Husband Wanted: Will Train

She shook her head wearily. "You've got senators and Supreme Court justices in your family," she began.

"Sure I do," he interrupted. "From three and four generations ago. You don't see too many of them these days."

He touched her hair.

"I'm a businessman, Char ity, not a lawyer. I'm not bucking for greatness. My fa ther hasn't done a lick of work in twenty years. He's a fun guy, but he hasn't done much that's 'great.' In fact, it's money I've made lately that's keeping the old mansion afloat."

She blinked at him. "But your mother--"

"My mother is full of dreams, Charity. Not reality. And it's been a long time since I've let her try to run my life in any way." His hungry gaze swept over her face.

"I've searched all my life for a woman I could live with. I didn't realize that was what I was doing. But I know now." He bent forward and kissed her. "And you're the one, darling," he breathed against her lips. "It's you or no one."

"But, Ross..." Could it be true? She hardly dared to put her doubts away just yet.

"We're getting married," he said decisively. He took up her hand again and began to kiss her fingers, one by one. Whenever he looked at her, his eyes were full of love. "And if you've got any more objections," he said fiercely, "give them to me now, so I can shoot them down, just like I did that one."

She laughed. She couldn't help it. He made her laugh, and that was one of the things she loved about him. It was beginning to dawn on her that this was working up to a happy ending, and that was something she hadn't expected.

"There is our work," she reminded him. "How can we get married when our work will drive us apart?"

"I've got it all figured out. Henry can handle most of the Australia work. I'll have to go for week-long trips maybe four times a year, and you'll take a leave from the restaurant and go with me. How's that? Most of my work is done by telephone, and as far as I know, Mammoth has plenty of those. Plus an airport for quick trips out of town when absolutely necessary."

"Do you really think it could work?" she asked him.

"Of course. But we won't go anywhere until after the baby is born." He looked at her questioningly. "How about it?"

Her gaze held his, her eyes laughing. Slowly she nod ded.

"Is that a yes?" he demanded.

She nodded again, and he took her in his arms with a whoop. They clung together, half laughing, half crying, holding tightly until Mason came into the room looking pleased, and they pulled apart to hear what he had to say.