He shook his head. “I don’t care, darling. But, I understand you never want anyone to know for Carson’s sake. He may want to know about his family someday.”
She nodded, trying to wipe at her tears. Instead of letting her hands go, Duke lifted their hands together and with his fingers, began to wipe away the tears. He placed a kiss on her cheek.
“Maybe someday when he is a grown man I’ll tell him, but now, he’s been through too much. I need him to have a normal life.”
“He will. I promise you that, Martha. On my honor.” He placed a hand on her cheek and took her other hand and placed it over his heart. “Do you feel my heart beat?”
She nodded. “I do.”
“It’s all for you, darling. I want to marry you and make Carson my son. I love you. And there’s something else I didn’t tell you. I have enough money to take care of you and put Carson through medical school. You won’t have to work two jobs anymore. I’m kind of rich.”
She gave him a hug. “I love you, Duke.”
“I love you both,” Mr. Parson called out, a tear slipping from his scraggly old face.
Martha laughed and ran to him, sitting beside him and folding him in a huge embrace. “We love you, Mr. Parson.”
Duke watched them laughing together. He was so happy right at that moment. He kneeled down and took her hand. “Will you take this ring now?”
He had forgotten to give it to her yesterday. She held out her hand while he slid it on her finger. “Perfect.”
She stared at the ring, then looked up at him. “It is perfect, just like the man who wound up stealing my heart after all.”
*****
Thank you for reading Stealing My Heart. I wonder what happens to the town of Belle when Duke’s sister and mother show up? Will Duke and Martha have a holiday wedding? Will Tommy, now a man, find himself in love with a girl who can’t walk? Stay tuned for a special Christmas holiday story coming soon.
Meanwhile, pick up the next book in the series. Eleanor’s Dilemma Book #19
Keep reading for other books by Cyndi Raye
Cyndi’s other books
Mail Order Brides of Wichita Falls Series
Ruby
Lily
Charity
Hannah
Rebecca
Sophie
Ellie
Jenna
Leila
Boxed Set Vol 1-8
Christmas in Wichita Falls Holiday Book
Brides of Mill Ridge Series
An Outlaws Honor
A Reverend’s Rose
The Ranger’s Redemption
A Doctor’s Devotion
A Teacher’s Treasure
A Sister’s Sanctuary
Sons of Nora White Series
A Bride for Adam
A Bride for Samuel
A Groom for Nora
A Bride for Russell
A Bride for Wesley
A Groom for Widow Young
The Pistol Ridge Series
Peg Leg’s Princess
Blaze’s Beauty
Judge’s Jewel
Rider’s Renegade
Raven’s Rebel
Preacher’s Pearl
Creed’s Confidant
Multi-Author Series Contributions
A Bride for Abel - The Proxy Brides Book #4
A Tin Star for Christmas - The Belles of Wyoming
Mercy’s Gift - The Belles of Wyoming
A Bride for Calvin - The Proxy Brides
An Agent for Caroline - The Pinkerton Matchmakers
An Agent for Cari - The Pinkerton Matchmakers
Stealing Her Heart - The Belles of Wyomng
Contemporary Small Town Romance
Florida Keys Romance in Paradise Series
The Tomorrow Serial
The Forever Serial
Escape Serial
Island Keeper
No Name Inn Series
Boot Key Harbor Short Story Boxed Set
Santa’s Wrong Turn & Save Me Santa Holiday Shorts
All these books can be found by visiting https://www.amazon.com/Cyndi-Raye/e/B00ENA1WEG