Free For Richer for Poorer by Cassandra Black Page B

Miranda's eyes were drawn beyond the marble-filled, chandeliered parlor, to the mesmerizing view in the distance. The glistening, organ-shaped pool seemed to spill right into the reservoir. The property was huge. Through the floor-to-ceiling back windows, she could see the other wing of the house which sat as part of the stone building's horseshoe curve. Rolling hills could be seen for acres in the distance to the left of the cluster of matching buildings that made up Steele Manor.
     
                  She couldn't believe this was her handyman.  Miranda knew there had been more to Hamilton Steele than he had let on, but she had no idea he was a wealthy man.
     
                  After a few minutes, Hamilton bounded down the staircase. He was dressed in black biker shorts and a black Nike t-shirt with a white windbreaker. "Ready?" he asked, handing her a matching windbreaker.
     
                  "Yes," she said, eyes full of questions.
     
                  "I'll give you a tour after our workout, before lunch."
     
                  She headed for the truck when they got outside, but he guided her toward the woody path near the side of the house.
     
                  "This way," he said. "Almost birthday girl."
     
                  "Don't remind me," she said. Her 35 th birthday was the following Saturday.
     
                  The honeysuckle-filled path led them directly into the pristine park that overlooked the reservoir.
     
                  "Go ahead," he said. "Ask."
     
                  "Ask what?" she  said.
     
                  "Whatever you want. I see those pretty eyes full of questions." He had come to learn her over the past few months.  Leaning against one of the wooden picnic tables, he pulled her between his legs and smiled.
     
                  "I know you told me about your business, but I also know real estate."
     
                  "Yes?"
     
                  "And I know what these homes are valued at," she said, trying to figure it all out as she talked.
     
                  "Go on," he said.
     
                  "Who are you Hamilton?" she asked.
     
                  He looked into her eyes. "I'm your handyman," he smiled.
     
                  "I'm serious." She started to pull away, agitated.
     
                  He pulled her back to him and turned her face to look at his. "And I'm also the man who has fallen madly in love with you, Miranda Colbert."
     
                  His powerful stare would not allow her to turn away. And the love in his eyes consumed her, commanded her to believe in him, as his body had done over and over again the past few months.
     
                  "I've waited my whole life to feel what I feel for you."
     
                  "Hamilton --"
     
                  "Yes?" he asked.
     
                  She'd loved him from the night he'd come into the laundry room and kissed her tears, the night they made love, but she was afraid of letting go, being hurt again. "This is all so fast, Hamilton," she said.
     
                  "Life is fast, and I've lived it that way. Now I'm ready to settle down. I know what I want, and it's you. And I know what you need, Miranda -- and it's me.  We belong together. You know it as well as I do. Will you have me?"
     
                  "What are you asking?"
     
                  Pulling a little velvet box from his jacket pocket, Hamilton got down on one knee. He took the glistening diamond encased in silver out of the jewelry box and handed it to her.
     
                  "Will you spend the rest of your life with me, Miranda Colbert? Will you be my wife?"
     
                  Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the ring and back