A Pretend Engagement (21 page)

Leon took that on board, then again reminded her, `You said you were looking for other work.'

`Did I?"

'You've told so many you can't remember`?'

She had to laugh. `I had thought of getting myself a career,' she told him truthfully. Leon thought that over for a moment, and then asked, `Do you think you could fit your career in with a-vocation-I have for you?'

Vocation?What vocation could that be? 'You-want me to work for you?' she guessed. And oddly, watching him, she thought that he seemed strangely nervous suddenly. And that was odd. She had never seen Leon nervous!

But his grey eyes were warm on her puzzled sensitive green eyes when, tenderly, he told her, `I love you so very much, Varnie. Come to me, my darling,' he urged. And, shaking her to her very foundations, `Come to me,' he breathed, `and be my wife`?'

She stared at him, speechless. Her mouth fell a little way open. `F-for real, you mean?' she managed hesitantly.

`Most definitely for real,' he answered, his expression never more serious. `Please say yes, that you'll marry me?'

As he waited for his answer she saw that he seemed to be under some degree of stress. But he did not have to wait very long, because her answer did not require any thinking about. `Oh, Leon,' she cried. 'I'd love to marry you-if you're sure!'

`My darling!' he exclaimed joyously, her acceptance of his proposal all he wanted to hear. Leon drew her closer to his heart. `I've never beenmore sure of anything in my life,' he murmured. `Sweet love, I want you with me always.'