Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,353

help to improve his chances with Lucy. That meant he’d have to tell Emma that her cousin had captured his affection, which was going to be an uncomfortable conversation. He hoped she suspected as much based on his abrupt departure from the house party.

The weather had taken a turn for the worse the past week just as Thomas had predicted, keeping him from driving hell-bent-for-leather to the village where Lucy lived. He told himself that he needed time to think about what to say since he had so little to offer her other than himself and his love. However, a grand idea had yet to occur to him. Hence the reason he needed to speak with Emma. He was determined to do everything in his power to earn Lucy’s love.

Upon entering the crowded ballroom, he caught sight of Jameson and Emma standing together. One look at the pair suggested they’d reached an understanding, and the realization filled him with relief. That was one less hurdle for him to cross. He nodded at a few acquaintances as he moved toward them.

“Good evening, Hugh.”

The familiar voice had him turning even as his heart leapt. “Lucy.” Breath rushed out of his lungs at the sight of her, looking stunning in white with her dark hair swept up elegantly. He couldn’t believe she was standing before him. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

“I hoped to surprise you.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and he wasn’t certain what to make of it.

“You did, indeed. In a wonderful way.” He drank in her appearance, parched from their days apart. “I’m so pleased you’re here. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you well?” He couldn’t read her expression. Nor did he understand why she was here.

“I am now.” She glanced down at her clasped gloved hands. “I was hoping to speak with you.”

“Oh?”

Her quick look around suggested she’d prefer a more private place to converse. “Would you step into the other room with me for a moment?”

“Of course.” He offered his elbow, sighing at her touch. The hope filling him as they walked was impossible to rein in. He told himself to slow down, that he might be misinterpreting her presence, but his heart galloped ahead.

She guided him to a small receiving room just down the corridor, careful to leave the door ajar.

“First, I’d like to apologize for my behavior.” She bit her lip, as if uncertain how to explain. “I realize I’ve been allowing fear to rule my actions. To pick safety over a chance at happiness.”

He reached for her gloved hand. “That’s understandable given what you’ve been through.”

“Perhaps. But I don’t want to live that way anymore.” She held his gaze. “Not now that you’ve shown me what’s possible.”

He smiled as happiness filled him. “I came this evening to speak to Emma.”

“Oh?” Her brow wrinkled with concern.

“I wanted to ask her how to convince you to give me a chance to win your heart.”

“Hugh!” She blinked quickly as if to hold back tears. “But—I don’t have a fortune to offer you.”

“That doesn’t matter. I only want to be with you, Lucy. You’re my dream come true. I realize we have much to learn about each other, but you already hold my heart.”

She reached up to caress his cheek, the joy in her expression stealing his breath. “And you hold mine, dear Hugh. Your kindness and good humor caught my notice. But your integrity and thoughtfulness won my love.”

“Through your eyes, I see a different world. One filled with love, hope, and possibilities. You are a sweet, compassionate person with a true heart.” He lifted her hand to kiss the bare skin above her glove, thrilled by her shiver as well as the love shining in her eyes. Then he dropped to one knee. “You don’t have to answer yet, but I have to ask. Lucy Gray, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

“Oh, yes!” She wrapped her arms around him, pressing kisses over his face as he rose.

“You’ve made me a very happy man, my sweet.” He held her tight, his heart soaring. “This is going to be a wonderful new year.”

“The brightest one yet.” She kissed him, causing his world to tilt only to settle back into place. “I never would’ve guessed how much my life would change when a rogue and some mistletoe came along.”

“I’m so pleased it did. My Christmas wish came true.” Then he kissed her again, his heart overflowing and the future full of promise.

Epilogue

Five Months Later

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