Page 43 of To Win a Viscount's Heart
“Then, why would you think that I would reject you after finding out what that vile man did to you? Selena, I’m angry at that bastard for what he did to you, tried to do to you and your mother, and for what he still wants to do to you. And I’m so sorry I was a cad five years ago to you. You didn’t deserve that, and you don’t deserve any of this pain. Knowing how strong and courageous and wonderful you are, how incredible and clever and kind—how could I do anything but fall in love with you? I love you, Selena. I love you. I love you so very much.”
“Y-you love me?” She looked up into his sable eyes and the warmth and love she saw reflected in his gaze nearly took her breath away.
“I do. I think I’ve loved you since the night of the storm as I carried you up the stairs. You were covered in mud and dirt and for a moment you opened those incredible blue eyes and said,Lord Lawrence. I found you, and everything changed,”he said in a deep raspy voice. “I looked into the most beautiful blue eyes that I have ever seen and knew who you were. Your courage…and your tenacity…and your brave heart. I have never met anyone like you.”
“I love you, too,” she cried, a flood of tears pouring down her cheeks.
Gerald took out a handkerchief and gently dried them.
“I’ve gotten to know you with no memory to guide me…only my heart,” she whispered, laying her hand against his cheek. “You are the kindest, most generous, man I have ever known. How could I not fall in love with you?”
Selena realized they had veered down a path that had taken them to a small pond. A charming stone bench sat facing the pond and beyond that stood a stand of leafless trees. In the time she’d been at Bellwood, she had never been to such a charming spot. “What kind of trees are those?” she asked.
“Apple trees,” Gerald answered. “I discovered them the first year I was here. The horses enjoy lots of apples in the fall. But Mrs. McDonald gets the rest.”
Despite the rollicking emotions she’d just felt and was still feeling, Selena laughed. “I can just see dear Mrs. McDonald wrestling those apples off the ground before the horses can take them.”
“That’s pretty much what happens,” he chuckled. “Of course, I can’t complain given how much I love her apple tarts! Connery loves them too. Mrs. MacDonald can’t understand why her freshly baked batches of tarts constantly go missing.”
Selena laughed again at the thought of the two grown men sneaking into the kitchen to steal apple tarts.
“Selena,” Gerald said softly, tugging her down on the bench. “Would you sit with me?”
“I would love nothing better,” she said, snuggling against his chest.
After sitting for a while surrounded by the peaceful scenery around them, Gerald leaned back and tipped her chin up.
“I love you, Selena Bowles,” he said. “And I am looking forward to making you my wife, one day soon. You are strong, resourceful, beautiful, and kind. And exactly who I need in my life.”
“And you don’t think I’m wanton?” She held her breath. How could she possibly have been so fortunate as to have found a man like this?
“No, I don’t.” He waggled his brows. “However, if you want to be wanton with me after we are married… you’ll not receive any objection.”
Selena giggled, feeling the anxiety…the pain…and the humiliation of her memory of the villainous imposter fade.
The teasing glint in his eyes changed to something warm and wonderful and romantic as he lowered his lips to hers, at first teasing her lips with feathered kisses, before covering her lips with his.
He smelled divine—like leather, sandalwood, and citrus. His lips were soft and warm. And his touch sent flutters down her spine and across her shoulders. The warmth of his body lured her closer.
Pulling him nearer to her, she twined her hands through his brown, wavy hair and impulsively, molded her body to his. This was what she wanted. This was what she needed. Gerald, holding her, making her laugh, and kissing her… She closed her eyes intent on capturing this memory in her heart forever.
~*~
Chapter Sixteen
The sound of horses and the realization they were no longer alone jolted him and forced Gerald to break the kiss. He immediately felt the loss.
“Stand behind me, Selena.”
“I don’t understand. Why, Gerald? Who could it be?”
Gerald shook his head and gave her a pained expression. “Selena, I’m sorry. I’m being overly protective, and I apologize,” He squeezed her hand. Hearing what had happened to her had gutted him—not because he blamed her. But because he had not been there to shield her from that horrible imposter and there was no way he would…
Before he finished his thoughts, a large brown gelding with a rider rode through the maze of bare apple trees, followed by several others. He recognized Wright, Banbury, and his father followed by several of the hired guards. Gerald heaved a sigh of relief. “You gave me a start,” he said, trying to relax.
“We didn’t mean to startle you,” Banbury said.
“But I have a lot to tell you and none of it is good,” Wright continued. “Perhaps we should head back to the house to discuss.”
