He raised his brows at her. “I suppose I didn’t make that clear, did I?” For the first time, merriment touched his gaze, the way he used to look at her as he called her his other daughter. “The people voted to allow you grace to cover this sin, just as Madame Picard requested.” He dipped his chin, his brows rising in another pointed look. “Not that the council condones your disobedience, but we understand your reasons.”
Emotion clogged her throat, rising up to burn her eyes and nose. She couldn’t speak, even if she had the words. Releasing Levi’s hand, she pressed her fingers to her mouth to keep a sob from slipping out. Could they really be willing to forgive her completely? To allow her another chance without holding a grudge?
As her mind spun, an arm slipped around her. She turned to find Brielle at her side, pulling her into a hug. Brielle, who almost never offered affection and even struggled to receiveit sometimes. This dear friend knew her too well, knew she needed a physical connection to help her mind believe what she’d just been told.
Wrapping her arms around Brielle, Audrey let the tears of joy fall.
Though his hip still ached, Levi craved to get out of this bed again. Yet he’d promised Audrey he would stay here, at least for now. When she looked at him with that mixture of concern and love—and yes, joy, after the wonderful news they’d received yesterday—he couldn’t have refused her. But with the apartment empty all morning, he couldn’t help but fidget.
They were both free. That awareness had barely sunk in, even after his mind raced through much of the night. Now that no pending decisions or votes held him back, he wanted desperately to tell Audrey exactly how he felt. What he was thinking for their future.
Before he could speak with her, though, he needed to have that conversation he’d promised her father. If only he could get out of this bed, he could find the man for the talk right now.
The grumbling in his belly told him it was almost time for the noon meal, and if he knew Audrey, she would return soon to prepare plates for him and her father. If her food weren’t so good, he would feel bad about the way she spent so much time cooking and serving him. Well, he did regret the serving part—he wanted to serve her. To treat her like the lady she was. Yet she seemed to take such joyin doing for others. He’d never seen such a sweet, giving spirit as hers.
When the back door finally opened a while later, it wasn’t Audrey, as he’d expected. Monsieur Moreau shuffled in, sending Levi a nod of greeting. The man moved toward the cookstove instead of his chair by the fire. “Audrey was delayed, but she said she has soup warming. Sent me to make sure you don’t starve.”
The hint of mirth in the man’s voice gave Levi pause. That was the first time he’d heard a jest from the man. A promising sign. Maybe this would be a good time to speak.
After Moreau filled two bowls, he picked up both and handed one to Levi.
Before he could turn and retreat to the table, Levi spoke up. “Sir, could we talk a moment?”
Moreau paused and gave Levi a look that could only be called wary. Then he seemed to resign himself, and he settled into the chair that Audrey usually occupied beside Levi’s bed. Once seated, the man gave Levi a nod. He looked like he was bracing himself for news he would hate. He surely knew what Levi was about to say, especially after their conversation before.
A twinge pinched his chest. As much as Martin Moreau clearly loved and depended on his daughter, the thought of her leaving must be devastating. Yet the man seemed to be preparing himself for that very thing. Only a strong love wouldn’t hold the other person back.
Levi did his best to keep his tone level. “Sir, I love your daughter. I’m sure you know how hard it would be to keep from loving her once someone got to know her. She truly is the most remarkable and kindhearted woman I’ve ever met.Now that we’re both free to choose our paths, I’d like to ask her to marry me.”
Even braced as he’d been, Moreau’s shoulders jerked with Levi’s last words.
He needed to set the man at ease. “I don’t want to take her away from here—at least, not to live. I need to visit my mum and dad, and I would love for Audrey to meet them, if she wishes. But Laurent is her home. Her family and friends are here. If the people will accept me, I would be happy to make it my home, as well.”
Moreau eyed him, chin dipped, his expression almost skeptical. He didn’t speak for a while.
As his silence continued, Levi fought the urge to fidget. Would Audrey’s father deny him? Had Levi said enough to satisfy the questions he might have? In his mind, he worked back through everything he’d said. Had he ever actually asked for the man’s blessing?
He nearly slapped a palm to his forehead. No wonder Moreau hadn’t answered.
Straightening, he tried to meet the man’s gaze. “I didn’t say that very well, but what I’m trying to ask is if you would give us your blessing. You’re important to her, and that makes your good opinion important to me.”
Again, he waited, and thankfully, Moreau didn’t drag out the silence this time.
He nodded. “It’s up to Audrey. I’m glad you’re willing to stay here. Whatever she decides is my choice, too.”
Levi eased out a breath and let the smile spread over his face. “Thank you, sir.”
Moreau pressed his hands to his knees and pushed up to standing. “Eat up. I think she’ll be along soon.”
With the nerves playing havoc in Levi’s belly, he may not be able to eat much.
Yet once he tasted the first two bites of her stew, his mouth craved more. He’d nearly finished the bowlful when the rear door pushed open, and Audrey stepped in.
31
Like always, Audrey’s smile lit Levi’s insides on fire as her gaze settled on him. “Good, you’re awake.”
Her head disappeared back into the hallway, then the door opened wider, and she stepped into the room, pushing a chair with two large wheels on either side and a small one positioned in front.
