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promise,” she said and looking into his eyes she knew she had found happiness. A man who valued her and cared for her it was more than she could have asked for. As his hand dropped away, the spell broke and she turned her head and tried to slow her breathing and to control the pounding of her heart.
    After that instant, Anna felt her attraction to him increase day after day and she hadn't the slightest idea of how to stop it. Though, if she were being honest with herself, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to. When she was with Ian, she felt alive like she belonged and she hardly thought about her limp anymore. Ian was attentive, kind and always had a smile for her.
    Looking into his eyes would make her heart beat like a drum and set her legs to wobble. She grew closer to him by the day and she had all but forgotten the reason she was there; Ryan, the man she was to marry. Only at night when she returned to her room when she kneeled to say her prayers did she remember. She would ask the Lord to make things right. Ask that her heart be true and that she would not cause pain or heartache between these two brothers.
    The week passed very quickly and she had become quite adept at helping out the guests or doing the paperwork. It was a late afternoon and she was stood with Ian at the counter where boarders came to check in. A burst of laughter rocked through her as he made another one of his inane jokes. The bell of the door rang to announce someone entering. Still grinning, she turned to the door and was surprised to see Ryan standing, looking at the two of them. Flecks of snow dusted his hat and the tops of his shoulders. Her husband to be was home. The grin left her face and Ian, seeing her reaction, turned toward the door. He stood stock still for a moment before rushing out to hug his brother.
    Ryan broke into a smile as well and clapped him on the back in a brotherly manner. Seeing the two of them so happy, Anna felt her face tugged into a smile. They were such good brothers. Guilt snaked into her gut, here she was due to marry Ryan and she was spending all her days laughing with Ian.
    When Ian let go of him, Ryan turned to Anna and gave her a dazzling smile. "Miss Montgomery, how have you been?” he said. “You seem in good spirits which is a lovely sight to see."
    Blushing at his compliment, she curtsied. "Welcome back Mr. Gellman,” she said. “I hope you had a pleasant journey and that your work wasn't too stressful."
    "Please, call me Ryan. Work went well, thank you for asking." He approached her and took off his hat before reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small package and handed it to her. "I saw this and thought you might like it."
    Anna found her hand was shaking as she took the package and opened it. Inside was an intricate bracelet of gold and fine stones. She had never seen anything so beautiful and she felt heat flood her cheeks. Could she accept this? But she knew she must, she was here to marry this man and it would be rude to turn down his gift. "Thank you, Mr. Ryan. It is beautiful."
    Ryan stepped forward and gently took it from her shaking fingers. She extended her hand but couldn't help but glance at Ian. He looked livid and was frowning heavily. Confused by his reaction, she turned back to Ryan. His fingers touched her wrist as he fastened the bracelet and then he gave her a smile. She couldn’t help but notice that it did not make her feel as wonderful as Ian’s smile did. But that didn’t matter she was here to marry Ryan and she would get used to him. As he finished, he looked up at her with hopeful eyes and she smiled at him in encouragement.
    Ryan stared at her for a few seconds, and she felt her cheeks color again. His scrutiny was awkward and made her feel small. What was she doing and how had she been so silly?
    Ryan shook his head as if clearing his thoughts. "Well, I'd best go rest for a bit and get cleaned up,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you at dinner Miss Anna." He