“Sharp!" called a voice from outside the stable.

It might as well have been the voice of God Himself, only he wasn't coming to save anyone.

She jerked her hand from Gabriel's breeches in a panic. "That's Poppy! He can't find us like this."

Gabriel stared at her uncomprehendingly for a second.

She shook him. "If he finds you here with me, there will be no wedding, no duel, no nothing except your handsome body speared on that pitchfork over there."

A lazy grin crossed his face. "You think I'm handsome?"

"Gabriel!"

"Oh, all right." He stood and brushed the straw from his skin and breeches."

-Gabriel and Virginia”