Henry’s brows lifted as he stared at his sister. After her history with this man, would she cut him off as she’d done once before?
Or had she—and Parker—changed so thoroughly that she’d give him another chance?
A smile ghosted her lips, faint but there all the same. Those blue eyes of hers swam with all sorts of emotions—surprise, hesitation, amusement—and finally settled into twin pools of admiration. “I—” She cleared her throat before letting out a little laugh. “I agree, sir, your timing is rather odd, but my answer is yes.”
Parker’s whole face smiled, but still his lips pressed tight. Joy suppressed, for now. Gripping his cane in both hands, he pivoted to their father. “Have I your permission as well, sir?”
His father stroked his chin, no doubt weighing what had recently happened. Through it all, Parker had proved himself a man of integrity. And after what Charity had endured these past months, did she not deserve the joy now shining in her eyes? Apparently Father thought as much, for after a brief moment of further silence, he nodded.
“I hope, sir”—Henry directed a pointed stare at his sister—“that this go-around results in a better ending than the first time.”
Parker flashed an impish smile. “So do I.” He turned to Charity with a crook of his arm. “Shall I see you to the door, Miss Russell?”
Her smile bloomed like a flower facing the sun, radiant and beautiful. “I can think of nothing better, Mr. Parker.”
As they strolled away, Henry’s father eyed him. “Well?”
Henry frowned. “Well, what?”
His father shook his head with a knowing smile. “Parker’s right. You never know when the unexpected will happen. I think we have all learned that clinging so fiercely to control cannot prevent tragedy. Life is not a matter of careful planning but of faith. And yet you stand here, waiting as if for a signed decree granting you permission to be happy.”
“But I am happy.” His brow scrunched. “All has turned out well for Charity. Better, in fact, than I imagined.”
“I was not speaking of your sister.” His father clapped him on the shoulder, lips twisted into a wry smile. “Son, it is time you loosen your stranglehold on responsibilities and instead pursue a certain woman who appears to be your match in every way. Go.” He nudged him with a little shove. “Track this poacher of yours before she decides you are not worth the trouble and flies away.”
His father’s words sank deep. Glorious. Taking root.
And he needn’t be told twice.
“Sage advice.” With a wink, he strode off, urgency propelling him past the clusters of lingering court attenders. This had been a long time in coming—too long.
He burst through the courthouse doors, a crisp gust of November air slapping his skin. He welcomed it, drinking deep, clearing his mind.
Juliet stood near the boxwoods, her figure framed against the stark November day. Windblown hair escaped her bonnet, flying like a banner in the breeze, much like the first night he’d caught her in the woods. Wild and unapologetic. He’d never tire of such a sight. She belonged here, in the open, part of the brisk air and boundless sky, as untamed as the elements around her.
But more than that, she belonged with him.
His steps quickened, confidence a fire in his belly as he closed the distance between them.
She turned towards him, eyes bright with curiosity, lips already parting to speak.
He didn’t let her.
He caught Juliet around the waist, pulling her flush against him, and kissed her. No words. No explanations. Just a physical statement of how things were.
And what was to come.
She melted against him, grabbing handfuls of his coat and pressing ever closer.
When he finally pulled away, they were both breathing hard.
One of her brows rose, amusement quirking her very red lips. “What was that for?”
“You.” He grinned. “And us.”
“Us?” Her nose wrinkled, her confusion so adorable it slipped past every defense he’d ever built.
“Yes, us.” He dropped to a knee, tugging off one of her gloves and guiding her hand to press against his chest. “Though I admit I’m taking a bit of a risk here. Last time I kissed you without warning, I got slapped.”
