“It sounds romantic. Like a time lost to advancement.”
“I don’t know about romantic, but it’s definitely not like anything you’re used to. The reason I tell you all this is that I’d like to take you there. Give you a chance to experience it first hand, see if you think it’s somewhere you might be happy.”
Angelle’s stomach fluttered a little at the thought of leaving home, leaving her parents and everything she’d always known. She looked away for several seconds before looking back at him.
He was watching her, his hand still grasping hers, his thumb rubbing soft, soothing strokes across the back of her hand. He could feel the fear; he could actually see the hesitation in her, and he believed that in that moment, he’d lost any chance of her living with him in his world. But she surprised him.
Angelle turned her attention back to Boon, shored up her courage — literally stood a little straighter as she realized what she was about to say. “I think that’s a good idea. I’d like to meet your family for more than just a few minutes while we’re all preoccupied with Tempest and Brandt’s new baby. I’d like to see how you live. I think I should go home with you to experience your life and how you do things.”
Boon’s face lit up and it was all he could do not to dance in place. “When do you want to go?”
“As soon as possible.”
“What do you think your parents are going to say?”
“Oh, they’re going to hit the roof! Prepare yourself.”
~~~
Angelle paused outside her front door and looked up at Boon.
“So, we’re doing this then?” he asked.
“We’re going to explore this. If it all works out, we’re doing this,” she said.
“I’ll go inside with you to tell your parents,” he said, reaching for the doorknob.
“No! No, no. I think it’s best if you let me do that.”
“I should stand with you.”
“No, you shouldn’t. I’ll tell them, and then I’m sure you’ll have a chance to speak to them afterward.”
“They’ll be angry…”
“Exactly. Which is why it will be better received by my family if I present it to them alone.”
“I don’t like it. I feel like I’m leaving you to face them alone.”
“You’re honoring my wishes.”
Boon watched her for only a few seconds longer before he nodded. “I will bow to your preferences. But I’m not happy about it.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, going up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
Boon leaned close to her and pressed his lips to hers rather than be satisfied with a kiss to his cheek. “Tomorrow.”
Angelle opened the door and stepped inside, wearing the glow of a young woman in love.
“Where have you been?” Daniel demanded.
“I was at the creek, just like I said I was. And you know that, or you’d have already come looking for me,” Angelle said indignantly.
“It’s dark outside, Angelle!” Daniel said, pointing toward the window.
“Yes, it is,” Angelle said.
“Oh, you’re home!” Avaleigh said, walking into the living room with her hair wrapped in a towel, and wearing her bathrobe.
