouldn’t want it, anyway.”
In fact, it would break her heart. She had very strong feelings for the blasted man, more than she cared to admit. The idea of entering into a marriage devoid of affection, especially after her loving marriage with Roger, was utterly horrifying.
“Samantha, if I didn’t wish to marry you,” he said, “I would find another way to help you and Felicity. You can take that to the bloody bank. But Idowish to marry you. I wish it very much.”
The fact that he now sounded irritated with her was reassuring in a deranged sort of way.
Still, she needed more. “Why though, truly? It can’t just be about Beath.”
“Because I think we would be splendid together. Our marriage would be a partnership of equals, based on affection, respect, and shared interests.” He gave an apologetic shrug. “I’m sorry I didn’t lead with that, Samantha. I brought out the big guns first, because I wanted to reassure you that Icouldprotect you and Felicity.”
“That’s very sweet of you, Braden,” she said, trying not to sound disappointed. “But I have to admit that it sounds rather . . .”
“Dry?” he finished for her in a dry tone.
She waggled a hand. “A bit.”
He flashed her a rueful grin. “I’m a scientist, which means I’m not very good when it comes to expressing the emotions of the heart. In fact, it seems to be an occupational hazard.”
“Not always. John’s very romantic with Bathsheba.”
“Right. Perhaps I should ask him for some lessons.”
When she smiled, Braden took her hand, gently intertwining their fingers. Her heart jumped for a moment before slowing to a steady, quiet rhythm. His touch had the power to fluster her, but it also made her feel inexplicably safe, even cherished.
“I know how much you loved your husband,” he continued. “I loved someone like that, once. She’s gone now, but she will always be a part of me, even if that part is in the past. We don’t need to forget those we cherished, Samantha. In fact, it’s impossible to accomplish and we shouldn’t even try.”
There was a quiet sorrow in his voice that made her throat go tight. “She died?”
“Yes.”
Samantha squeezed his hand. “Oh, Braden, I’m so sorry.”
With his other hand, he gently cupped her cheek. His forest-green gaze held mysteries and hidden depths that she could get lost in for hours.
Or even a lifetime.
“Our past joys and sorrows will always be a part of us,” he said. “And that’s both good and appropriate. But it doesn’t mean that we can’t find happiness and even love again, and I’m hopeful that we can find that with each other.”
His tender words brought a sting of tears to her eyes. She blinked them away.
“And you truly think you might love me someday?” she whispered.
She realized she was asking the question of herself as much as him.
He huffed out a quiet laugh. “Lass, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m more than a little fond of you. Just this morning, Angus told me that I was smitten with you.”
Well, that was embarrassing, but also rather lovely.
“And are you?” she shyly asked.
“I can say with scientific certainty that I am.”
When she laughed, he gathered both of her hands up in his. “Samantha, I don’t expect passionate declarations of love from you or even a definite answer, at least not yet.”
“But you will at some point.”
His gaze suddenly turned smoky. She had seen that look before, and her nerves promptly began dancing like butterflies in a spring meadow.
