Splendid

Somewhere along the way, her happiness had become vastly more important to him than his own.

“Maybe he will just take the initiative and compromise her.” Eugenia clapped her hands together in glee over that possibility.

Charlie’s little mouth formed a large o. “I thought maybe she was just a little crazy.”

“Isn’t it strange?” he said, his voice filled with wonderment. “But I’m actually looking forward to growing old.”

Emma smiled tremulously. “Me too.”

Alex drew back and cupped her face in his hands. “I love you, Emma Elizabeth Dunster Ridgely,” he said solemnly. “I love you with all of my heart and all of my soul. I love you like I never dreamed it was possible to love a woman.

Alex’s breath caught in his throat the first moment she stepped into the tent. She looked so lovely, he didn’t know how to describe it. It was as if her beauty had accumulated inside of her and was shining out through every pore. Everything about her seemed to glow, from the satin creaminess of her skin to her soft violet eyes to the fiery highlights of her hair

It was as if all the warmth in the world had accumulated inside of him and was now shining out of his emerald eyes onto her.

Emma suddenly looked up, her violet eyes bright with enthusiasm. “Alex?” she inquired, holding out the blossom she’d been examining.

Alex sighed as he met her gaze. He wondered if she’d mind if he threw her down on the blanket and tore off her clothing.

“Have you ever looked at one of these flowers?” she asked. “I mean really looked at it? It’s quite fascinating.”

She looked heartbreakingly innocent. Even more so than usual. Alex sighed again. She’d probably mind.

Emma felt all her mental capabilities slipping away as he pulled her closer. “I think you’re deliberately trying to overwhelm me.”

“Am I succeeding?”

Emma stared up at him for several moments before she gravely answered, “Yes.”

Alex’s arms tightened around her petite body. “Christ, I can’t believe you said that to me here,” he said, his voice suddenly husky. “You’re too damned honest for your own good.”

“Beauty is only skin deep,” she quipped, trying to relieve the tension that hung in the air.

“Very astute,” Alex said with a nod. “Allow me to rephrase myself. I think that you are splendid.”