Chapter 24
Hank didn’t understand why she couldn’t say yes, but he was determined to find a way to convince her. Making love to her in the Jenny didn’t help matters. It only made him yearn for her more. He needed her in his home, in his bed, in his arms every night forever.
But he didn’t want to press too hard and ruin their afternoon. “Much as I hate to say it, we need to get back. I have to return the airplane.”
She was breathtaking with the sea breeze in her hair and a mischievous smile on her lips. He wanted to stay here forever, but time would not allow it.
“It’s been a truly wonderful afternoon, Hank. I know you must have gone to a great deal of trouble and expense, and I’m deeply flattered.”
He had, but he wasn’t about to admit it. “It was nothing, princess.”
She kissed him with those soft, red, kiss-stung lips. Why did she have to go and do that? It only served to remind him of what he couldn’t have.
He helped her into her cockpit, reminded her how to open the throttle, and gave the propeller a swing. Climbing into the rear cockpit, vivid memories assailed him of their earlier activities. He pushed them aside to focus on taking off safely.
On the brief trip back, he racked his brain for what to try next in his campaign to win her hand.
There had to be some way to convince her.
How could he assure her he had no intention of impeding her independence?
He didn’t want to own her or control her.
He only wanted to be free to love her with his whole heart.
Too soon, the airfield at Mineola came into view, and he landed the plane, taxiing back to the hangar.
Instead of driving her home, Hank took her to a park where they could sit together on a bench.
He wanted to understand her refusal, even if he couldn’t change her mind.
“I know I need to be patient, and I’ll do my very best. But can you tell me why?
Is it because you’re afraid of what your father would do?
If I was your husband, I could protect you.
He’d have no legal right to interfere in your life.
I would be your next of kin. As it is, he has too much power over you. ”
She shook her head and stayed silent for a long moment.
“Rory?”
She lifted her head slowly to meet his gaze.
“I’m barely considered a person under the law.
It’s why I fight for women’s suffrage. I don’t even have the right to open a bank account in my own name.
But if I married you, my legal rights would dwindle even further.
A husband and wife are considered one person, legally, with the husband exercising all rights on the wife’s behalf.
You may say you offer me freedom, but I know the reality of what marriage means. ”
“And yet you were willing to marry Edward Windham.” As soon as he said it, he regretted it and wished he could take it back. The pain in her gaze made him want to crumple up into a ball and be swallowed by a hole in the ground.
Her voice shook as she said, “I thought I had no choice. I know better now, but I genuinely couldn’t see an alternative at the time.
” She put a gentle hand on his cheek. “Hank, I don’t want to marry anyone, not even you.
Eventually you’d get tired of me and my foolishness, and then where would I be?
It’s better if we enjoy the connection we have while we can and then go our separate ways before things turn sour. ”
Hank straightened, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. “You think I’m going to get tired of you? That’s why you won’t marry me?”
Rory’s hand dropped to her lap, and she stared down at it. “My father says I’m the most tiresome female he’s ever met,” she mumbled.
“Your father is a pompous ass.”
A ghost of a smile turned her lips upward.
“True. But he isn’t wrong. I’ve been nothing but trouble my whole life.
I’m restless and careless. I take too many risks.
I’m tiresome, and I know it. You might find my antics endearing now, but eventually they would begin to grate on you as they did on him.
And I don’t think I could bear to look in your eyes and see resentment. ”
“You think I would resent you?” Arguments tumbled over each other in his mind, and all he could do was sputter.
“I know you would. Papa does. He’s resented my existence from my earliest days.
He had no idea how to raise a little girl after losing my mother, so he left me in the care of a series of nannies who I drove away in quick succession with my wild behavior.
I’ve had a lifetime of practice being difficult and unruly.
I’d make a terrible wife, and I couldn’t bear it if I hurt you. ”
Taking both her hands in his, he knelt on the ground in front of her.
“Rory Belmont, I love you with my whole heart, and nothing is ever going to change that. Your father is a bitter old man who doesn’t know what a treasure he has in his daughter.
You are so strong and so brave. I love your fierce independence.
I love your creativity and drive. I love your mischief.
I loved it from the day we first met. Do you think I want a nice, dutiful wife?
