“I heard you were attending, so yes. I had Preston wrangle an invitation for me, and God only knows what I’ll owe him in exchange for that favor. Anyway, I suffered through an afternoon of hideous small talk and disapproving stares all for naught because you weren’t even there.”

“My mother canceled at the last minute because of Lockwood’s dinner invite.” Kit had gone to a society event—and he hated society events. None of this made sense. “I don’t understand. Why flowers and tea parties? That’s not like you.”

“Believe me, I know. Nellie told me I needed to woo you the old-fashioned way. That was what I thought she meant.”

Alice couldn’t help it—she laughed. “You took advice from Nellie?”

“It made sense at the time. Regardless, my efforts to convince you to marry me were already underway before that reporter showed up.”

It seemed astounding, but she was beginning to believe him. “You were adamantly against marriage. And now you have changed your mind? Why?”

He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know. A combination of things, I think. Losing Forrest, realizing I could lose you to Lockwood. Nellie made me admit that I was afraid of treating my wife as my father treated my mother. That I feared I would treat you the same.”

“Oh, Kit. You are not your father. You are honest and loyal to a fault. Smart and honorable, too. How could you ever doubt it?”

His smile was soft and tender, not the practiced version he gave everyone else. No, this smile was hers and hers alone, and it made her stomach flutter. “That is what makes you so special,” he said, “that you see me in such a way. No one else thinks of me in flattering terms like that.”

“They would if they knew you like I do.”

“Don’t you see? That is why I love you, why I need to marry you. Why I want you by my side for the rest of our lives.”

Surprise lodged in her throat, making it hard to breathe. Love? He loved her? It seemed too good to be true. A man like Kit, in love with a plain and boring woman like Alice?

When she didn’t immediately say anything, he stared at his toes. “I heard what you told your mother.”

“You did?” Goodness, would the mortification never end?

“To be fair, I think the entire floor heard.” That soft smile was back, and her insides melted. “I am so proud of you, sweetheart.”

Swallowing, she folded her hands. “I probably should have done that years ago.”

“In any case, you stood up for yourself and put her in her place. I nearly applauded.” He quirked a brow. “I also heard you say that you fell in love with me.”