Mark

Tuesday morning, KC met Mark on the boardwalk outside the Hearth and Home. “We got the Frog shut down. Ab Helm was plenty mad until we pulled some of that poison out from under his bar. He claims the men who sold it to him didn’t tell him it was anything other than moonshine. He’s offered to help with the investigation in exchange for immunity, of course.”

“I’m glad that’s solved,” Mark said. “Is the last man going to be okay? I heard Doctor Thomas took him into his home, so he could keep an eye on him.

“He says the man is doing well.” “Have you learned any more about the rotgut supplier?” Mark asked.

“Not yet, but I’ve got some leads to follow today.”

“Good luck,” Mark said.

KC waved and then turned toward his office across the street.

When Mark went inside the restaurant for breakfast, the dining room was full, and he sat at the last table. Rhona came over and asked for his order. He requested his usual and said, “Will you join me this morning?”

“I’d like that very much. I’ll send your order in and be back.”

“May I also have a vase or pitcher of water?”

Rhona nodded and delivered his order to the kitchen, returning with a Mason jar of water.

“Thank you. Just set that on the table.” When she did, Mark took her by the hand and lifted it to his lips, placing a slow kiss on her wrist. “Please, sit with me a moment.” Mark could see questioning in her gaze, but a certain passion lurked there, too. He pulled a bouquet of hot house flowers from a sack and held them out to her. “For you.”

Her eyes widened. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.” She inhaled the aroma, then placed the flowers in water. Mark claimed her hands again.

He’d scooted his chair close to hers.

“Rhona, I want you in my life. I want to work with you each day and ride home with you every night. I want to share your dreams and be the one you talk to about your joys and sorrows.” Although Mama M appeared behind Rhona’s shoulder with her hands clasped to her chest and nodding with a grin on her face, Mark kept Rhona in his sights. “I was living day by day, and my life was empty. Now that I know you, I can see years ahead of me, and I hope you’re in all of them. You’re the reason for my smile and happiness. Rhona, will you marry me?”

Rhona was nodding before he finished the question. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

Applause broke out in the dining room, reminding Mark others were there. He jumped to his feet and picked her up, twirling her around. “I’m a lucky man. Thank you, Rhona.” He kissed her and heard Edwin clear his throat.

Rhona’s brother stood a few feet away with his hands on his hips. “You haven’t asked proper.” The caution in his words practically growled.

“You’ll not ruin this moment for me, Edwin.” Rhona laughed and kissed Mark’s lips right there in the middle of the room in front of more than a dozen people. “There. You can be sure of my answer—you can ask my brother now.” Then to Edwin she said, “I’m of age, and I choose him. But I’ll let you give consent.”

Mark’s chest expanded and it felt as if his heart were growing to fill it. “I’ll take care of Rhona in the best way possible. She’ll never want for any necessity. But most importantly, I’ll love her with all my heart.” Love and passion swirled through him, making him dizzy with desire.

“Aye, you have her family’s blessing. When is the wedding to be?”

Mark shook Edwin’s hand, then said, “Whenever Rhona says,” at the same time Rhona said, “As soon as possible. I guess we’ll have to talk it over and let you all know.”

The people clapped again amid shouts of congratulations.

Mark turned to Rhona. “We’d better get to the newspaper office. It’s past time to open.”

“She won’t be going with you just now,” Eileen said. “We have wedding plans to talk about. She’ll likely be busy all day since we have Tuesday Tea as well.”

Mark’s heart stretched toward her, knowing she’d be out of his touch all day.

“I’ll come after tea,” Rhona assured him. “Wedding plans for a simple ceremony won’t take long. You and I have plans of our own to make.” She winked at him and then followed her sisters back into the kitchen, taking her flowers with her.