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needed to know exactly where she stood with Joe.
The man in question stood up from the treadmill he had been working on in the
gym. Like what?
I dunno. Something on your mind? This was not the most private place to have a
conversation but nowhere was in a small town so why worry about it now?
I have a few things I m considering. Joe smiled a slow, lazy smile at Maz.
She felt her stomach clench in response. If I have to drag it out of you then forget
it. He was as sexy as hell but impossible with it and Maz was not about to beg any
man to propose to her. She wanted the fairy tale but not under sufferance.
Drag what out.
Perverse bastard. The whole marriage deal. Maz tapped her foot in irritation.
Joe looked at her in sudden understanding. Oh that.
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Maz narrowed her eyes at him. What do you mean, oh that? He didn t sound like
a man with strong commitment on his mind.
Are you interested now?
I m not sure. It seems everyone else was told about it before me. That can piss a
woman off you know.
You want an old-fashioned proposal?
Forget it if it s too much of a hardship. Why the hell am I standing here again? Is this
man worth it? The answer was yes, no, I don t know. Maz was not about to drag words
out of anyone. If he wanted to say them freely then that was fine. But she wasn t about
to play games with her feelings. Maz had discovered she had them and they were
important enough to treat with respect. She turned to leave.
Maz. Joe caught her hand and stopped her.
She tried to pull her hand from his but his fingers locked with hers. No, piss off.
My life was just fine until you turned up. Okay, not perfect but something average was
easier to deal with.
Was it?
Maz could see in his eyes Joe knew the truth. Her life had been boring. The thing
was I knew what I was doing. I didn t second-guess myself all the time and I didn t
need a man.
I ve always needed you. Joe s voice was deep with emotion as he pulled her close
to him. You heard me. I love and need you in my life. I m not going anywhere, Maz.
I ve wasted years searching for something that was always in Amberwarra Falls.
Her heart began to beat wildly at his words. What, a block of land for a pink gym?
Season membership to the Mighty Emus football club?
Don t forget the Wandering Wombats cricket team.
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Amarinda Jones
Who could? They were legendary for their inability to win a game and their
ability to drink every visiting team under the table at The Naked Shearer Pub. That in
itself was considered a feat.
I want you. Joe s gaze never left hers.
Maz gulped at the intensity of those three simple words. Me?
Yeah. Still holding her hand, he dropped to his knees.
Oh boy, oh boy. You re not going to do pushups are you? Her other hand clasped
her chest to keep her heart from running amok.
I was wrong not to ask you first.
Yes you were.
Joe massaged her hand in his. I was scared you d say no.
I still might. Though not bloody likely. Some things were just meant to be even if
they took fourteen years to right themselves.
You ve thought about this? About me?
From the minute I heard you were coming back to town. The words shot out of
her mouth before she could think. Okay, so I may have had this crush on you for
fourteen odd years. What was the point of pretence when reality kicked its ass?
Oh Marilyn, we have wasted some time.
Yes we have, Joseph. The question is what are you going to do about it?
Joe looked at her thoughtfully. Should I ask Beryl s permission for your hand
first?
Maz snorted in amusement. Even if that was appropriate, it was a bit late for that.
Consider that already given. Beryl s probably already making white satin ring
cushions and hiring wedding doves to fly over and crap on everyone as we speak.
Joe laughed. That might even top Snogger Reilly s wedding.
Nah, that was a classic. We cannot hope to do that. Her eyes remained on his. So
ask me.
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Will you say yes?
You ll never know until you ask.
Marilyn Adler, will you do me the honor and privilege of being with me for the
rest of my life?
Oh yes. What are the specifics of this arrangement? The man had, after all, messed
her around somewhat so it was only fair she did the same in return.
You want them in writing?
Maybe.
You re a tough woman. His smile belied his words. Well let s see. There s love,
commitment and cherishing involved in the deal.
That sounds okay so far.
Hot, orgasmic sex on tap.
Excellent. Maz was wet just thinking about it.
Tender kisses, comforting hugs and slow, seductive massages.
That end in hot orgasmic sex?
Of course, Joe responded as if any other thought was crazy. The general overall
plan is to grow old with you.
That could be dangerous.
And fun.
Oh yeah.
Marry me, Marilyn.
I believe I will, Joseph.
She said yes, a voice yelled from outside and people started cheering.
Oh crap, are we never alone in this town? Maz already knew the answer to that.
Nah, but its home. Joe rose to his feet and pulled her close to his body. I guess
making love now to seal the deal is out of the question?
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There was only one response to that. Close the gym.
Joe let go of her and sprang to do her bidding. I could do that.
Make me sweat some and I ll get you all hot and hard.
Joe turned and smiled her words. I like the sound of that.
Then I ll cool you down with my tongue and
Everyone out of the gym, Joe roared.
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Epilogue
Oh for god s sake, strip me. Maz held her arms out and looked at Joe. I feel like
Frosty the Snowman. She was swathed in a sea of pristine white. It was like every
bride s hell. But Maz had caved in to what Beryl wanted to make her happy. It was
easier that way. Besides, the wedding was never about them. It was a grand event on
the Amberwarra Falls calendar, sandwiched between the pig judging and the
lamington-making festival.
Joe started stripping her dress off straightaway. Yeah, there s a lot of white fluffy
stuff. I m not even sure where you start and it ends. In his haste he ripped part of the
wide skirt. Oops.
Rip it to shreds. I m never getting married again.
Yes, ma am.
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