“I know, but my mother is never here, and Adam has his own child. Somebody needs to watch over them.”
“And that will be Adam. It is no longer you and it never should have been.”
“I suppose it’s my personality. No wonder I am boring.”
“You are hardly boring Cordelia.”
She nearly jumped at Damon’s voice.
She ran away because she needed to think. But she was calmer now and he deserved an explanation.
Cordelia stood and faced him. “Would you please escort me home?”
“Yes, of course.” He offered his arm but the concern in his brown eyes was nearly her undoing. She hoped that she hadn’t hurt him. That had not been her intention.
“I am sorry that I ran,” she said first. “It was all so…so…”
“Much,” he finished for her. “It took me by surprise as well, but I am not sorry for it.”
She looked up at him. “I’ve only known you a sennight.”
“I know, which is why there is no need to rush.”
“There isn’t?”
“Just because Gaia has revealed you to me and me to you, doesn’t mean that we have to rush to a vicar.”
She blew out a sigh.
“We will take time and come to know each other and when it feels right, we will marry.”
“You don’t mind waiting?”
“No,” he assured her. “Until recently, I had not planned on marrying for another ten years.” He laughed. “Everything changed with you.”
“Maybe in time you can even come to love me. I’d like for us to be happy.”
Damon just stared at her. “I’ve already started to fall in love with you. I realized that yesterday but thought it too soon.”
Cordelia’s lips quirked with amusement. “Yesterday I also thought I was falling in love. Then I saw your kiss and my heart shattered. That is when I realized that I’d foolishly allowed myself to become vulnerable. I’m usually more sensible. Now the vines. It’s really too much.” She stopped and looked up at him. “I need time to adjust to all of this,” she laughed lightly.
“I understand.” He leaned in, the tip of his nose against hers. “I really do.” Then he brought his lips to hers.
“Bentford! Why are you kissing my sister?”
The two of them jerked apart and turned to find Adam standing there staring at them.
“Might I have a word, Lynwood?” Damon asked. “I have the most fascinating story to share.”
Chapter 22
Lynwood had given his blessing,though Damon had never been concerned that his request for Cordelia’s hand would be rejected. He was glad to have it settled and the marriage contract would be drafted. He just hoped that Cordelia didn’t need much time to become used to the idea.
He really couldn’t blame her for her reluctance, no matter the emotions they shared. Any reasonable person would never consider marrying after knowing someone for such a short time. At least now he was free to court her, which he would do later this afternoon. The more time they spent together, coming to know one another, the sooner they could wed.
Had the vines not sprouted, he’d not even be considering marriage so quickly. But they had and he knew better than to go against Gaia or his life would be miserable.
Damon chuckled and shook his head. He’d been avoiding marriage for years and until recently had been adamant about not marrying for ten more years.
