My mother nods her head. “You just missed them. They said everything was placed correctly and that they’re getting ready to close him all up and get him into a room so he can slowly wake up.”
“Good. That’s great news,” I say, my chest unclenching.
We sit down in the waiting room, my mother not letting go of my hand. She might have just heard that my father was goingto be fine but that doesn’t stop her from being anxious while we wait.
“Oh, Duncan,” she says, like she’s only just realized something. “I pulled you away from the ball, didn’t I? I’m so sorry, dear.”
“It’s okay,” I say softly. “The ball was already over by the time you called.”
“Did it go okay?”
I smile, looking down at my hands. “It went really well. I met someone.”
My mother looks like she’s about to cry but she steels herself, doing her best to keep her composure. “Tell me about them. Please?”
“His name is Viktor.” I look around, making sure we’re alone in the room. “He’s a mage. He smells like lavender and I know we only just met but already I feel like he’s the one. Is that? Is that silly?”
My mother squeezes my hand. “Absolutely not. I think that’s wonderful. I’m so incredibly happy for you, Duncan.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you going to see him again soon?”
“I don’t know,” I say, using my free hand to rub at the back of my neck. “He was asleep when I left.”
“Duncan! You didn’t just leave him without a word, did you? I’ve raised you better than that.”
“No, no! Of course not, Mother! I left him a note. I’m just waiting for him to wake up and text me.”
My mother lets out a long breath. “Okay. Don’t scare me like that!”
I chuckle softly. Just then, my phone vibrates in my pocket. My stomach swoops when I see it’s a message from Viktor.
We text back and forth for a little bit while my mother and I wait. Finally, a nurse comes and talks to us, letting us know my father is awake and asking for my mother.
“I’m really glad you’re okay, Father,” I say, placing a hand on his wrist. He takes my hand and gives me a squeeze.
“Sorry to worry you both.”
When Viktor asks to meet up, I leave after giving my parents kisses on the cheeks. Today is looking up. My father is fine, my mother said she’s happy for me, and Viktor wants to see me. What could be better than this?
I pop his address into the GPS and make my way over. He lives one town over from me so it’s only about a twenty minute drive until I’m pulling in. I’m not sure if he’s home or not. I pull out my phone, about to text him but before I can, another car is pulling in behind me.
With my heart racing and my stomach filled with excitement, I get out of the car. The woman in the front seat has her face practically up against the glass looking at me. The scrutiny makes me flush but all of that fades away because from the backseat comes Viktor.
Oh my gods.
I can see him. I can see his face.
My knees threaten to buckle. I thought Viktor last night was beautiful and resplendent. He had pretty green makeup and kohl under his eyes. He had a wonderfully kind smile. He was so attractive.
That Viktor doesn’t even hold a candle to this Viktor.
“Viktor,” I breathe out, my heart beating so violently I’m worried it might actually leap from my chest. I can make out his face. I can see every little detail. I can perceive him and by the gods, he’s hot.
Snow starts to fall. Every flake that hits my skin instantly melts but it’s a nice feeling. It really adds to the winter wonderlandfeeling of this moment. Everything feels so magical when it comes to Viktor.
“Duncan,” Viktor says before he’s running to me and leaping into my arms. I wrap my arms around him, holding him against my chest, burying my face against his soft hair. His legs wrap around my middle and we spin, like we’re characters in a romance movie.
