"They'll point a finger at you now, not me…" She insisted.
"I know that. But the difference is, I don't care." Cord smiled again. "And I hope you don't either. You see as a kid, I cared. It bothered me to think people thought ill of me. But as I grew up, I realized, that those people just don't matter. It's time we put the gossip mongers to rest. They've been having a time at your expense. I'm putting that to rest is all. We're officially engaged, you're my girl, and everyone here is going to know it. And all the hateful rumors you've endured over the past few years are finally going to stop. As
far as anyone is concerned, Charlie is my son, and I aim to tell him that too. And you might as well know, I aim to give him my last name, legally, through the court, so there will be no misunderstandings and maybe, just maybe people will quit wagging their tongues in this damned town."
She settled back in the chair to relax and it broke, making her fall straight to the floor with a thud.
Cord almost laughed, but seeing her shock, he stood up and lent down to her to pull her up. When he did, she floated into his arms. He kissed her, passionately. He was fast becoming addicted to her kisses.
Flustered, she stared into his eyes as he pulled away slowly.
"God, you are beautiful when you are upset." He murmured. "You're beautiful anytime as far as that goes."
"Why are you doing this Cord?" She asked, as he offered her another chair.
He sat down and offered her a cup of coffee. "Are you hungry?"
"No. I want you to explain this, as I’m a little confused."
After he poured himself a cup, he looked into her eyes once more. "Because you gave me a welcome I didn't deserve…but so wanted. I left the minute I got your letter. I was strung out, didn't have any idea what I was doing. When I got to town, it all hit at once. All the memories, the missing you, Ma, doc. You see honey, it was you that made me remember that you are the only thing besides my Ma that I left behind here. And the more I see you, the sorrier I am that I left you behind."
She blushed. "You mean that?"
"Of course I do. Because," he bent closer to her, "In all my travels, through the good and the bad, I never quite forgot the little red-headed girl that was willing to fight my battles for me. I never forgot the bond that grew between us back then. It's still there, but it's a hellova lot stronger now."
Memories seemed to flood her. "You took my side about everything…even when Mary Jo Newman called me a whore."
"Never liked that gal…" He smiled. "And I remember when I killed Dubs. You were the only one defending me in town. The only one. Except maybe the doc."
"You think we can make it, here?" She asked breathlessly. "I mean you really think this is going to work?"
"Honey, we are going to be upright citizens of this town. We will go to church together, build a ranch, and raise children, at least I'm hoping for more to come…"
Again her mouth opened and nothing came out. He loved surprising her, but there was a spark in those eyes when he said, more to come.
He shook his head and smiled sexily at her. "You keep doing that, and I'm just going to have to kiss you again."
"I can't think straight when you kiss me…"She admitted with a breathless confession.
"Neither can I. And I like the feeling. Thinking can only get you into trouble." He chuckled. "We are quite a pair aren't we?"
"I guess we are." She stared into his eyes.
"Now…if you are seriously thinking of accepting my proposal, I suggest you give thought to putting the saloon up for sale." His tone turned more serious.
"Are you sure you want me to sell it?" She asked, with a slight frown. "I mean, it is income. I could get someone to manage it."
"Don't need it. But it sounds like you are seriously considering marrying me." He smiled again, and this time he reared back in the chair and was smiling until his chair collapsed.
They both broke out in laughter.
But as she helped him up, she came close again. "I am…seriously considering it. And I want to thank you…for Charlie…I can't believe you'd do this for him."
"No thanks needed. I like him. He's no charity case. He's part of the done deal and I like that too. I always wanted a son. You raised him well." Cord added. He turned to look at the dilapidated chairs and shook his head. "Looks like I got some work to do."
She laughed. "I can't believe we are doing this. But what you are doing for Charlie…."
"Quit thanking me about Charlie. I like him. He's all boy and a good one too. Look, it won't all be bad, honey. I promise that…" Cord smiled at her.