Emotions swirled through her mind as she kissed him. Fear, uncertainty, but overpowering everything else, love.
She loved him.
She could no longer deny it, even if she wanted to.
She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, pressing herself into him.
One of his arms wrapped around her waist, strong and sure, and his other hand swept through her hair as she pulled back for air, a few breaths required to fill her lungs once again.
So that’s what kissing was like.
No wonder people enjoyed it so much.
She opened her mouth to say something, but something hurtled into her shoulder, knocking her into him. A frantic chirping filled the air as Alexander wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her steady.
“What’s wrong?” Beatrice asked.
Rose began dashing back toward the house, then paused, waiting for them to follow her, looking back at them and chirping in alarm.
Alexander and Beatrice looked at each other.
This wasn’t normal.
Beatrice reached for Alexander’s hand as they ran toward the house, where they were met in the foyer by a grim-faced Dietrich and Guinevere, who was openly panicking.
“They’re nearly here,” Dietrich announced, and Beatrice’s heart sank into her stomach.
They weren’t ready.
Chapter twenty-three
Alexander
Beatrice let go ofhis hand, and Alexander forgot propriety for a moment and wrapped his arm around her. Whether it was for her comfort or for his, he wasn't sure, but he didn't want to stand alone at the moment.
“They were heading into town,” Guinevere said.
“And you know this how?” Alexander asked.
“Rose told me,” Guinevere said. “Apparently she’s been sneaking out to fly around and look for them.”
Alexander frowned at Rose. “Are you trying to get yourself shot down?”
“Are they coming this way, or are they going to spend the evening at the inn?” Beatrice asked.
Guinevere looked at Rose, who started chirping. “They’re coming this way, and nearly here,” Guinevere interpreted.
“I thought we had until tomorrow,” Beatrice said, her voice shaky.
“I thought so, too,” he said, holding her tightly to his side, “but I suppose we weren't going to sleep tonight anyway.” Hisattempt at a joke to make her smile instead had her staring at him like he'd suddenly turned into a frog.
“Did you just make a joke?” she asked. “I knew I was going to rub off on you.”
Alexander smiled down at her, glad to see her smiling in return.
“I assure you,” he said, “you will continue to rub off on me for many years to come.”
“And you're being optimistic?” she asked, her eyes wide. “What happened to you, and where is the pessimistic lord I married?”
