The Word of a Child (38 page)

"Oh, Connor." Tears stung her eyes and despite
their surroundings she hugged him. "I think that's a wonderful idea."

"I can commute. Come home weekends."

"Better yet, I can get a job in Seattle," she said
firmly. "Maybe get a leave of absence from the school district, if we
think we'll want to come home to Port Dare when you're done."

"You're really going to marry me." He sounded
dazed.

She smiled up at him, letting him see the sparkle of tears
in her eyes. "If you'll have me."

"Oh, yeah," he said, his laconic tone belied by
the potent emotions in his eyes. "I'll have you."

She tried to sound casual and failed. "I've arranged
for my daughter to go home with a friend after the game. Did I mention
that?"

"No. You didn't."

"Just in case we wanted some time to ourselves."

"Which we do," he said in the gritty voice that
told her what he felt. And wanted.

Happiness filled her chest, making her buoyant. "I had
better watch
some
of the game first."

He laid a heavy arm over her shoulders and turned her to
face the field. "I can be patient."

They looked just in time to see Zofie break away from a
defender and kick a powerful line drive that shot past the goalie and into a
corner of the goal. Arms in the air, screaming in delight, she grinned at her
mom and Connor, who both laughed and waved back.

"Zofie makes it easy to be patient." Eyes smiling,
Connor watched Mariah's daughter run down the field. "I'm a lucky
man."

"Yes, you are." Mariah leaned contentedly against
him. "But I'm feeling pretty lucky myself right now."

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