Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador

sip of coffee. One thing at a time, fellow, he told himself. One thing at a time.
    “Help yourself,” he said. “Best to eat while it’s still warm.”
    Gwen grinned appreciatively, serving enormous portions on her plate. Dan reasoned it was good for her to get her strength up. If everything went as planned, she’d be needing it later.
    “Mmm, good,” she said, taking a bite of scrambled eggs. “I had no idea what being out in the fresh air would do to me.”
    “It’s great to see you eat healthy. I get so annoyed by those skinny women picking at their food.”
    Gwen set down her fork in surprise. “Really? I thought men liked skinny women.”
    “Don’t get me wrong,” he said teasing a bit. “It’s not that I mind them. In fact, it’s not so much about size as it is about attitude. I don’t care if a woman watches her figure as long as she doesn’t make me feel self-conscious at the dinner table. I appreciate women who enjoy their food.”
    “That’s me,” she said, raising her hand and taking another bite of bacon. “Mmm. Totally delicious.”
    Dan chuckled, adoring her. “Yes, it is. That’s only one of the many things I love about you.”
    “Oh?” she said, her cheeks flushed. Amazingly, she stopped chewing a moment. “What’s another?”
    Dan laughed again. “For one thing, I love that you’re so genuine, Gwen. You don’t try to be anyone else but yourself. And that’s a pretty good thing, because you’re one terrific person. You’re funny and kind, and a really great listener.” He stopped eating as well and pushed his plate aside. “You’re also extremely talented and very, very smart. I mean, how couldn’t you be? You fell in love with me.”
    She laughed warmly. “Oh, Dan, you really are the best. Really and truly the best. I feel so lucky to have found you.”
    “We were fortunate to find each other,” he said seriously. “That’s why we need to focus on making this work.”
    “I agree,” she said enthusiastically. “We need to take this bull by the horns. Not leave anything to chance.”
    Dan chuckled in spite of himself. He’d be damned if she wasn’t delightful. It was high time he made sure she’d continue to delight him for the rest of his life.
    “I agree,” he said, leveling her a look. “We should leave nothing to chance, no loopholes or open windows. We need to completely seal this deal.”
    Dan slid from his chair and crouched on one knee, taking Gwen’s hand. Big, brown eyes flashed with surprise as that gorgeous mouth dropped open. She closed it, swallowing hard, her cheeks and temples bright pink. “Dan…” she gasped, her voice a shaky whisper.
    “Ms. Gwendolyn Marsh,” he said, “from the moment I met you, I knew you were somebody special. I don’t know how or why, but I had a definite instinct that you were going to change my life. And boy, have you ever! You’ve brought me joy and made me laugh. Most important, you’ve helped me remember what it’s like to be in love again.” Her face softened into a lovely rainbow as her lips pulled into a smile. “But let me be clear,” he continued, “my feelings for you run deeper than any canyon cutting through the New Mexico mountains. I’ve never, ever had these sorts of feelings for any other woman but you, and I can’t bear to lose you. Not for one month, Gwen. Not even for one week or one day. I need you right here beside me, day in and day out, twenty-four/seven. Long distance won’t do.”
    Dan took a deep breath and gazed hopefully in her eyes. “I love you desperately, Gwen. And I want to spend my life with you. Say you’ll be my wife?”
    Tears streamed down her cheeks as her lovely lips trembled. Gwen squared her small shoulders and gave a saucy tilt to her chin. “Why, Mr. Holbrook,” she said. “I thought you’d never ask!”
    Dan stood and pulled her into his arms, kissing her soundly. Dan’s heart welled with uncontrollable joy. She’d said yes! Gwen was going to be his bride!
    “Is there someone back East I should talk to?” he asked, his voice a husky rasp. “Maybe your mom? Marian?”
    “I’d like you to meet them both,” she said, smiling up at him.
    “That can be arranged,” he replied with a grin. “How about I fly back with you and we talk to them together?”
    She nodded sweetly, transporting him into the heavens.
    Dan pressed his forehead to hers and looked lovingly into her eyes. “You sure you’ll be okay with moving away and leaving your