Status Updates From Little Miss Independent

Stephan’s face turned bright red. “I cannot believe what I am hearing. Good God, Adelaide, you would have this…this monster for a husband over me?” “Indeed, I would,” she replied. “The two of you deserve each other.” Stephan whisked his hat off the desk and rushed out of the room.

“You are the most beautiful man I have ever known, and will ever know, Roan. Don’t hide from the world. Don’t hide from me. You are not changed. If anything, you are a better man for the things you have suffered through, for now you have a greater understanding of what real trials are.”

When she hesitated by a shop window where a beautiful scarlet gown was displayed, it had been all Roan could do not to walk in and buy it for her. Jack would hardly approve though. The very thought that his friend found him unworthy to court Addy was gut-wrenching.

Roan was having a difficult time thinking of anything other than Addy. He ran through every memory of their younger days, of the time since he had seen her again. From the first moment he had realized little Adelaide had grown into a stunning woman, to that heart-pounding kiss in the garden. The kiss had been so intensely gratifying that he’d been unable to sleep last night.

It had been Roan who had stepped away, but he had been shaken. In fact, he was still shaken. She could see his hands trembling and she hid a smile. He wanted her…just as she wanted him. Already she could see the panic in his eyes. All she could hope was that he did not run away. That would ruin everything. And her life would never be the same.

Her words gave him hope. “You do not wish to marry?” “Of course I do…one day. But I am still young. I have plenty of time to worry about marriage. I want to have fun, enjoy what little freedom I do have.” Her words pleased him more than they should have.

Even more astonishing than her transformation from tomboy to beautiful young debutante was the shock that she did not react to his wound like everyone else had. She had not so much as blinked or stared at the hated scar. There had been warmth and excitement in her gaze, and he felt completely overwhelmed by such a welcome.

Who would want him now?” Elizabeth said, her voice hinting at amusement. Adelaide resisted the urge to toss her punch in Elizabeth’s face. A newly-formed acquaintance, Elizabeth didn’t realize the man she spoke of so flippantly and with such cruelty was Roan, Addy’s brother’s best friend who had been severely injured in battle six months ago.

This is sweet...

I hope this is good.

He swallowed hard and tried to keep his thoughts as holy as possible.

Addie is a sweetheart!