Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

Thomas' discomposure charmed Anne. She was still laughing when his eyes fixed on her lips, and she knew he wanted to kiss her. She wanted that more than anything.

The feel of his mouth on hers was glorious, his warm, soft lips brushing against and caressing her own, his breath soft against her cheek. She parted her lips at his gentle pressure, and his tongue slipped between them. Shocked at first, she quickly relaxed into the kiss, enjoying the feeling of his tongue teasing and playing.

When she responded by moving her own tongue to touch his, he only held the kiss for a moment longer before abruptly pulling away. She caught her breath when he spoke of their future.

"It's been nigh a year since we began our courtship. At first, I'd sought you out because of your gentleness, patience, and care for others. All qualities ideal in a wife."

Anne's breath quickened.

"The fact that you are so lovely is a bonus," he continued, and Anne flushed with pleasure. Unused to being called lovely, she felt beautiful when with Thomas.

"Then I discovered your wit, your strength, your creativity, and so much more. I became utterly enchanted by you .

"It was difficult when all I wanted was to race headlong into a life with you, but it's important to me that I can provide for you in the way you deserve."

She opened her mouth to protest, but he held up a hand.

"When I spent all those months away from you, I felt your absence so acutely that it was as if I'd lost a limb. I don't want to ever be without you again, sweet Anne. I love you with all that is in me, and if you will do me the honor of becoming my wife, I will do everything within my power to ensure that you will never regret it."

Anne saw that it had cost Thomas to make himself so vulnerable, and the fact that he thought she could ever regret being his wife broke her heart. She cradled his dear face, leaning in to give him the kiss she knew he needed, then brushed her nose softly against his, breathing in the now familiar scents of bay and sandalwood.

"I love you, too, my darling Thomas. And I wish for nothing more than to become your wife. Shall we run off to Scotland like an eloping young couple?" she teased, delighted when he laughed in response.

"If I could, I'd carry you off to Gretna Green and see it done immediately," he told her fervently. "But I'm still negotiating the purchase of Randalls, which is sorely in need of refurbishment before we can live there. Besides, I'm quite sure that Miss Woodhouse would have my head if I denied her the opportunity to host your wedding."

"True," she answered with a laugh. "I suppose I can be patient."

"It won't be too long of a wait, my love," said Thomas.

"Do we have to wait for everything , Thomas?" she asked mischievously, trailing one finger teasingly down his chest, and he groaned.

"Perhaps not every little thing," he murmured, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her down to the blanket as she giggled.