Part 27 (1/2)

”Hmm. Well, I'd better get going.”

Lucern glanced at his brother with surprise. For a moment, he thought Bastien was trying to avoid their mother, but then he glanced toward the limo and saw a blonde getting out of the car.

”Kate,” he breathed. He just stood there as his brother got in his van. The limo backed out of the driveway, leaving Kate behind; then Bastien's van followed. Still, he and Kate just stood there, staring at each other. It wasn't until both vehicles were long gone that Kate moved forward. Lucern found his feet carrying him closer as well.

Meeting halfway, they stood staring into each other's eyes. Then Kate said, ”Can we go inside?”

”Oh.” Lucern blinked. Those hadn't been the first words he'd hoped for. But they were better than a kick in the a.s.s.

Last time she was there, she hadn't been willing to go into the house. This had to be a good sign. But he was impatient to hear her decision, so he s.n.a.t.c.hed her arm, turned on his heel and rushed her up his sidewalk.

Entering the house, Lucern closed the door behind them with a thud, leaned back against it and ate Kate up with his eyes. Would she make him the happiest man on G.o.d's earth or the most miserable man that ever existed? He was hoping for the happy option.

”I love you.”

That was a good start, Lucern decided.

”And, yes, I will marry you and spend my life with you.”

Lucern started to reach for her, then caught himself. ”What about your family?”

”I can't entirely give them up, Luc,” she admitted apologetically. ”I love them. But I will stop seeing them and only write them when it becomes obvious I'm not aging.”

Lucern pushed himself away from the door and gathered her in his arms. Her solution was wonderful. He kissed her with all the relief, love and grat.i.tude that he was feeling, then swept her up in his arms and ascended the stairs, heading for his bedroom.

”I love you, Kate. I'll make you happy. You won't regret this,” he a.s.sured her between kisses on her face.