“Sure it wasn’t Colonel Peacock in the well house?”
He knew what she was doing. She didn’t want to take credit for the good that she’d done. He picked up her hand and looked at the ring. “You like it?”
“Very much.” Her heart increased its speed. “Where did you get it?”
“My manager sent me some photos and I chose one. We can trade it for something else if you don’t like this one.”
“I don’t understand about this ring. I know you proposed, but it was onstage and not real.”
When he slid down in the bed, he took her with him. “A lot of people saw you nod in agreement. I’d really hate to have to sue you for breach of promise. Since I have so many witnesses, you’ll lose for sure.”
“Guess I better not try it, then.” He was kissing her neck. “This is where we started this morning.”
“Uncle Tate!” Emmie yelled through the door.
“And this is where it went,” Tate said with a moan. “What do you need, Emmie?”
“Mom said she’s going to make pancakes.”
Casey and Tate looked at each other.
“Sorry,” Casey said, “but this is an emergency. Your sister is in my kitchen!” She started to get up, but Tate pulled her back.
“I am the happiest man in the world,” he said. “There were things missing in my life, but the gaps have been filled. I love you.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“Uncle Tate!” Emmie yelled again, her voice now frantic. “Mom wants to know how much salt to put in the pancakes.”
Casey stared at Tate with wild eyes.
“Go!” he said. “Anyway, I need to answer some calls.”
After half a dozen quick kisses, Casey ran down the stairs.
Tate pulled on his jeans and went to the window. It was a new day, the beginning of a new life. He heard a crash from downstairs—a bowl broken—and he smiled. Sauntering across the drive was the old peacock, its glorious tail dragging behind it. “Thanks, old man,” he said.
Disdainful, the bird didn’t even look up.