“Beautiful,” she breathed. Tiny round diamonds winked, two on each side of the oval-shaped opal. “Like in a fairy story.”
“Exactly.” He smiled, held her gaze with his. “Never lose that sense of wonder, no matter what has happened in your life. No one has the right to tell you how to act or to think. You are your own person.” He brought her hand to his lips and first kissed the ring then her middle knuckle. “Thank you for agreeing to marry me. I’ll pray every day I’ll remain worthy of you.”
Tears unexpectedly welled in her eyes. His kindness and caring overwhelmed her. Flutters danced through her lower belly, for John was by far the most gallant man she’d ever known. She concentrated on her next words. “May I wear my tiara when we wed?” What would it feel like if he held her in his arms for more than merely steadying her after a fall or rescuing her from a snowbank?
“If it makes you happy and comfortable, wear what you want.” He enfolded her hand between his two big ones. “Wear a beautiful gown that makes you feel like a princess. Carry your wand or whatever magical frippery that reminds you of better times if you wish. I want our wedding day to be memorable for you and I want it to be the moment you’ve always dreamed about.”
“Oh.” One of the tears slipped to her cheek. She quickly dashed it away with her free hand. “That is lovely.” Was he aware of how romantic he was, or was it merely a trap?
But the earnestness in his expression and the compassion in his eyes sent that thought away. “Our marriage can remain one of convenience or in name only unless you will it otherwise. The union is merely the key to your freedom, and on that I will not budge.”
Never had she met a man—any person—like him. “Thank you.”
“I look forward to where this will lead the both of us.” When he returned to his bench, he took a bit of warmth with him.
“As do I.”
“Honestly, I’m glad I’ll no longer be alone. There is something comforting about having a friend by my side.”
“Yes.” Caroline nodded. She admired the ring and then slid her glance to him. What would happen after they were wed? Did she want him as a woman should a real husband? Never had she cause to think of romance as a reality.
Did he?
Perhaps it didn’t matter. He was here and so was she. For the first time in her life since going into the asylum, she had a future.
It was a heady prospect indeed.