Page 145 (2/2)

"His exact words"

I closed h I was relieved that

"But you left NY Presbyterian You’re going to Africa…"

He pulled back and looked in ured that if I did, I could lay low for a year and return when all this blows over I talked to the head of the College and we agreed that I'd take a year leave of absence I've been er stint Teach a class at the College in Nairobi"

I shookin me that I couldn't identify

"So you caoodbye"

He tookin a deep breath, "to say that I've developed a taste for potatoes and gravy and meat all on the same fork" He stared into my eyes, his expression so earnest, his brow furrowed "Lara played a recording of you telling her you thought you could love me She even tried to entice you toyou wanted , but could isn't does" He moved closer, his eyes so intense "When Elaine called me this afternoon and told me that you said you had fallen in love with ain in ood for you, too I think I could make you happy"

He leaned down and kissed me tenderly

"I couldn’t stand it I couldn't lose you So I ca, perfectly willing to accept what ever he said I should do He ad about s for you, I shouldn't leave without telling you Then, he sent e and I came back as quickly as I could so we could talk and I could confess s for you"

I bit my lip to control my emotions

"Ms Bennet," he said and shook his head, his eyes searching mine "Kate, I love you I never, ever want to be separated froain"

E I couldn't speak

"Kate," he said, his s red You should breathe now"

I burst out crying at that, covering my face withme, my face in the crook of his neck He pulled a handkerchief out of a pocket and gave it tome back and forth Then he tilted my head up and kissed me

"But you're leaving…" I said when he pulled away