“But how? I—”
“Open the door, and we will explain.”
She made a choking sound and ran. The narrow and uneven stairs of the ancient cottage were a challenge for her unsteady legs. She tripped and almost fell, but regained her footing without losing momentum. She couldn’t get to the door fast enough. What if he vanished? If it had been a trick, an illusion. A dream. She could not bear it. Reaching the door, she ripped it open.
There he was in front of her.
With a sob, she launched herself at him. Her only reality was his solid body against hers. Her arms and legs twined themselves around him, vine-like, holding on to him. She never wanted to let go. His arms hugged her. She was in his arms. He was here.
She inhaled his fragrance, buried her fingers in his hair, seeking reassurance. It was his smell, the texture of his hair. It had to be real. Little by little, she nuzzled her way to his mouth, and he took her in a possessive, all-consuming kiss. His kiss. His flavor. The heat of his body started dissolving the icy knot of anxiety, and her mind finally believed it was real. Taste, sight, smell, touch. All her senses offered the same information. Dale was here, against all odds.
Someone cleared his throat, and they both looked up, dazed. Roys was standing a few feet away, looking remarkably uncomfortable.
“As loath as I am to interrupt this reunion, I think it would be better to move inside.”
“Yes, yes, of course. Please come in.” Embarrassed, she tried to lower her legs and step away from Dale to invite them inside, but Dale was having none of it. Holding on to her thighs, he carried her in, followed by Roys who closed the door behind them. Olivia flipped the switch as they entered, and bright light flooded the room.
Dale put her down and looked at her. She saw the moment he realized she was not wearing much at all. His eyes widened and darkened, while his nostrils flared at the sight of her satin camisole with thin straps and matching shorts. At his pointed attention, her nipples hardened and poked through the thin fabric of the top, creating little dots.
He frowned and removed his jacket, throwing it over her to preserve her modesty, although it hadn’t even occurred to her to be embarrassed. Her mind was too befuddled to feel anything but wonder at his appearance.
Royce interrupted the moment to announce, “I think I’m going to go find myself a hotel or an inn where I can spend the night. I’m exhausted. We can talk in the morning.”
“Wait. No need to go. You said you are Dariux and Kalli’s son?”
“Yes, and if my mother’s research is to be believed, I am your several - times - great - grandson.”
Olivia stared at him wide eyed. “You are a descendant of mine? She looked from Dale to Roys. You guys have a lot to explain. How did you two meet? How did this all happen? It feels like a miracle. I can scarcely believe it.”
“We will explain everything, my love. But the long story can wait until tomorrow. The short version is that I sent a message to the future. Kalli saw it, and years later, sent her son on a mission to bring me to you. And so here we are.”
“Yes, that sums it up pretty well.” Roys laughed.
Olivia shook her head. “I can’t wait to hear the complete story, but you are right. You guys look tired. Roys, you can stay here. The cottage has an extra bedroom. Let me go make sure everything is in order.”
With that, she ran up the stairs. Loath to part from Dale for even a second.
