Page 87 (1/2)

"I can’t, sweetheart"

He saw the devastation of rejection fill her eyes and he wanted to kick himself for the words he’d spoken and the ones he hadn’t "I’ve sold my ship, Anne"

She blinked, the shock of his words apparent "Why ever would you do that?"

"So you’d have no doubt that I was co a life on land I was on my way to the church, to ee to the front of the sanctuary, kneel down, and ask you to becoe voith Chetwyn"

Shed "Were you really?"

"I love you, Anne, so damned much that it terrifies me But a life without you terrifies me more I don’t need the sea All I need is you We’ll find a posh house here in London and one in the country and I’ll be a gentleman that you can be proud of"

Tears welled in her eyes "Oh, entle man in spite of the hardships of your life I love you, Tristan I didn’t want to I didn’t think I ever wanted to love again because the potential for hurt is so great, but so is the potential for happiness With you I’m happy With Chetwyn, I would be only content I don’t care if we live in London or the country or a cottage by the sea I only care that I’, is where you shall always be"

Chapter 27

Chetwyn stood off to the side of the vestry He’d told Anne that he would keep the guests waiting so would take place--on the off chance that Lord Tristan broke her heart and she still wanted to marry Chetwyn

"I can’t believe you sent her to hirumbled He was beside Chethile her father stood at the , also not terribly pleased with Chetwyn at the moment

"She loves him and well you know it I daresay she loves him more than she loved Walter"

"He’s not a proper lord"

"I suspect his father, if he were still alive, would disagree"

Jameson scoffed

Chetwyn heard a commotion at the front of the church and stepped toward the doors Anne strolled in with Lord Tristan at her side Behind them were the Duke and Duchess of Keswick and Lord Rafe Easton Taking a deep breath, he went to greet the will not be taking place this "

"Not necessarily," Lord Tristan said "I already obtained a special license"

Chetwyn fought not to be taken aback He kneas soe to Anne was soer What if she’d say no?"

"But I didn’t," Anne said Leaning up, she kissed his cheek "Thank you, Chetwyn"