Page 59 of Married to the Rake

“You can’t marry him because I want to marry you,” Brook said, using her father’s distraction to step to the side, away from the gun. “I want to marry you, Chloe. Even if you do not trust me yet. Even if I have to court you for endless years. Even if your father wants to shoot me.”

Chloe’s lips curved slightly.

“I love you, Chlo. I always will. Even if you hate me. But you cannot marry a man you do not know. You just cannot.”

“Damn it, Waverley.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Brook saw the gun lift again.

“Papa, no!” Chloe raced forward, placing herself between the gun and Brook.

Mr. Larkin’s eyes widened and he swiftly lowered the pistol. “Good God, Chloe, would you really align yourself with this man?”

She nodded. “I would.” She reached behind her and took Brook’s hand.

He tried and failed not to grin like a fool and wound his fingers between hers.

“I love him, Papa. I very much wish to marry him.” She turned around, a smile stretching lips that he’d kill to taste. “I love you. And I do trust you. I am sorry I ever let my doubts get the better of me.” She shook her head. “Those doubts were not about you but about myself. Whether I could really keep a man like you interested. But you have never made me feel anything less than worthy.”

He groaned. “You are more than worthy. In fact, it is I who is unworthy of you.” He took both her hands in his. “But I will spend the rest of my days proving myself to you.”

“Chloe,” her father spluttered. “You cannot be serious.”

She turned back to her father. “I am, Papa. He is a good man, you will see.”

“No.” He shook his head vigorously. “He’s a Waverley, nothing can change that.”

“Actually something can.” Chloe tugged a book from under her pelisse. “This can.”

Mr. Larkin frowned. “What is that?”

“It is about Julia,” Chloe said softly.

“Julia…” her father murmured, his cheeks paling rapidly.

Brook eyed the small, tattered book but had little idea what it was and why it pertained to the woman their fathers had fought over. “Chloe?”

“Trust me, Brook, I think I can solve this,” she said, pressing a hand to his chest. “Mama, can we go to the Waverley’s house?”

Her mother had remained frozen by the carriage, her expression a little wan. She nodded slowly. “I suppose so, dear.”

“Not a chance in hell,” Mr. Larkin bit out.

“For once in your life, stop being so stubborn,” Chloe’s mother snapped.

Chloe’s father opened his mouth then closed it. He tucked the pistol into his jacket. “This does not mean I will not shoot you still.” He stalked back to the carriage and was herded in by his wife.

“I hope you have something good there, Chlo. I really would rather not be shot.”

She grinned. “It is very good, believe me. I am certain what is in here shall ensure our fathers do not fight again.”

“Will it also ensure I can marry you?”

“I very much hope so.” She bit down on her bottom lip.

“If your father were not here, I would kiss you right now.”

“If my father were not here, I would kissyouright now,” she countered.

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