Epilogue

"I am more and more convinced that we have a prize."

~Earl Douglass

S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 9, 1916 · M ILLS M ANOR

Devin helped Eliza out of the motor car and then carried her up the steps to her home. Eliza bit her lip. She would not cry. But she longed to be able to race up the steps and throw herself into Grandmama's arms.

However, the doctors had told her it would take a great deal of time before she could walk again.

The bullet had damaged not only her muscle and tissue, but it had fractured the bone as well. It would be months before she could stroll in a park on Devin's arm. Or even walk through the house with Grandmama.

But she wouldn't complain. After all, Devin insisted on carrying her anywhere he could. What on earth was there to complain about in that?

She studied his profile, a small smile lifting her lips. He'd been so patient with her. Waiting for her to realize how much she loved him. His care of her this last week had been a balm in the midst of her frustration and pain. And he wasn't afraid to call her out on her grumpy attitude.

Instead, he pointed her to God. Together they sought the Lord to heal Eliza in His time. To give her the strength to face the coming months. To help them grow in love for one another.

So she would just take advantage of this time to rest and be with her grandmother. And with Devin.

She smiled again and nestled closer to his chest. What would it be like to be properly courted by her best friend? She didn't know, but she couldn't wait to find out—

Heat filled her cheeks. Oh! She had become bold.

And frankly, she didn't care.

Devin set her down at the top step, where one of the staff waited with a wheeled chair for her. Devin helped her to get situated with her leg propped up and then knelt down in front of her.

"Eliza."

"Yes?" She wiggled in the seat. Something was poking her in the rear end.

"I've already spoken to your grandmother about what I'm going to say. Just so you know."

"Okay." She winced and tried to maneuver away from whatever jabbed her. But it only made it worse. She scrunched up her nose and lurched in the seat, making her leg ache. "Ow!"

Devin laughed and shook his head. "Are you even paying attention?"

"Yes, I'm paying attention." She wiggled one more time. "But something in this chair—" She huffed and her massive hat tumbled down over her face. The weight of it made her feel like she'd been punched in the nose. "Ouch!" Maybe they were monstrosities after all. Her maid rushed forward and took the hat.

Done with ladylike behavior, she grunted and pushed and heaved until she moved the cushion to cover the horrid piece of wood that had tried to impale her. "There. Whew. That's better. What were you saying?"

Devin rubbed his fingers along his jaw, his lips twitching. "I was attempting to ask you a question."

"Well then, all right. I'm ready whenever you are." She folded her hands in her lap and looked up.

"I don't know ... what to do." He blinked at her and pointed to her head.

She reached up and felt the mess her flopping hat had made of her hair. Removing the pins, she worked her fingers through her hair and let it fall around her shoulders.

His eyes widened. "I've always loved it when your hair is down."

The butler cleared his throat behind them.

"Sorry." Devin quirked a smile at her and straightened. "Eliza..."

"Yes?" At the look in his eyes, her stomach fluttered. He wasn't about to ... was he?

"Will you marry me?"

He was! He did! "Yes! Yes, I'll marry you!" She flung her arms wide and leaned forward to hug him. At this point, she didn't even care that they had an audience. She pulled him close.

Devin came to his feet, leaned over her, and placed his hands on either side of her face. "I've loved you forever and will continue to love you forever." He lifted her completely out of the chair and into his arms.

Then he kissed her.

Not a little peck. And not even a chaste and sweet kiss because they were in front of the staff.

No. Devin kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Every nerve ending in her body screamed to life, her skin tingled, and her head swam.

"Let's get married soon." She spoke the words against his lips.

"I'm in agreement."

"Good." She kissed him again. "I'm sure Grandmama can throw something together."

He laughed, deep and long. As he set her back down in the chair, she glanced around at the staff. Hmm... they'd multiplied in numbers since she'd last looked up.

Then the applause started.

Devin took her hand and looked at the appreciative crowd. "I've loved Eliza since we were young. One day, she made me promise to be her best friend forever and to never let anything come between us." He shrugged. "What can I say? A promise is a promise."