Her new apartment was midway between Wall Street and the Five Points, and it was walking distance to New York University. It was a middling neighborhood, but hundreds of people lived there, and she could too.

“Nothing in this world is safe,” she said. “Marrying Jasper wasn’t safe. Trusting Liam wasn’t safe. Sometimes our gambles work, but not always. I’m strong enough to survive, even if the worst happens. I’m going back to college. I’m scared but happy and excited too. I’m determined to make a wonderful life in my cozy little Boulanger Avenue apartment, even if I live alone for the rest of my life.”

He swallowed hard. “You being alone would be a crime.”

Patrick always said that when he was nervous, his Irish accent came on strong, and it was strong enough to cripple a horse right now.

“Mrs. K, I let you down,” he said. “I got too caught up in worrying what people thought of me when I should have been counting my blessings for the miracle that brought you into my life. By rights, you and I should never have met, but we did, and maybe the hand of God had something to do with that.”

His voice stumbled to a halt, and to her stunned surprise, he went down on one knee. He looked as surprised as she felt.

“Gwen, I love you very much, and it’s not going away.” He swallowed hard and looked terrified. “I would be honored if you would be willing to be my wife.”

This was going too fast. It was coming out of the blue for both of them, and that wasn’t the way to start a marriage.

“Oh, Patrick, please stand up, and let’s not do anything impulsive. You didn’t come here because of a desperate urge to marry me. You came over to evict Vivian.”

He got back up on his feet. “Can’t I do both?”

A burst of laughter escaped her, and she stepped into his arms. Being wrapped in his embrace again was like coming home. Through their clothes, Gwen could feel his heart pounding so fast she feared for his health.

“I appreciate the gesture, but this is too important to rush.”

He pulled back to look down at her in surprise. “Are you saying no?”

Was she going to regret this? Possibly, but no woman who had suffered through a bad marriage wanted to repeat the experience. She had worked hard to create a life of purpose. In her heart, she hoped Patrick could someday be a part of it, but she didn’t need him to have that life.

“I’m saying not yet. Go home, Patrick.”