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Also true. Where she wanted to make him a flowery speech, the words failed. “I—”
“We need each other, Belle,” he quickly interjected. The poor man. No doubt he thought she would decline his offer. “People shouldn’t be alone. I thought I was exempt from that for a long time, thought that my work was enough, but after meeting you, having an adventure with you, I have changed my mind.” Honesty shone in his eyes, honesty and love that was as powerful as the rest of him. “I want your companionship, want to hear your laugh, see the pleasure in your eyes when you are having fun. See the annoyance in them when I’ve done something that displeases you. I want the right and the privilege to keep you safe and make you happy, because I love you. There will never be anyone else who has my heart.”
“Oh.” Perhaps it was time to put him out of his misery.
“Will you take that chance with me?”
Therewasone more question she needed answered. “Will we have adventures?”
He snorted. “Knowing you—and me—we will.”
“Good.” Belle gave him a smile, and when he grinned, she couldn’t help but stare at his mouth. “Will we chase more treasure?”
A wicked gleam appeared in his eyes. “Is that something you’d like to do?”
“Very much so. I had no idea I would enjoy it so much.” That night had completely changed her life. “It’s almost like a fever in my blood now.”
“Ah, sweeting, that’s how it starts.” His grin widened. “I shall make certain we have lovely adventures together. If not with the Home Office, then on our own. Chasing the world’s hidden treasures. But for at least the next six months, I am taking a leave of absence from my position due to my shoulder. Perhaps I shall retire after all.”
Tendrils of panic curled through her chest. “You love your position with the Home Office.”
“Yes, but I love you more.”
Then she was lost again. The whole of her heart went into his keeping, and she knew he would protect it. “I have a little coin left to me by Laurence to fund a trip or two in the interim.”
“Darling, I have more than enough blunt.” He waggled his eyebrows, and she giggled.
“And if I am unable to bear you children?” It was a worry she couldn’t seem to displace. Having a baby hadn’t been her fate while married the first time. But would those fortunes change with Montague?
Compassion lined his face. The corners of his eyes crinkled with a genuine smile. “I shall still have you, and that’s what I initially wanted in the first place.”
“Oh!” How could she say no to that? “All right.”
Confusion clouded his eyes. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes.” Belle nodded. Another giggle sailed from her throat. “I will marry you. Have a real engagement. I want all of it because I love you.”
“Thank the heavens. If you had refused me, I would have kept coming around until you either ordered me from the property or gave in.” He dug into the pocket of his waistcoat and withdrew a ring, which he held between his thumb and index finger. “I could not be prouder to make this official for everyone to see that you are mine.”
Mine.
A tremble of need went down her spine. Her hand shook as he slipped the ring onto the fourth finger of her left hand. “It’s beautiful.” A circular, blue sapphire winked up at her. Surrounded by tiny round diamonds all set in delicate silver filagree, it was easily the most gorgeous piece she’d ever seen.
“While in London, I ransacked the Blackwell safe—much to my brother’s chagrin—to find exactly the right ring and picked this one because the stone reminds me of your eyes. There is a necklace and earbobs in the parure for you once we’re wed.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Though Laurence had jewels that went with his estate, she’d never found one she’d liked as much as this ring.
“Perhaps there is no need for words.” Hawk leaned into her, hooked his hand about her nape, and then dragged her into his modified embrace. Finally, oh finally, he claimed her lips.
Belle threw her arms around him and kissed him back with all the enthusiasm and feeling she had in her. His mouth was warm and welcoming, the shadow of his whiskers against her skin only heightened her desire, the glance of his fingers down her spine ushered in great awareness.
How silly to keep herself from living out of fear. Meeting this man—loving him—had complete upended her world and had shown her new paths.
When they parted, she was decidedly breathless, as was the captain, only to discover the cat had entered the room and stood next to Hawk on the floor, looking at them with a piercing gaze.
“It was my intention to make a grand gesture once you’d accepted my proposal but being shot scattered those plans.” He pointed to his shoulder and arm in the sling. “I would have swept you into my arms and carried you upstairs to your bedchamber.”
“Oh, Montague.” Her heart trembled once more. “While the thought is appreciated, I believe the conclusion of this night will be much the same.”
