*******************************************************
“What?” Her
eyes widened. “What did you say?”
“Will you marry me? If we get married, the rumors will stop.”
Sarah laughed. “You’re funny.”
“I’m serious. I’m prepared to marry
you.”
“Not a romantic proposal, is it,
Josiah?”
“We don’t have time for romance.
Besides,” he shot her a sideways grin. “We already had the romance part,” he
snickered.
Sarah swatted his shoulder and
tugged on his arm. “Get up.”
He rose to his feet. “You won’t
marry me?”
“I’m too young to marry anyone.”
“If your parents consented.”
“They’d never give consent.”
“I hate you’re being shamed over a
little kiss.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “There was
nothing little about that kiss.”
He laughed for a moment, then pulled
her close. She squirmed.
Releasing her, he said, “I figure it
was the wine.”
“Yep.” She smoothed her bodice and
gave her skirt a shake.
If you change your mind about getting’ married, tell me. I’m willing. You’re the most beautiful girl
in all of Fitch’s Eddy. I’d marry you in a second.”
“Thanks, Josiah. I’m not marrying
anybody now. But thank you for proposing. It was a nice thing to do.”
“Anytime.” He doffed his hat, then
took her elbow. “We’d best be getting back.”
Sarah giggled. “Don’t want to start
any more rumors.”
The twosome picked their way through the rocky, rough terrain back to the Inn. Josiah bid Sarah goodnight and went up to his room. She washed up and leaned against the front window, gazing at the moon. She’d had her first marriage proposal before she was even eighteen! A grin spread across her face. Charity and Catherine Bloodgoode couldn’t say the same. Of course, she didn’t know for sure no one had proposed to them. But if someone had, she’d bet the Inn they’d be married by now.
Sarah slipped into bed and pulled up the sheet and thin blanket. She touched her lower lip, remembering Benjamin Fitch’s kiss. The bare truth? The force behind it had almost knocked her to the ground. She’d never felt anything like it. Josiah would have to try a lot harder to equal that.
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Lovely scene. How times have changed. Today, one's reputation doesn't seem to matter as much and that's a shame. Hope she gets her emotions sorted out soon.
ReplyDeleteHoo boy-- two kisses to compare! She would be the envy of her friends and an outcast to the prim ladies. Great characterization and use of the prompt as well.
ReplyDeleteWell well, two kisses! Lucky gal.
ReplyDelete