People Will Talk (21 page)

"You didn't mind my beating you?" Nora asked
incredulously.

He crossed the room to where she stood. "What I
mind is you thinking that I'd cheat you out of something. That I'd
make love to you while I'm plotting behind your back. I didn't
betray you, Nora, not really. I just didn't tell you all the
truth."

She swallowed hard against the lump in her
throat. Bret went on, his gaze intent on her face, "I didn't tell
you about my bid on this land because I knew how you felt about it
and I didn't want to lose my chance with you. I wasn't sure you'd
actually get to the point of trying to buy the land. So I didn't
say anything to you about it."

Shoving his hands in his back pockets, he took
another agitated turn in front of the windows. "I wasn't completely
honest with you and I'm sorry."

Nora looked up into his face, beginning to
tremble.

"I called Mrs. Turner three days ago," Bret
said, "and withdrew my offer on the land. I think she'd already
made up her mind to sell it to you, but I'm not buying the property
one way or the other.”

"What?"

"It's yours," he said softly. "Build your dream
here, only let me be a part of it. Don't kick me out of your life.
"

Tears blurred Nora's vision, a sob of relief
tight in her chest.

Taking an unconscious step forward, she found
herself in his arms, the strength of his embrace holding her steady
against his thudding heart.

"I love you, Nora," he whispered unsteadily
against her temple. "I want to live with you forever."

His kiss seared her and she felt the trembling
of his body against hers. As impossible as it seemed, he was
offering her everything-all her hopes, all her dreams.

Bret straightened, his eyes locked with hers.
''I'm asking you to take the biggest risk. Will you marry me? I
can't say I won't give you grief sometimes, but I promise to love
you faithfully, always."

"That's all I could ever want," Nora whispered
shakily as he drew her nearer.

Moments later, their breathing ragged and
heavy, Bret whispered, "If you let me put in my landing strip, I
might even help you pay the note."

Laughing as she buried her face against his
shoulder, Nora knew she was signing on for the ride of her
life.