Page 27 of A Raven Revived

Trent scrutinized him for a moment before turning to Daisy. “I’ll be close if you need me.”

“Thank you, Trent.”

He finally moved himself out of the way. Now that he could see her clearly, there were shadows under her eyes and a weariness that enveloped her. She hadn’t been sleeping well.

“What are you doing here, Fitz?”

“Something I should have done a long time ago.” He realized he didn’t have his daisy. “Wait right here. Don’t move.” He sprinted back to the waiting hackney and reached inside to retrieve the wilted flower from the seat.

He rushed back and held it up for her. In truth, the tired state of the flower rather mirrored how she looked, so perhaps it was fitting. A representation of how well he’d taken care of them both. But it wasn’t going to stop him. He dropped to one knee before her.

“Daisy. I’ve been such a fool. When your sister passed and you became betrothed to my brother, I just assumed you would want him more than me because he was the heir. It was a better match for you, and it was what both of our families wanted. My heart couldn’t bear seeing you with him. I was too much of a coward to just tell you what I wanted or to fight for you. So I ran. I abandoned you, and I will always be sorry for that. I loved you then, and I love you still, but this time, I will not run, and I will not let you go without a fight. This is not a proposal of marriage, because I don't think you’re ready for that. But I want you to know that I am. I love you and I want you for my wife. I will wait for you as long as it takes, even if we both grow old. But I will not leave your side unless you tell me to go.”

She swatted him on the shoulder. “Of course I’ll marry you, you muttonheaded half-wit.” Tears welled in her eyes, but her smile shined with happiness. His brain couldn’t accept what she was saying.

“You will?” His pulse pounded in his ears as he struggled to believe what was happening.

She nodded animatedly. “Yes, of course I will. I love you and I always have.”

A celebratory cry ripped from his lips as he jumped to his feet. He picked her up and twirled her in a circle, her delighted laugh floating into his ear. He set her back on her feet and pressed his lips lightly to hers before wrapping his arms around her.

“Daisy,” he said quietly.

“Fitz.” She pressed a soft kiss against his neck.

“Yay!” A soft giggle and clapping sounded from nearby.

Trent was holding a little girl who was apparently celebrating their engagement. Her entire face lit with her smile.

He set the wriggling girl down, and she ran straight to Daisy, who picked her up. The girl turned a stern look on him. “You’d better not make her cry again.”

Daisy threw back her head and laughed. She kissed the girl on her cheek.

Fitz smiled and leaned in close. “I promise I’ll try my best to only make her smile from now on.”

The girl’s grin was back, and she nodded approvingly. At least they had her blessing.

“Fitz, this is Maggie.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Maggie. Thank you for taking such good care of Daisy.”

She giggled and nodded cheerfully. Daisy placed her back on the ground and sent her to the house where a nanny was waiting.

“I guess protectiveness runs in the family,” Trent said as he approached. “My sister can be quite formidable.”

Fitz chuckled. “As she should be. With brothers like you and Ash fighting her corner, she can be anything she wants to be.”

“It’s Uncle Ash,” Daisy corrected him.

“That’s good. He’s far too old to be her brother.”

“Well, since it would seem you are suddenly betrothed to someone in my care, I suppose I should introduce myself. Trent Gibson,” he said, holding out a hand. “I oversee Ash’s estate.”

He shook Trent’s hand and then pulled Daisy in against his side, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She loved him. He squeezed her again, still struggling to believe it was real. After years of looking for her, he’d thought he’d never see again. And now, she was going to be his wife.

ChapterEight

Daisy spent the next few hours in a euphoric state of disbelief with a besotted grin on her face, staring at Fitz across the dining table. They were going to be married. But shortly after dinner, Maggie took a tumble and scraped her knee. After Trent cleaned her up, she begged Daisy to join their nightly story time, and of course she couldn’t say no to that. She held her while Trent read, until she finally gave in to sleep.

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