Kitty: Bride of Hawaii (American Mail-Order Bride 50) by Janelle Daniels

they could get closer. She wanted to crawl into him and never leave.
    His hands clenched in her skirts, opening and closing as if tormented about what to do.
    Finally, he wrenched away from her lips, tucking her head under his chin.
    He shook but didn’t speak.
    The world spun into focus again, shocking her. A part of her realized that the boar posed minor danger because Warren had been prepared. But it didn’t matter. Everything they’d been through, everything that had happened to them had ushered her to this point—to the moment where she could no longer deny the truth.
    She loved him.
    It had taken another near-death experience for her to finally admit it, but there it was. She loved him, desired him, wanted him more than she’d ever wanted another person in her life.
    She trembled against him, wanting to stay where she was, but knowing she could never truly belong in his arms.
    The injustice of it all filled her until she took a step back.
    His hold tightened on her a second before letting go. His eyes met hers, the dark depths swirling with unspent passion. “Are you all right?” he asked, his breathing still harsh.
    She nodded a little too hard. “I will be.”
    He glanced grimly at the carcass. “Let’s head back to the house. I’ll send men to come and take care of this.”
    She didn’t argue with him, only nodded her agreement as he wrapped his arm around her, guiding her toward the path.
    She couldn’t have Warren, but for right now, in this moment, she wasn’t going to push him away. She’d take what she could, what her heart could handle. And when the time came to leave, which it undoubtedly would, she would take the memories with her. Even if it destroyed her.
    Warren was in her heart forever.

Chapter Eleven
    “ A s you can see , Miss Jones, everything’s in order for tomorrow’s party.”
    Kitty scanned over the selection of cold insides for sandwiches. They couldn’t actually stuff the sandwiches until right before guests arrived or else the food would get soggy. However, the staff had prepared as much as possible in advance.
    “It’s wonderful. Everything looks well in hand.” Kitty smiled at Cook, an older Hawaiian woman with a laugh as full as her figure. “I couldn’t have done all this without you.”
    The woman blushed. “I’m just glad you’re pleased, miss.”
    “I’ll be sure to tell Mr. Castle what a fabulous job you’ve done. Although, once he sees the arrangements, he’ll know. Now, let’s go over the plan for tomorrow one more time.”
    Cook’s chin nodded hard as she shifted back to business. “The sandwiches will be prepared starting at sunrise and left cooling. I recommend sorting them on trays as needed.”
    “Agreed. I think it’s best if—”
    “Well, aren’t we settling in comfortably?” Warren’s mother sauntered into the room. Sniffing in disapproval at the sandwich fillings before her. “I hope this isn’t what you’re planning to serve tomorrow.”
    Kitty straightened her shoulders and calmly said, “It is.”
    Brittle laughter floated in the air. “You’re in so far over your head it’s almost laughable. After tomorrow, if this is what you’re presenting, Warren will have no choice but to let you go. I don’t know why I was so worried.”
    Doubt needled Kitty as she scanned the selections. Warren hadn’t disapproved of her choices. From everyone she’d talked to, this was a traditional choice. Petite sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, a selections of tarts, desserts, and lemonade. It was all as it should be.
    Cook’s lips pursed. “Miss Jones has gone to great length—”
    “No, no.” Kitty patted Cook’s hand on the counter. “There’s no need to rush to my defense. Mrs. Castle has a right to her opinion. However, Mr. Castle was pleased when he tested the menu for tomorrow. If there were problems, he would have told me of them then.”
    Cold brown eyes narrowed. “You stupid girl. You have no idea what you’re up against here.