“What you’re suggesting is…

      Well, it’s…” Crazy. Deranged. “Impossible,” Rebecca whispered.

      A muscle ticked in Caleb’s jaw. “Is there someone else you’re set on marrying?”

      “No, of course not.” Unable to sustain his demanding gaze, she stared into the fire.

      He dipped his head, bringing their cheeks side by side. “Then why not marry me?” The movement of his lips near her ear snagged strands of hair. Rebecca pulled back, mortified by what his nearness was doing to her equilibrium.

      “Why would you do this?” She stared deep into his eyes.

      “It’s my fault we’re in this mess, and I want to make it right. Fix it for you the only way I know how. ”

      “You’d be miserable.”

      “So would you,” he shot back. “But your sister wouldn’t, would she?”

      Caleb reached out and skimmed Rebecca’s sleeve. “Take some time to think about it. I’m in no rush.”

      “Yeah, well, he is.” She nodded toward the table as the reverend cast them another furtive look. “Along with everyone else in town.”