A French Affair (37 page)

He smiled his rare smile that was like the sun coming out just for her. ‘Gina, will you marry me?’

She nodded. ‘Yes please.’

The smile grew even wider, if that were possible. He burrowed in his pocket. ‘I’ve got you a ring but if you don’t like it I can easily—’

‘Sell it on. And I’m not to worry, you got a really good deal on it.’ She found she was laughing and crying at the same time.

He laughed gently with her. ‘There is a certain pragmatism about antiques dealers, but I hope I’ve shown you I can be romantic.’

She remembered their time in France together and how he’d had the swan-shaped salt (or pepper) shaker made into a key ring. ‘I know.’

He opened the little leather box. In it was a ring with several stones in a band. He took it out and found the right finger. ‘It’s a Georgian regard ring. That means
there’s a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, another ruby and a diamond in it. If you’d rather have a simple solitaire I do have a jewellery friend . . .’

‘No! I love it. It’s so pretty.’ She looked at it on her hand. ‘I’ve never seen one like it before.’

‘I can’t believe you said yes. I’m so happy.’ He reached for the bottle and topped up their glasses. ‘When you met me I was in a very dark place. It was as if I was frozen – you’d probably say fossilised. That’s why I found it so hard to take on all your innovations. You must have found it infuriating. And I was determined not to let myself fall in love again. But you blew that plan out of the water. And when I saw you on the stairs in that dress, well, I knew. I can’t believe you love me. I know I’m not easy – although when the threat of homelessness isn’t hanging over my head I am a lot more cheery.’

She giggled. ‘I’ll have to take your word for that.’ Then she sighed. ‘I was going to stay single forever, too. After Egan I thought men were just horrible.’ She bit her lip. ‘You changed that.’

‘I loved the way you threw yourself into the antiques business. You didn’t know a thing but it didn’t stop you.’

‘That makes me sound incredibly crass.’

‘Not at all. You worked so hard and learnt everything you could. I loved that breathless enthusiasm. In fact, I love everything about you. And I will do, forever.’

‘I’ve just thought of a huge advantage to being married to someone who likes antiques: I’ll get more and more valuable the older I get.’

Matthew nodded. ‘I’m really glad you like them too . . .’

Then Oscar groaned, as if bored with this conversation,
and Matthew and Gina decided not to talk any more. They settled into each other’s arms. It felt like the place where they belonged.