Page 77 of Montana Bride By Christmas
He nodded and leaned his forehead to hers, Evan safely between them. They might have stayed that way for who knows how long, except Happy started to lick them.
Both laughing at the dog, they broke apart.
Evan wrapped his arms around Happy’s neck.
Annie knew he found comfort in the animal’s love and couldn’t imagine what would happen if someone tried to take the dog from him. Nor could she understand why anyone would want to.
“I’m so glad you told her to leave.”
“Me too.” He brushed his fingers along her cheek.
“We’ll tell Grandfather when he wakens.”
“I wonder what he’ll think.”
He would voice his disapproval. She did not care about going against his wishes, but she knew this was what she wanted to do. She tried to hide her shiver.
Hugh bent closer to search her face. “Are you having second thoughts?”
She hadn’t succeeded in hiding her concern, nor did she wish to tell Hugh what made her shiver. “I suppose I’m a little nervous.”
He gripped both shoulders in his big warm hands. “I don’t want you doing anything you will later regret. We need to be honest with each other.”
She nodded, her tongue so thick she couldn’t speak. She was being as honest with him as she could.
He watched her closely, his gaze delving deep into her thoughts.
Clarity came, and she found the ability to talk. “This is what I want. Is it what you want?”
“It is.”
The sound of Grandfather’s canes tapping on the floor alerted them to his arrival, and they faced the door.
He limped into the kitchen. “Got any coffee?”
“I’ll make some.” Annie hurried to the stove. She’d wait until he had his coffee before she’d tell him, and she sent a little warning look to Hugh.
He nodded.
The coffee boiled. She poured a cup for each of the men and pretended to be busy at the cupboard while they drank.
Grandfather’s cup was half-empty when he sighed. “You might as well tell me what’s on your mind.”
Annie went to Hugh’s side and put her hand on his shoulder, finding strength and comfort in the touch.
“We’ve—” she began.
Hugh reached up and covered her hand with his. “Let me. Mr. Marshall?—”
“Uh-oh, you’re addressing me formally. That doesn’t bode well.”
Beneath her palm, Annie felt Hugh stiffen.
“Mr. Marshall, seeing as Annie’s father is away, or I’d ask him, I’m asking you. I’d like your approval to marry your granddaughter.”
Grandfather gulped a mouthful of coffee, then sat back and looked from Annie to Hugh. His gaze stopped at Annie, and he studied her long enough to make her want to squirm. Hughseemed to understand, and he pushed his chair back to stand at her side.
After a moment, Grandfather nodded. “A marriage in name only?”
