Thurston House by Danielle Steel Page B

run home to, and run out into the first snow. ' She was thinking of the look in her daughter's eyes as she said the words. She was so in love with her husband and her brand-new infant son. Amelia's eyes rose to Jeremiah's again. I don't suppose you really know what I'm talking about, but you've missed a great deal. My children are the greatest joy of my life. And it's not too late for you to have that. Jeremiah, don't be a fool. There must be a thousand women standing in line for you, grab one of them, marry her, and have a bunch of children before it's too late. Don't deprive yourself' . He was amazed at the urgency of her words, and something about the way she said it touched his heart.
    You almost make me think twice about the life I've led. He smiled at her and then sat back against the dark green velvet seat. Maybe you'll just have to save me from myself and marry me in the next town. What do you suppose your children would say to that?
    She laughed, but her eyes were kind as she answered him. They'd think that I'd finally gone mad, and they'd be right for once.
    Would they? His eyes held a tight grip on hers.
    They would.
    Would it really be such a mad thing ' you and I? '
    She felt an odd chill run down her spine, there was something serious in his eyes, and she didn't want to play with him. They were strangers on a train, and she knew herself that she was very taken with him, but she wasn't completely out of her mind yet. She had a life to live, a house in New York, three children still at home, two grown daughters and two sons-in-law to answer to.
    Jeremiah, don't tease about something as serious as that. Her voice was as soft as silk and as gentle as a kiss on a child's cheek. I like you too much. I want to be your friend, even after we get off the train.
    So do I. Marry me. It was the craziest thing he had ever said, and would be the craziest thing he'd ever done, and he knew it too.
    I can't. She felt suddenly pale and then flushed and then pale again.
    Why not? He was serious and that made it worse somehow. She was almost frightened by the look in his eyes.
    For heaven's sake, I have three children to bring up. It was a lame excuse, but she couldn't think of anything else to say.
    So what? We can take them to St. Helena. Other people bring up their children there. It's a respectable place, in spite of the Indians. He smiled. We'll build them their own school.
    Jeremiah! Stop! She jumped to her feet. Stop saying these mad things. I like you, you're one of the most remarkable, interesting, decent men I've ever met. But we've only just met. You're a stranger to me, and I to you, you don't know if I drink, if I'm half mad, if I gamble, or cheat ' beat my children ' if I killed my husband perhaps. ' A small smile dawned in her eyes and he held a hand out to her, which she took, and brushed with her lips. Lovely man, be kind to me, don't tease me like this. I'll be forty-one years old next spring, Jeremiah, I'm too old for these games. I married my husband when I was seventeen, and we were happy for eighteen years, but I'm not a young girl anymore, there are no babies left in my womb' . I'm a grandmother now' . I'm beyond doing something crazy like running away to California with you. I'd like to, it sounds like marvelous fun, but that's right now, right here ' in a few days, you'll be in Atlanta, and I'll be in Savannah looking at my second grandchild. We must behave, you and I, lest someone get hurt, and above all, I don't want that someone to be you. Do you know what I wish for you? A beautiful young girl for your wife, a dozen children, and a love like the one I had for twenty years. I've had mine, but you haven't had yours, and I hope you find it soon. Her eyes filled with tears then and she turned away. He took one step toward her and without saying anything he enfolded her in his arms, held her close, and sought her lips with his own, and she didn't fight him at all. She kissed him with all the fervor and passion