'Tis the Season for Lady Sarah - Maggie Dallen Page 0,32

you were to marry.”

Her lips parted even as her eyes widened in surprise. “You were going to go to my brother with that? Did you think that through at all? How Max might react? Why, he might have forced a match.” She shook her head. “I’d like to think he wouldn’t, but honestly, I do not know what Max would do...especially if he believed Stallworth over me.”

Theo staggered back. She was right. Again. And he’d been the fool. Because, well honestly, because he’d gone and fallen in love. “I wasn’t thinking,” he whispered, running his other hand through his hair. “Sarah, I—” But what could he say? He’d done exactly as she’d accused.

She reached for his hand and drew it into both of hers. Her mouth was set in a grim line. “I know you feel an allegiance to my brother and that you’ve protected me to aid him. But I don’t need your protection anymore. I don’t want your loyalty for his sake.” She let out a sigh and she sounded tired. Worn out.

Those words cut deep inside. Is that what she thought? That he was doing all of this for Max’s benefit? Maybe in the beginning, but...they’d kissed. He’d held her against his body. He’d told her things he’d never revealed to anyone before. “This is not about Max.”

“Theo.” Her eyes fluttered closed. “You brought Max into this.”

How many times was she going to best him in this conversation? To think, he’d actually thought she was foolish. She’d proved at every turn that she was smarter than him. “It wasn’t because I don’t trust you. I just hate him.”

She squeezed his hands tighter. “That I guess I can understand. But I need you to understand that I am a grown woman. I’ll not be treated like a child anymore by you or my family.”

“Your family?” But he remembered the way Max spoke of Sarah. Like she was a girl to be wrapped up and watched over. The fact that Sarah wasn’t even certain he would believe her word over Stallworth’s. His chest tightened with pain on her behalf. Max loved his sister, but he also underestimated her. And Theo had done the same.

She shook her head as she let his fingers go. “The next time I see you after Max’s wedding...whenever that is, there will be no Mr. Stallworth. I’ve seen who he truly is, and he’ll never be able to fool me again.”

Thank goodness for that. But he thought about leaving here after Christmastide and leaving Sarah behind. Not seeing her. He frowned, not liking the thought one bit. In fact, it nearly killed him. His chest felt rent in two at the mere thought. His heart would be with her. And for the first time since this entire thing had started, her heart didn’t belong to a no-good weasel. “No, Stallworth won’t be in your life.” He took a deep breath. “There will only be you and me.”

Now was the time. He should tell her that he’d lost his head because he’d also lost his heart. To her. Even if she didn’t return his affection, at least she’d understand. And for the first time in five years, he could say that he was ready to try again.

“You and me?” Her voice trembled. “Don’t…”

“Sarah,” a feminine voice called from the door. “My goodness. There you are.”

How could they have been interrupted now, of all times? He looked over his shoulder glaring at the new duchess. Daisy.

“Here I am,” Sarah called back, waving one hand while giving Marigold’s friend a weak smile.

“What are you doing out here? It’s freezing.”

Sarah swallowed. “Just checking the greenhouse for flowers for centerpieces for tomorrow’s wedding breakfast,” she called back, smoothing her skirts.

“Good thinking,” Daisy replied. “But you’re missing this wedding breakfast. Everyone’s waiting for you and for Lord Everly.” And then Daisy gave him a side eye before looking away again.

“We’re coming,” Sarah called back as she slipped past him. Her cheeks were flush from the cold, but she didn’t meet his eye. What was she thinking? What had she been about to say? The day was packed with events. How was he going to get her alone to find out?

12

Sarah's hands shook as she headed toward the house, Daisy already turning to head back into the warmth ahead of her.

She could have sworn she felt Theo’s eyes on her, following her. But he had not moved, had not said a word.

There will only be you and me.

Her breath left her in