Every day, when they would go to dinner, Tavington held proudly Olivia on his arm. He made sure she was introduced to everyone attending like he did at the Sutherland's ball. He never thought he would be ready to settle down with a woman, but Olivia was special. Matt did the good thing, giving him her hand. He wanted this moment to be special and was thinking of how he could do his demand.

Matt was happy at what he was seeing; the butcher seemed to take care of her friend. Maybe history enlarged his reputation. He knew her best chance at survival was to have the protection of a husband and was not surprised when the colonel asked for her hand. But it had been a few days now and Olivia did not wore any ring nor broke the news to him. He was hoping he did not change is mind or found out the truth about where they came from.

One morning, before the sun rose, Tavington opened carefully the door and made his way to the darkness of the bedroom. The moon was still making a very dim light inside and he could distinguish Olivia's figure, still sleeping soundly. He sat down next to her and looked at her; she laid on her back, her head facing him, a very peaceful expression on her face. He grabbed her hand in his and she turned to her side, holding on very strongly to his hand, bringing his hand to her chest. His other hand rested on her back and gently shook her to wake her up.

"Good morning," he whispered.

"Hey, what are you doing here? What time is it? Is everything okay?"

"So many questions for this time in the morning," he said smiling. "Get up and get dress; I am taking you out."

"In the middle of the night?" she replied as she realised she was holding his hand. She kept it in her grip.

"It is very early morning. Come on, we don't want to be late."

"Where could we possibly be late at this hour of the day?"

"Do you trust me?"

"I do,"

Tavington rose from her bed, her words echoing in his head; she would be saying them for real in a few moments. He left her room to send the maid in, although he was tempted to help her get dress himself. Within minutes, they reached the horses waiting outside.

"William, I can't ride a horse," Olivia said, completely scared.

"I'll show you, you know you will manage. Let me help you," he said as he got closer.

He grabbed her waist and easily lifted her to the saddle. He showed her how to hold the reins and the horse he chose for her listened very well. They reach their destination near the ocean. A small park was open view to the water. The sun was already starting to rise, but the colors were not yet at their apex. He helped her down and they walked on the sand. She stopped, completely speechless. A cold breeze was making her shiver; he stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She rested her hands on his arms and melted her back onto his chest.

Once the sun a fully up, she turned her head around to look at him.

"Thank you," she said.

"To see you smile makes me happy. I am glad you liked it."

"Like it? You mean love it! It was a beautiful surprise."

"It is not all," he said as he turned toward her holding her hands. "I know we haven't known each other for a long time, but it feels like you were waiting for me here. Every time I have to part from you, I feel like a part of my heart is being ripped from my chest. I keep thinking about you and hope you have everything you need. I don't want to have to part from you anymore. Let me be your family." He dropped one knee to the ground before he carried on. "Olivia Jones, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Thoughts run as fast as they could in her head. Matt's voice echoed in her head and reassured her that this might be the right thing to do.

"Oh William, yes I do!"

He rose to his feet, towering over her. He dug in his pocket and reached for a small gold band with a very simple pearl on it. He slid the ring on her wedding finger as she looked at him carefully. She admired the ring and could not believe how he could find such a beautiful ring here. She wondered if he asked Matt for advices since it was exactly in her taste. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her closely and tightly. Her hands locked behind his neck while he lowered his head to kiss her. At first, his kiss was slow and soft, but she responded passionately, which deepened their kiss. Her lips half-opened and he did not miss this occasion to slide his tongue in her mouth. They pulled away, out of breath.

"Tavington, here we meet again," a voice behind him said.