But something unexpected had also happened when she’d started taking chances. She’d also discovered that she was more than she’d ever imagined.
She was stronger, smarter, and braver than she’d realized.
Which was why, before, she probably would have tried to tell Reid that she didn’t deserve a man like him.
Now she knew that she did.
“I love you,” she said. “I just want you to know that.”
“Because?” For the first time, he looked unsure.
“Because I’m going to say yes,” she said with a soft smile.
“Yes to staying? Yes to Chicago?” His brows lowered. “Or yes to me?”
“Yes to everything, but most especially yes to you.”
Just then, the carriage stopped. It shook a bit as Charley hopped off the driver’s seat, then threw open the door. “Here we are, Miss Rosalind. union Station.”
Reid grinned as he leaned toward the door. “There’s been a change of plans, Charley.”
“Sir? Where do you want to go now?”
“Rosalind, you want to tell him?”
She took a breath, then changed her life. “Charley, Mr. Armstrong and I would like to go back.”
His eyebrows rose. “Back to Sloane House?”
“Oh no. To Armstrong House,” she said with a smile.
Reid grinned. “We’ve a wedding to plan, Charley. Miss Rosalind Perry has just consented to become my wife.”
Charley looked at Reid, at their clasped hands. And finally, at Rosalind’s smiling face. “Congratulations! It’s back home now, then. For all of us.”
“Take your time, would you?” Reid murmured as Charley started closing the door.
“I’ll do my best, sir.”
When the carriage started rolling again, Reid pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. “I’m so happy, Rosalind. I’m so happy and grateful and blessed. And loved.”
“Me too,” she murmured as he pulled her close and kissed her again.
Then she followed her heart, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him right back.
It turned out that some things didn’t need to be explained at all. Only repeated. Again and again and again.
[Fluffer Nutter]