“Never!” Kris couldn’t imagine Maggie in that place, helpless to get free, hopeless. The joy beaten out of her. The beautiful light that was his Maggie dimmed, shadowed. Wrapping her closer, Kris laid his cheek on her hair. “I will never allow that to happen. I love you too much to ever…”
For the first time in his memory, words failed and his mind stuttered to a stop. Love? How could he love a woman he hardly knew? When had it happened?
Probably the first moment he saw her, he admitted. Frightened, harried, but not cowed by the mob following her.
“Kris?” Margaret stared up at him, searching his face in the waning light. “You don’t mean that.”
But the shining hope in her eyes belied her words.
“You are amazing, Maggie. Gracious, intelligent, willing to share of yourself with any who need it, regardless of who or what they are. You see the best in everyone.”
“That’s not always an admirable trait,” she muttered, obviously thinking of her former fiancé.
“Can you forgive me for being such an ass, Maggie? Who you were before you arrived here is the woman I fell in love with. The past is just that, the past.”
“But that past will become painfully apparent very soon, Kris. You can’t sacrifice everything for me. Your work, your congregation—”
“Will understand,” he interrupted. “And if they don’t, we can move on, you, me and the baby.”
Her gaze softened, her eyes glittering with fresh tears, happy ones this time, he hoped. “The baby? But you said I should—”
“I was wrong, Maggie. I should never have suggested such a thing. Your child is precious, a gift. Can you forgive me? I would be honored to call the child mine, and I’ll gladly spend the rest of our lives proving it.”
“Kristoph Oltmann, you are just too good to be true.”
“May I remind you of those words on one of the many occasions I prove them wrong?”
Her giggle bounced through the winter air, making Kris smile. “You still haven’t given me an answer, Miss Flanaghan.”
“To be honest, I…I’m not sure I should, Kris.” His shock must have shown, because she tried to hide a grin. “What I mean, sir, is how do I know we’ll suit? You’ve never even kissed me.”
Shock turned to surprise, then delight. “I’m happy to remedy that oversight immediately.” His snagged her hand and tugged her close. Holding her was such a joy he indulged himself for a moment, until she leaned back to glare at him.
“I’m waiting.”
Kris kissed her smile, finding it even sweeter than he’d expected. Taking his time, he explored her humor, tasted her joy, until she sagged in his arms. “Do you think we suit, my dear one?”
“I believe we’ll have a lovely future together.”
Cuddling her close, he offered up a heartfelt prayer of thanks that she’d been brought into his life—and that he’d recognized the gift she was before he lost her forever.
Kris felt the instant Maggie realized they were standing in the street where anyone could see them. She took a deep breath, bringing her body even closer to his for an instant before she stepped away. That small touch shook him, made him wish they were someplace far away, alone together.
“I should see you inside, Maggie.”
“All right, but I don’t want to go.”
“And I don’t want to let you go. Ever.”
“Tomorrow is not so far away.” She rose on tiptoe and kissed him again. “I’ll miss you every moment.” She slipped from his arms and turned to the house, only to glance back over her shoulder, an impish grin on her face. “And I do love you, Kristoph Oltmann.”
“Wait!” He took her hands in his and kissed her fingers. “I forgot something.”
Kris decided her brow wrinkled in puzzlement was his favorite sight yet. Kissing that frown, he dropped to one knee, right there in the street. “Miss Flanaghan, will you give this poor old preacher the greatest gift ever? Will you marry me?”
Her smile bloomed, lighting her eyes with wonder and joy, and he had to revise his opinion. That was his favorite sight.
“Kristoph Oltmann, I’d be honored to be your wife.”
Rising, he swept her up and spun around to the sound of applause behind them. Her blush warmed him through before he set her on her feet and turned to find most of his congregation looking on.
“Well done, Reverend.” Jericho clapped him on the back, then claimed a quick kiss from the bride-to-be. He was followed by Matthew, Martha, Franz and Rebekah, along with several people Maggie had never met. Finally, Kris reclaimed her and tucked her close to his side.
“Oh, Kris.” Her tears shone in the moonlight. “I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere before tonight.”
“You belong here, Maggie, with us. With me. I, too, have been alone.” He held her closer. “For so long.” Kris brushed a kiss to her hair. “I never thought I would find you, the one woman God meant for me. The sanctuary my heart has been searching for. And now, you will be mine.”
“I think we are each other’s,” she retorted, making him laugh. Maggie smiled up at him. “I love that sound. I’ll have to find ways to make you laugh more often.”