A Crying Shame (172 page)

That would be ...”—he struggled for a word to fit the occasion—
. . . regrettable,” he said lamely.

They stood and looked into each other's eyes.

Regrettable?” Linda said.
Is that all?”

I do love you very deeply.” Jon finally spoke the words that had been slowly working their way out of his mind and heart.
And I should like to marry you when this operation is concluded.”

She put her hands on her hips.
That is the goddamndest proposal any woman has ever received. ‘When this operation is concluded,' ” she mimicked him.
What am I ... some sort of military objective?”

He smiled, then knelt on the floor in front of her, on one knee.
My dear, would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

He took her hand and kissed it.

She jerked her hand away and looked around the bedroom, embarrassed that someone might be witnessing this overacted scenario.
Jon, get up off the floor. You look perfectly ridiculous!”

Your reply, dear?” He smiled up at her.

Oh, hell! Yes!”

He rose and kissed her. He pulled away and looked at the phone.

She sighed, then picked up the receiver and punched out a number.
This is Linda Breaux,” she said.
Put William Gullette on the line, please.”