Page 93 of A Tenuous Betrothal
Rhi laughed, and the musical sound of her voice made him smile.
“I must tell my parents to get you to sing,” he said.
“Somehow, they already know. I’ve learned I’m to have a musicale in my honor, as well as a ball.”
“And do you enjoy the attention?”
She considered the question with an adorable pucker of her lips, at which he only allowed himself the smallest peek.
“I do, in a way,” she said. “I long to make connections here, to feel like family.”
“And you shall.” His family was ready to adopt her no matter whom she married.
“I know it. And I need to be patient with the process. Friends come with time and effort.”
“And some come effortlessly.”
“True. And some because their parents try to force a marriage.”
Marc smiled, their dance becoming an embrace of sorts. “I shall never regret a single moment with you.”
“They were correct in one thing.”
“What’s that?” He grinned into her lovely face.
“We are a good match.”
His heart skipped its regular pattern and then hammered away inside him. Her words spoke a truth to him that would not be denied. “I will always agree with you there.”
“Which of your brothers would also be a good match?” Rhi widened her eyes in mock innocence.
“Oh, you vixen. We will not discuss this now, or ever.”
“But if you cannot be comfortable with me choosing one of your brothers, how could you live with the results of your decision?”
“I will have to, that’s how. But I will not consider it today, when tomorrow I leave.”
She sighed but said nothing further.
He supposed he did not make much logical sense to her. He didn’t make sense to himself either. But he had to manage his ability to do the right thing the best way he knew how.
He pulled her as close as he dared. “This is how I wish to remember you.” His mouth hovered near hers but moved no closer. The separation was a delicious temptation of all that was glorious about her. But he resisted.
The final chords began to play, and they slowed their dance.
Applause filled the room, and Rhi gasped.
They were the only ones dancing.
Slowly, they turned to acknowledge the others in the room.
And then she laughed and curtsied deep and low, waving. “Thank you,” she called dramatically.
So he followed suit, acting as though they’d been on a stage.
“Encore!” Kristoff called out, but they just shook their heads.
As others approached, before they were surrounded, Marc murmured, “Tonight.”
