She hadn't meant now.  But, the silly  man kneeled before her, looking like a knight from one of her father's old novels that she smiled down at him.  She'd never had a proposal.  In point of fact, Tim had said, "Well, I guess you're here expecting to get married."  It had so angered her, she'd done it.  They'd come to some understanding...after a fashion.  But, neither were well-pleased with their situation.  She suspected he had a girl in a ranch near by.  Irene closed her eyes, listening to Sam and smiled slightly.<br/><br/>"I will, Sam Markham.  You may live to rue this day..."  She laughed, then and gave his hand a tug to get him to stand up.  "Now, sir, please kiss me a chaste kiss and let's get on with our business.  I'm sure we've started the pasty clerk's imagination running to wild tales.  Let's make it even better for him," She said.