“Need any help?” she asked, coming to stand beside him.
“Nay. It’s done. I’ll just add a few pieces of wood to bring this to a boil, and then it needs to simmer for a few hours.” It broke his heart to see her so disconsolate. “I made tea. Would you like a cup?”
“I would.” She lifted down two mugs and then rummaged through the shelves for honey. “It’s stopped raining. Will you join me on the porch?” She added honey to each of the mugs.
“I will.” He added wood to the stove, and placed the soup on the back hob.
Meredith poured their tea and stirred, and he studied her as surreptitiously as possible, trying to get a handle on what she might be feeling or thinking. They were both behaving stiffly—polite and distant. He swallowed against the tightness burgeoning in his throat and mentally raged at the selfish boyo who had placed yet another obstacle between himself and the woman he loved. Steaming mug in hand, he followed her outside.
Meredith took her usual seat and drew in a long breath. “It always smells so wonderful after it rains, like sage, pine and cedar.” She took a sip of her tea and leaned back in the chair.
The clouds were breaking. Intermittent rays of light reflected off water droplets clinging to leaves and blades of grass. They sparkled like gems for an instant, but then a cloud passed overhead, blocking the sun again. He too drew in a long breath, seeking courage rather than the familiar smells of their surroundings.
“Would you like to hear my plan, love?”
“You’ve formed a plan?” She cast him a look, her eyes wide.
“I have.” He cleared his throat. “You must realize I cannot help thinking like a man of this century. I was born and raised in this era. Still, I promise to take heed when you remind me it is folly to do so with a woman born of your time.”
She graced him with a smile. “Should we be writing this down?”
“If you feel it’s necessary, then we will.” He gripped his tea mug. “Meredith, Charles and I would like to offer you a full partnership in Hannigan & Cavanaugh, and that will involve a written contract signed by all. You would control one third of the profits to manage however you see fit, and—”
“What would I do?” Her brow creased. “What role do you see me filling in the company?”
“We both view you as a valuable asset due to your knowledge of history, which is now knowledge of our future.”
A spark of something—excitement? Interest?—lit her features. “So, I’d be a consultant?”
“We’ll always consult with you in every matter.” He set aside his tea and reached for her hand. When she twined her fingers with his, his hopes soared. “Once you’ve spent some time seeing how things work, Charles and I have no doubt you’ll be able to find your footing in whatever capacity suits you. We both know you’ll become indispensable.” He squeezed her hand.
“You and I will be the ones to begin the second phase of our business. We’ll have to hire staff and set up an office in Dublin. I would appreciate your help in managing all of that.”
“I would love being a part of our growing business,” she said, her voice tremulous.
“That’s grand, love. Daniel’s fears eased at her use of the word our when referring to Hannigan & Cavanaugh. “I swear never to doubt or carry resentments no matter whatever disagreements we might have. It is my greatest wish that you can find it in your heart to do the same. Don’t you see, Meredith? You were always my choice, now, in the future, in the past … no matter where or when. You own my heart.”
“I know that now, Daniel. What Oliver did upset me, and I just needed time to think things through. Knowing Oliver, I imagine he believed he was doing us a favor.” She gazed at him, her expression determined.
“I promise not to carry doubts or resentments either. All I ask is that you see us as equal partners. Not only in business, but also in our marriage, and in raising our children. Can you agree to my terms?”
“I swear I can, and I count on you to help me keep that promise. I know we will be happy together, Meredith. I feel it to the marrow of my bones.” His relief was so great that it threatened to spill out of his eyes. Daniel went down on one knee before her. “Are we in agreement then? Will you marry me, Meredith MacCarthy? Will you become my equal partner through life?” He nearly tipped over as his love threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
“I will,” she said. “I love you so much, Daniel, and you are my choice, and you always will be. Never doubt that.”
Daniel rose from the floor of the porch, bringing Meredith up with him. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close, peppering her face with kisses. He exalted in the feel of her curves pressed against him, and her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. He kissed her, and the heat and softness of her lips against his stole his breath.
“Soon, aye?” he said between kisses. “Let’s get married as quickly as possible.” He drew back and peered into her lovely gray eyes. “What do you think?”
“I agree,” she said, smiling through her tears. “Shall we tell Charles our news?”
“Aye.” He cradled her face in his hands and wiped away the tears from her cheeks. “When I was a ghost, I used to imagine how your skin might feel,” he rasped, tucking an errant strand of her silky hair behind her ear. “Because of you, I’m alive. Because of you, every sunrise and sunset are cause for celebration. With you beside me, my heart and my life are full.”
“My poet.” Meredith kissed his cheek.
Perhaps he did have the soul of
