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“I had hoped you might feel something more.”

Drawing in an audible breath, she twisted her face away. “I feel lots of things, Seth, but that does not mean we should act upon them.”

With a gentle touch, he urged her to face him. “What do you feel?”

Tears glistened in her eyes. “Too much.” She bit down on her lip.

“How is it too much?”

“Because…” her voice cracked. “Because it is not logical. You are…well you. And I am me. This is a passing fancy and before long you will—”

“I love you, Pru.” He shifted his hand so that it cupped her cheek entirely and swiped away a tear with his thumb. “I have never said that to any woman before and believe me when I say that it is not said with frivolity. I cannot imagine spending my life with anyone else…or alone. I need you by my side, always.”

“I…but…this…” She sighed. “How can you be certain?”

“Have I ever lied to you? Ever pretended to be something other than myself?”

“Well, no…”

“Then believe this.” He took her hand and pressed it to his heart. “Feel this. This is the effect you have on me every damned day, and let me tell you, it’s been pretty exhausting trying to keep my head around you.”

She glanced at her hand then up at him. “It’s racing.”

“And I’m willing to wager yours is too.”

She nodded slowly.

“For once, listen to your heart, Pru. Forget logic. What is it telling you?”

“That…” She inhaled. “That I love you.”

“And?”

“That I want to marry you.” A smile split across her face. Another tear spilled and he swiped it from her cheek.

“Can I take that as a yes then?”

She bit down on her bottom lip and nodded frantically, more tears dropping onto her cheeks.

Seth laughed and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her from her feet and kissing her firmly. She tasted salty and slightly damp and like the best thing in the whole world. Pru cupped his face and peered down at him.

“We are going to get married,” she murmured.

He grinned. “We are indeed.”

“Did you plan to ask me today?”

He dropped her back onto her feet but kept her close, reveling in the feeling of her proximity to him and the knowledge that she would soon be his entirely.

“Not really.” He shrugged. “My instincts have never led me wrong.”

“It’s so illogical.”

He laughed. “Who needs logic anyway?” He kissed her again and again until he couldn’t draw breath.

Epilogue

“Come with me.”