“I suppose now is a terrible time to propose,” he told her, suddenly rueful. She looked at him in wonder. Truly, he had no shame, wooing her as he did when he could see she was in a dither. It took all her nerve to return his flirtatious banter and say, “Your timin’ needs work, Simon. But elopin’ might sit better than my quittin’. ” He grimaced. “I doubt it. I’d hate to stare down your pa’s gun barrel once we jumped the broom. Besides, I can’t marry someone I ain’t never courted or even kissed.”
