“I will, Daddy. Thank you for today.”

“Let’s hope you remain grateful. Do not forget what I said, Madden.”

Clay stopped the horse, slid off the saddle and dropped to the ground. Taking the reins, he led the beast to where she stood. Her eyes never left his face.

“Was it awful?”

The twinkle in her hazel depths gave her away. “You knew it would be, which was why you suggested it.”

Her lips twitched as if she were fighting a grin. They began slowly walking toward the exit. “You look dashing in your green coat.”

It had been the only coat he owned that was not black. “Perhaps I’ll order a new wardrobe of bright colors.”

“Purple?”

“If you wish it.” And he meant it. He’d dress as a proper English dandy if it meant keeping her.

“I cannot believe you actually agreed to do this. You took a morning ride in the park. With my father, no less.”

“I would do anything for you. Anything.”

“I do not doubt it. Not after this morning.”

“Does this mean I passed your test?”

Her brows dipped together, as if she regretted what she’d asked of him. “I had to be certain, Clay. Too much was at risk to decide impulsively.”

He stopped and faced her. She was close enough to touch but he didn’t dare. Not yet. “Do not apologize. Any amount of humiliation or agony is worth another chance with you.”

“Just promise to always be honest with me.”

His skin tingled with anticipation as he placed a hand over his heart. “I swear on my life I’ll never hide anything from you again. Not ever. I love you and I’ll spend every day making you the happiest woman in Manhattan.”

She stepped closer, into his space, and his body went rigid, waiting. Hoping. Anyone passing by would be scandalized by the impropriety. He didn’t give a damn.

Her teeth briefly sank into her bottom lip. “I love you, as well. And I’ll spend every day making you the happiest man.”

Relief flooded him, his big body nearly trembling as he cupped her cheek. “Just stay by my side. Nothing could ever make me happier.”

“For a man of few words, you certainly know how to use them to your advantage.”

“I speak only the truth. And you should know, I will never let you go. You’re mine.” He bent to kiss her forehead. “I don’t believe in luck, but fortune was smiling down on me the night you first walked into my club.”

“We were both fortunate.”

He took her arm and began leading her toward the street. “How could I ever argue with that?” He could see why the Greene women always got what they wanted. He was truly besotted and would deny her absolutely nothing.

“You cannot.” She reached behind him and playfully slapped his bottom—in broad daylight. “So don’t even try.”