Homespun Bride

Jillian Hart 249His spring.First off, he had to stop wheezing so hard. He stoodon the top step and drew in a calm breath. Now all hehad to do was raise his fist and knock on the door andlay his heart, his pride, his dignity and his future on theline. Not a fearsome prospect at all, right?Just knock. He did it, one knock was all he couldmanage. He waited, hoping—praying—someone hadheard it. He took a step back and tried to buck up hiscourage for the next difficult event. One thing was forsure, he’d be feeling a whole passel better once she’dsaid yes and he could relax.The door swung open and instead of the maidlooking up at him, it was his Noelle. “Thad, is thatyou?”“How did you know?”“I recognized your gait and your knock.” Sheopened the door wider, waltzing backward a few steps,her rose-pink skirts swirling around her ankles. “Comein. My aunt took the girls to town, and Robert is outwith Matilda for her first driving lesson.”He managed to force his feet forward and into thewarmth of the house, surprised his watery knees couldhold him up so well. “You’re here all alone?”“Not exactly alone. Sadie’s upstairs cleaning andCook’s in the kitchen. Would you like some tea? I’llcall Sadie—”“No.” Had she gotten lovelier overnight? He hadnever seen her so beautiful, but then he was biased. “Noneed to go to any fuss. I came to talk to you—”“About the land sale.” Her smile dazzled him.“Come, sit and warm yourself by the fire and tell me everything.”