"Dear G.o.d, Mary," he groaned. "I want you; I need you; marry me."

He was more than ready to carry this further, she realized as he pulled her closer, b.u.mping her hip into his groin. But even the thought of what that entailed no longer frightened her. She would always be safe with him. Loved. Honored. Cherished. Yet she still hesitated.

"Are you thinking clearly?" she asked, pulling back to look into his eyes. "You know I will never fit into your world."

He was panting, so it took him a moment to find his voice. "That is the first truly foolish thing I've ever heard you say. You have never failed to meet any challenge you faced. After stopping a team of panicked horses and rescuing me from a killer, holding your own in London drawing rooms will be child's play."

"Maybe."

"Definitely. I wasn't going to pressure you," he admitted. "But after today, I can no longer be patient. I love you. I want to spend my life with you-and only you. Will you accept my hand in marriage?"

"I love you, James. I would be honored."

"I will never hurt you," he promised again. "If you need time, you can have it, but I would like to wed as soon as possible."

"So would I." She reached up to brush the hair from his forehead. "I realized today that my other fears paled against the fear of losing you. I trust you-for everything. I always have."

"Thank G.o.d." He pulled her close for another kiss.

This time it was a tap on the door that pulled them apart.

Justin entered, followed by Trimble carrying a tray holding wine and three gla.s.ses. Mary scrambled to her feet.

"I take it congratulations are in order," said Justin, focusing on Mary while James straightened his cravat and smoothed his jacket. "Will we be holding three weddings this autumn?"

Mary met James's eyes. "We will post banns immediately and be wed in three weeks."

"By Mary's brother," added James. "It will be his first official act as Ridgefield's new vicar."

Her eyes misted.

"The girls will be delighted," declared Justin, handing each a gla.s.s of wine. He raised his own in a toast. "May your love bring you happiness and good fortune for the rest of your days. And may those days prove long and fruitful."

"Amen," murmured Mary.

"To us," added James.

They drank. And when James again lost himself in Mary's eyes, Justin slipped away, leaving them to celebrate in private.