Ch 24: It seems I’m getting married

She didn't miss the pause in his voice or the look in his eyes. Abruptly as a thunderclap, she realized that maybe he wasn't lying about the pity thing, "You're lonely, aren't you?"

Releasing her hands he stood straight and shook his head slowly while looking at her, "I told you, you knew me better than anyone. That's important to me in a wife. Someone I don't have to explain my moods too."

Good lord, trying to figure him out practically exhausted her! They could give college courses on how to figure out Owen Ross and everyone would likely fail, including her. "You have access to hundreds of beautiful women…"

"That's not the same thing." He interrupted, "They possess a few qualities that I find appealing, and soon the attraction wears off. It's not what I want. I need a woman who has intelligence and depth, humility, and compassion that can also accept Alice…like you." He smiled lazily.

"We're a package deal. My sister comes first and foremost and the women I date couldn't give her the attention she needs, but you will." Of course, she would. Alice was a gem. "You don't think I'll wear off?" she said shakily trying to ignore his compliments.

If she lingered on them she knew she would throw herself at him because Owen never gave compliments lightly. He meant them.

"No, I've known you half my life and I'm still not tired of you." He gave her a rakish grin, "I'm pretty sure the next twenty will be the same."

That's what he thought. She wasn't the least bit glamorous, famous or gorgeous like the women he was used to and just as much as admitted that it was complacency that he wanted. She was steady and trustworthy, like a Rottweiler.

Could she accept that and maybe, just maybe, it could grow into something more? Already she knew the answer to that.

Owen wanted to get married and have children and she knew that if she didn't say yes, he would start looking elsewhere and she would lose him—and Alice.

Was her pride so big that she needed to hear those three words? After consideration, she knew she would have to set aside her pride and hope that he would grow to love her.

It was almost gut-wrenching to even consider that he would marry someone else because she missed the opportunity.

"Owen, I'll marry you." She didn't know where the words came from, but there they were. The fact that they shared mutual loneliness made all the difference in the world to her. It meant he just didn't pity her.

Coupled with the state of contentment over the closeness they shared last night, not to mention the desire he aroused in her, she didn't want to let him go. And she wasn't expecting the brilliant smile he gave her.

"Wonderful!" leaned over and kissed her on the forehead just as Miss Bennett came into the room and set a plate of toast in front of her and her tea. "What's wonderful?"

"It seems I'm getting married." He put both of his hands on Abigail's shoulders. "Well, that is wonderful." The woman added with an excited grin.

Abigail watched the older woman's face light up like a Christmas tree while hers pinked up in a blush.

She offered them her congratulations and hugged Abigail with the same enthusiasm as she did the day before squishing the breath out of her. "I've got to go.

Abigail, see me to the door?" he said as Mrs. Bennett bustled off again. "Of course." She followed him.

He opened the door and turned to look at her. Something in his gaze made her smile. It was almost if someone removed that blanket of reserve that he carried if only for a moment and for the life of her she couldn't take her eyes off of his handsome face.

"What?" He grinned, "It's nothing. I'll see you later." With that, he was gone. She turned around and went back into the kitchen where Miss Bennett was. "I'm happy for you dear."

She said as she collected several plates. Abigail smiled, "Thank you." "That boy needs a little love in his life." She gave her a knowing look, "And you love him plenty." "I—I—" she flushed

"Don't deny it, Miss Abigail, it's written all over your face." "Oh, dear." She sat down in defeat, "That obvious huh?"

"As the day is bright." She stopped, and looked down at her, "I can't say I blame him for asking you, you are more beautiful than I thought you'd be."

Abigail stood up, "Okay, that's enough." She smiled sheepishly, "I need to get some things done, I'll see you later tonight."

Hanna laughed as she watched Abigail leave. Although she embarrassed the girl, she meant every word she said and if she couldn't see the way Mr. Ross looked at her, she needed to discover that on her own because Hanna wasn't going to tell her.