Oswald closed the bedroom door and then went to a bed table and searched around in a drawer.

I glanced at the bare surface of the dresser and an image flashed in my mind: the same dresser with a clutter of books and jewelry and colognes by a vase of flowers.

The image had vanished when Oswald came to face me. He looked more nervous than I’d seen him yet and said, “How’s your fauxoir going?”

“Fauxoir? That’s the perfect term for it. Why didn’t I think of that?”

He smiled briefly and took my hands in his. “I had a good talk with Lily last night. She explained how your parents’ neglect affected your behavior. I should have realized it before, but you always made it seem like a joke. Will you forgive me?”

He smelled wonderful, of the herby lotion he used, and his clear gray eyes looked into mine.

“Of course I will, Oswald.” I tucked my head against his shoulder. I could feel his chest rise and fall.

“Mil, now I understand why you need so much attention. I should have tried to help. I want to help.”

I thought he could help me right now by taking off his clothes. “You’ve been very helpful, Oswald.”

He kissed my forehead at the temple, making me nuzzle closer to him. “Milagro, I want to make you happy.”

I hoped he would drop his trousers, but instead he dropped down on one knee and then reached into his pocket. He held out a ring with a huge, glittering yellow diamond in a classic setting. “Will you marry me, Milagro de Los Santos?”

I stared from the ringasaurus to Oswald.

Smiling, he said, “It’s your engagement ring. Before you hit your head, you told me you still loved me.”

“But it’s so soon, Oswald!” I was just as thrilled by the offer as I was shocked by the suddenness.

“I know, but we don’t have to set a date. We can wait until you remember your love for me, or until it develops again,” he said, still holding out the ring. “I brought you into my life, my world, Milagro, and I will always do my duty by you.”

“Don’t offer because it’s your responsibility.”

“I wanted to wait, but it’s important for your own protection to be engaged now. It will prove to the Council that we trust that you didn’t kill Wilcox, that we fully support you.” He shifted to his other knee. “I’ll be a good husband, Milagro, and I’d like to be the father of your children. Please tell me that you’ll marry me when you’re well again … if you love me again.”

My policy was always to say yes when a successful, sexy, fabulous man asked for a romantic commitment. Besides, I could always change my mind later. “Yes, Oswald, yes!”