“Listen, the other day I said I was withdrawing my proposal of marriage, but we both know I wasn’t serious.”

Sherry hadn’t known that at all, but was pleased he was willing to say so.

“I’m not sure what to do anymore, and every time I try to give you what you say you need, it turns into another disaster.”

He crouched before her and took both her hands in his. She saw how callused they were, the knuckles chafed, yet to her they were the most beautiful male hands she’d ever seen.

“You wanted romance, and I swear to you, Sherry, I’ve given it my best shot. If it’s romantic to nearly get arrested for a woman, then I should receive some kind of award.”

She nodded, trying not to smile.

“I don’t blame you for the poison ivy—that was my own fault. I wanted to impress you with the bluebonnets. I could’ve bought you a bouquet of carnations and that fancy grass from the market. Les Gilles sells them for half price after seven, but I figured you’d think those wildflowers were more romantic.”

“I do. They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

“I’ve done every romantic thing I can think of for you. I don’t know what else you want. I’ve sung to you, I’ve brought you candy—I know Heather’s the one eating it, but I’ll buy you another box.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I am worried, but not about the chocolates.” He stared at the floor for a moment. “I know you’re concerned that Heather was the one who prompted my proposal, her wanting a brother or sister and all. In a way I suppose she did—at first. I’m asking you to marry me again, only this time it’s for me.”

“Five minutes.” Heather’s voice trilled from the other side of the clinic door.

Cody closed his eyes, stood and marched over to the door. “Heather, I asked for some time alone with Sherry, remember?”

“I’m just telling you that you’ve used up ten minutes, and you only have five more. I can’t be late, Dad, or Katie will be gone—and so will my book.”

“I remember.”

“Dad, you’ve wasted another whole minute lecturing me.”

Cody shook his head helplessly and returned to Sherry’s side. “Now, where was I?”

“We were discussing your proposal.”

“Right.” He wiped his face. “I guess what I have to tell you is that I don’t know how to be romantic. All I know is how to be me. I’m wondering if that’ll ever be good enough for you.”

“Stop.” She raised both hands. “Go back to what you were saying before Heather interrupted you.”

He looked confused.

“You said you were asking me to marry you, not for Heather’s sake, but for yours.”

“So?”

“So,” she said, straightening in her chair, “are you trying to tell me you love me?”

He rubbed his hand along the back of his neck. “I’m not going to lie to you, Sherry. I don’t know if I love you, but I do know there hasn’t been a woman in the last decade who makes me feel the things you do. I’ve swallowed my pride for you, nearly been arrested for you. I’m suffering a bout of poison ivy because all I think about is you.”