“I couldn’t be prouder.”
“I’m pressing charges!” A furious voice shrieked from their left.
Cherry turned her head to see Annabelle standing with a towel wrapped around her slim body, her hair bedraggled, her dress a ruin, her make-up running down her face. Her father, the General Surgeon, stood beside her. He was furious, his face red, his lips pressed tight. Mrs. Forbes was as white as a sheet.
“You assaulted me, Cherry Williams!” Annabelle accused shrilly. “I’m pressing charges!”
“Shut up, Annabelle,” her father growled.
“She pushed me in the pool!”
“How about counter charges of verbal abuse?” He snapped back at her. “We heard everything, Annabelle. Your mother and I are so ashamed of you.”
“But, Dad—”
“You’re not pressing charges against an innocent woman. You’re not going to ruin anyone’s life or career. Let’s go.”
“But—”
“You’ve done enough damage to your standing in society, girl, now shut the hell up and get in the damn car!” Grabbing her arm, he hustled her through the archway.
Dr Clarke inclined her head regally at Cherry, a small smile hovering around her usually set mouth, and then she, too, left the courtyard with Mr. Shaw by her side. The remaining few guests trailed behind until the only two other people standing in the courtyard apart from Cherry and Rick, were Tim, who gave Cherry the thumbs-up, and Nancy, who was giggling.
Cherry glanced up at Rick. “Um…”
“Well, you know how to make a lasting impression on people.” A dark brow quirked in amusement.
“I’m usually really well behaved.” The adrenaline was starting to fade and she leaned against him, tucking her head under his chin. “I promise.”
Strong arms cradled her close and the familiar feeling of safety swept through her. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes.
“So.” His voice rumbled in her ear. “You love me and you’re going to keep me, hmm?”
Cherry froze, her eyes popping open. She had said that! He’d heard everything, including that part!
“That’s good to know,” he continued. “It sort of tops my announcement, though.”
“You-you’re announcement?”
“I was going to say that I know it’s only been a short time since we met, but I’ve fallen in love with you and want you to marry me. But I like your way of announcing it much better.”
Stunned, Cherry tilted her head back to gaze up at Rick. He smiled down at her, and his eyes were so full of love that her heart practically melted on the spot. “You love me?”
“Every yummy bit of you, Cherry. So, will you marry me? Shall we do the whole thing – love, marriage, and a baby carriage?”
“Oh, Rick.” She thought her heart would burst with happiness. “You really love me?”
“Maybe I should be asking if you really love me.” He regarded her soberly. “Nancy saw Annabelle coming into the courtyard, and she heard Annabelle plan with her date to get me away. The phone call was just to ensure you were alone so she could verbally savage you. Nancy caught up with me in the house and told me, and I hurried back here with Dr Clarke right on my heels. Obviously we attracted some attention. I guess running will do that.” He didn’t smile at the memory. “We heard Annabelle’s vicious words, and I was already coming to your rescue, but Tim held me back. He knew she’d be up to something, and he wanted her to hang herself with her own words, which she did. But God, Cherry, when I saw your face, the hurt in your eyes…” He hugged her tight, burying his face in her neck. “I could only pray it was worth it.”
“I’m fine.” She hugged him back. “Really.”
“I’m so damned proud of you, love. You stood up to that jealous bitch and you showed her that you’re worth more than a hundred of her put together. I have never been so proud in my life.”
She laughed a little. “I can’t promise to be brave all the time.”
“You’re the bravest woman I know.” He kissed her neck softly, sending flickers of flame through her. “You know what’s important, and you pick your battles. You faced up Dr Clarke when you knew you were right.”
“I shook like a leaf the whole time.”
“You stood up for what’s right. You always do.” Lifting his head, Rick cupped her cheeks in his hands and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. “And you’re mine, now and forever.”
“I don’t remember agreeing to marry you.”
“Too bad. You’re going to.”