Grant’s stomach twisted into a tangle of knots. Addie hadn’t said anything—other than asking if she could work at the ranch. Did he dare press his suit after Tolliver had stated his intentions? “I know this is what you’ve wanted, Miss Patrick, from the beginning. Now that Mr. Tolliver is going to do what’s right, I’m sure you’ll be happy.” He waited for a second, but she stood mute and unmoving. If she’d only give him a hint that she wanted to be more than his employee, he’d carry her out of here and not think twice.
He backed toward the door then wheeled and bolted before he could make a fool of himself. He wanted to grab Addie, throw her onto her horse, and ride out of this town and away from Sam Tolliver as fast as was possible.
As he swung open the door and darted outside, he thought he heard a sob. He pulled the door shut but glanced inside for one last look at Addie. She stood with her hands over her face, shoulders shaking. Grant stood rooted to the boardwalk. What in tarnation was he thinking, leaving the woman he loved behind to marry another man? He was an idiot, allowing her to think he was happy with the situation and willing to let her go. Well, he wasn’t, and that was a fact.
He shoved the door open so hard that the bell almost jangled off its hook. It took two strides to reach Addie’s side. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss her, but she still belonged to another man. Stopping in front of her, he tipped up her chin and gazed into her tear-drenched eyes. “Do you care for me, Addie? As a woman would care for a man, not as a brother, a friend, or a possible employer?”
She stilled for a few heartbeats then nodded. “Yes.” The word came out on the breath of a whisper, but it hit his heart like a thunderclap.
Grant released her and whirled toward the back room. “Tolliver. We need to talk.”
The shopkeeper came through the back door and strode toward them, halting only a step from Addie. “What’s going on here?” He motioned to Addie and frowned. “Why is she crying? I made things right, didn’t I? What else do you need from me?”
Grant straightened to his full height. “You kept your word and honored your promise, but there’s something more you can do if you’re willing.”
Tolliver’s brows drew together. “I can’t imagine what that might be. I just finished telling Mrs. Sutherland that I’ll be marrying Miss Patrick, and I plan to do so.”
He leaned toward the man. “But you’d prefer to court Mrs. Sutherland, is that correct?”
Tolliver stared at Grant but didn’t reply for a long moment. “I believe that would be rude and unchivalrous to confirm. I’m willing to do my duty, and that should be enough.”
Grant tipped his head. “That’s as I would expect, but your eyes and voice have confirmed my question. I believe I have a solution for you and Mrs. Sutherland, as well as for Miss Patrick, if you’ll hear me.”
“Go ahead.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “But I can’t imagine what it might be. I will not renege on my word.”
Grant smiled. “Not even if I tell you there’s someone else who wants to marry Miss Patrick today, and give her a home?”
Addie gasped and reached out for something to hold on to, not certain her legs would hold her up. Marry her today, and give her a home? When Grant had asked if she cared, she had no idea he planned to take things this far—this fast. She’d assumed he’d meant he cared for her and wished to know if the feeling was reciprocated, but this—this—she didn’t even know what to think. Until joy exploded in her chest and sent warmth throughout her body.
Grant stepped close to her outstretched hand and clasped it then drew her toward him. “If she’ll have me, that is.” He gazed into her eyes then turned and leveled a look at Sam. “And if you’ll release her into my care. I grew to love Addie while she was at my ranch, under the watchful eye of my housekeeper. I knew it even before I brought her to Mt. Dora, but I didn’t speak, as I knew Addie was promised to you.”
Tolliver relaxed his tight stance. “And what has changed now that’s made you speak up?”
Grant motioned toward the back room. “Mrs. Sutherland’s reaction when Addie said she was here to find you, her betrothed. I believe the woman is in love with you, as you are with her. But as a man who desires to keep his word, you’re willing to sacrifice that chance at happiness. I’m afraid I’m not willing to allow that, or to let Addie or myself be unhappy the rest of our lives as a result. Will you release Miss Patrick to me, if she’s willing, so you can move forward with your suit with Mrs. Sutherland?”
Addie trembled as Grant’s arm slipped around her shoulders. She wanted to fling herself into his arms and shout, “Yes—I want to marry you and make your home mine,” but her voice was mute. The decision would be Mr. Tolliver’s, not hers.
Tolliver looked from her to Grant. “A possible suit with Mrs. Sutherland is not the issue as this moment, Mr. Hollister.” He turned to Addie, his eyes softening. “Do you love him, Miss Patrick? Is it your desire to marry him rather than me? I want the truth now, not what you think is the proper thing to do. All of our futures rest on your answer, but let it be the one that comes from your heart, not your head.”
Addie shivered, but this time out of excitement, not dread. “Yes, I love him, and yes, I want to marry him, but I need your assurance you’ll resume your courtship with Mrs. Sutherland—if she still desires to, of course.”
A step sounded in the doorway behind the counter, and the woman in question walked in and stood by Tolliver. “She does still desire to, and I hope you and Mr. Hollister will be happy. In fact”—she smiled and her face broke into dimples—“I even have a dress you can borrow to get married in, if you’d like.”
Addie’s face warmed, but she nodded. “I’d love that, thank you. And maybe you’ll stand up with us?”
Grant drew her close to his side and placed a kiss on the top of her head then leaned down close to her ear. “And there are a lot more of those where that came from.” He straightened and grinned. “What do you say we change, get married, then celebrate with a meal, and head back to the ranch tomorrow?” He arched a brow at Tolliver. “You said there’s a good hotel in town?”
“There certainly is, with a fine restaurant as well.” He took Mrs. Sutherland’s hand and drew her toward the back room. “I’m going to flip the sign on the front door to CLOSED, then we’ll give these two a little privacy.”
As soon as they both disappeared, Addie turned to Grant. “You didn’t just say all that to keep me from marrying a man I don’t love?”
Grant cupped her face in his palm. “I did it in hopes you’d marry a man that loves you instead. And according to you, the man that you love. Was that part true?”
She smiled into his eyes. “More than anything in the world. And I’ll take that promised kiss now if you don’t mind.”
He arched a brow. “Just one?” He lowered his head toward her lips.
“Well…” Their lips met and her words were lost, but her heart was home at last.