A Gathering For Paige

"Surprise, Simon!" Paige cut in. "It's more like a shock."

"I can understand your shock," he corrected, "but the notion also surprised me. I hadn't anticipated asking you to marry me." His hands fell away from her face. "I've said it, and I can't retract my words, because as of this moment I do want to marry you."

Paige felt less threatened now that he wasn't holding her. "Are you usually this impulsive?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "No." A smile crinkled his eyes.

"Then this too shall pass."

His smile faded. "No, it won't, Sunflower. I'll ask you again. And I'll keep asking until you give in."

Paige had secretly acknowledged her growing love for Simon, but in no way would she permit him to use her. Not for himself and not for his scheme to best Stefan because he didn't like the man.

"Can't we change this topic, Simon? It's beginning to wear on my nerves."

Simon shrugged his shoulders, rising to his

feet. "Anything you want," he conceded quickly, glancing down at his watch. "I