Do you think I could ever be happy with a conventional marriage after being with you? ”
“Hank, I—”
“Yes?”
“Are you sure? I’m a terrible trial. Everyone says so.”
“I don’t know how I could ever deserve you, but I absolutely cannot live without you. No one else will do, Rory. It has to be you.”
“Oh, Hank,” she said, tears forming in her eyes. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
“So you’ll marry me?” He held his breath, desperate for her answer.
“I’ll consider it. Give me a few days to think it through. I don’t want to rush into this.”
Progress at last! His heart soared.
“Of course,” he said. “I have another run to D.C. tomorrow, and I’ll be away for the next three days. But take all the time you need. I love you too much to rush you into anything.”
“Oh, Hank, you are the sweetest, most considerate man a woman could ever hope for.” She kissed him on the cheek, not daring more in public in broad daylight. Even that chaste peck could be considered scandalous if the wrong person saw it.
“Let me walk you home.”
They were silent as they strolled back to the O’Donnell’s, her hand on his arm. He’d never been so hopeful and content in his life. She was nearly his. He’d found the magic key to her affection at last.
As they walked down the street, his eye caught on Portman and Sons Law Offices, and an idea struck him. Rory wasn’t just worried about him getting tired of her. She was worried about her freedom. What if he allayed that worry too?
“Rory, would you mind if we made one more stop before home?”
Her tentative smile encouraged him. “What do you have in mind?”
“I have an idea about how I can prove that you can marry me and still be your own woman.”
Her eyes narrowed, and her smile tightened. “Hank—”
“Please. Just hear me out. With Mr. Portman’s help, I think I can put your mind at ease.”
She tensed as she cast a dubious glance at the law firm’s storefront. “A lawyer? I can’t imagine what you have in mind.”
Pausing, he took both of her hands and met her gaze.
“Men have been making decisions without you your whole life. I don’t want to be like them.
I want you by my side while we talk about our potential future and lay out the ground rules.
I want you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all I want from you is your love and companionship.
I don’t want a cent of your money or an ounce of your freedom, now or ever.
I’ll commit to it in writing, and you can take all the time you need to decide. ”
Her lips parted, but no words came out. Was this the right thing to do? He sure as hell hoped so. It was a gamble, but he was willing to try anything at this point.
“Do you trust me?”
With a deep breath, she met his gaze. “Yes.”
“Then let’s go inside.”
Together, they ducked into the cozy, wood-paneled office, and, to Hank’s deep relief, they found the elder Mr. Portman free.
“Lieutenant Hawley, isn’t it? I’ve seen you around for years.”
“That’s right, Mr. Portman,” Hank said, shaking his hand.
“And who is this lovely lady you have with you today?”
“This is Miss Aurora Belmont.”
Mr. Portman’s eyebrows shot up, but he held out his hand to her. “Any relation to August Belmont, the financier?”
Rory sighed and took the old man’s hand. “He’s my father.”
Mr. Portman’s eyes were wide as saucers as he shook her hand.
“Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle,” the lawyer muttered under his breath. Then he cleared his throat. “Have a seat and make yourselves at home. What can I do for you two today?”
“We need your help with drafting a marriage contract. It needs to contain very particular terms guaranteeing the finances and property rights of Miss Belmont, here, who I’m hoping will agree to be my wife.”
Mr. Portman let out a low whistle. “Is there a reason Mr. Belmont isn’t involved? Because if you’re doing this behind his back, I’ve got to warn you that his lawyers are better than I am. I’m not sure this will stand up in court without his involvement.”
Rory stiffened, and Hank’s hackles rose. For God’s sake, this was exactly why she didn’t trust the men in her life. Even when she was in the room, they tried to circumvent her.
Barely reining in his irritation, Hank answered, “Miss Belmont is more than capable of negotiating on her own behalf.”
Rory glanced at him and gave him a private little smile. “Thank you, Hank. Mr. Portman, my father won’t be involved in this. If you have any questions regarding my interests, you can ask me directly.”
Hank took her hand and squeezed.
“Hmm.” Mr. Portman looked back and forth between them with narrowed eyes. “Well, if you’re determined to go through with this, I’ll draw it up, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”