The Pardon (39 page)

She nodded.

You had the ring all along it didn't go over the edge?

I fished it out when you were looking at your father, she said, smiling.

He laughed at himself as he shook his head. Then he looked up and shrugged with open arms. Well?

Well, she replied. So long as you're on your knees

Jack swallowed hard. Will you?

Will I what?

Will you marry me?

Mmmmmm, Cindy stalled, then smiled. You know I will. She pulled him up by the hand and threw her arms around him.

For one very long, happy moment, they were lost in each other, oblivious to their surroundings. But a sudden round of applause reminded them that they were in public. Perched on the veranda and smiling down on them were the governor and Agnes, and perhaps ten other couples the governor had rustled together after Cindy had shown him the ring.

Jack waved to them all, then took a quick bow.

Your father's proud of you, Cindy said, looking into Jack's eyes. And when we have a little Jack or Jackie running around our house, you can be proud, too.

Jackie' sounds good, he said with a shrug, if it's a girl. But if it's a boy I'd like to call him Harry,' Jack said thoughtfully. For his grandfather.

She drew him close. I'm happy he'll have a grandfather, she said.

I am, too, Jack said.

He'd finally earned the governor's pardon. And the governor had earned his.