EPILOGUE
CONRAD
Conrad awoketo the sound of London traffic outside and the sunlight streaming through the lace curtains on the window.He smiled and glanced at the man curled up at his side.Sage was sleeping in his usual way, nestled close, with his cheek on Conrad’s shoulder, their legs tangled together, and one arm draped across Conrad’s chest.
He had shown up on Conrad’s doorstep the evening before, still wrinkled from traveling all day.Sage assured him his family wouldn’t miss him that night and then promptly enveloped Conrad in an embrace and a kiss.Conrad had been surprised that the man hadn’t changed from his traveling clothes first and found himself noticing different perfumes—hints of family members who had sat beside him—before he caught the familiar scent of rose and almond and kissed Sage back with a little more fierceness than usual.Sage had moaned against him and Conrad laughed and pulled away.
“Is that a hint for what you’re wanting tonight?”
Sage had smiled and shook his head.“No.I just want you.”
They’d stayed up late, catching up on the past couple of months—Sage talked about his time in the country with his family and Conrad described what his time in London had been like.Sage had fallen asleep first, weary from travel and attempting to continue speaking between yawns as Conrad pulled him close.
Now, Conrad was at liberty to once again study Sage’s face, softened as ever in sleep—the dark curling lashes, strong cheekbones, pouting lips, olive complexion, and black hair that splayed out over the pillow and Conrad’s arm.He sighed and traced a finger across Sage’s cheek.He’d missed waking up beside him.The days had been busy yet strangely empty in a new house, a new city, and with new responsibilities to keep him occupied.
But in that time, he’d made plans.Now that he had managed his first impossible dream, the time had come to work on his next one.He’d received a great deal of advice from Leonora on the subject and, surprisingly, from Wyndham, Roger, Emrys, and Torquil as well.A ring had to be considered, and the right question to ask Sage’s parents.Furniture had to be arranged so that the nicest vanity was placed in the largest bedroom.
Sage nuzzled against his shoulder when he woke and smiled, his eyes still closed.“You made me a morning person and I’ll never forgive you.”
Conrad laughed in surprise.“My apologies.”
“I’ve woken up every morning for months feeling like something was missing.”Sage’s arm wrapped around Conrad’s chest.“Now I have it back.”
Conrad smiled too and curled his fingers to brush against Sage’s cheek.“That you do.And if all goes according to plan, we won’t have to spend so long apart again.”
Sage’s eyes flew open.“You have a plan?”
“Of course.”
Sage rolled his eyes, but there was a grin tugging at his lips as he repeated, “Of course.Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“Well, the first part is to make sure we eat breakfast.”
Sage groaned.“Absolutely not.I’ve waited this long.The least you can do is stay in bed with me.”
Conrad chuckled and mentally reorganized the list in his head.“You’ll note that I never said what time breakfast would be.”
Sage closed his eyes and pulled close again.“That’s more like it.And then what?”
“And then I need to show you my new clothes.”
Sage made a sound of interest but did not move.“You bought new clothes?”
“I told you I would.I want to do you proud.And if I’m going to do that, I’ll need the most fashionable person I know to give his approval.”
“I hope you got some colorful items.Human men tend to wear such drab and plain clothes.It’s absurd.”
“Cyril doesn’t.”
“A rare exception.”
“And yes, of course I did.Wyndham sent me a recommendation for his favorite tailor.He even had a few of my first pieces credited to his account, the sneak.So my wardrobe has grown significantly since you last saw me.Nothing to rival yours, of course.”He paused, considering.“I’ll need to make a note to add wardrobes to this bedroom.It can’t be good for your clothes to be all stuffed together like they were in the country.”
Sage’s expression softened.“That’s very considerate.”
“And then, after you’ve looked over my clothes, and we’ve had breakfast, you’re going to give me your London address so I can invite your family over to dinner.That will likely have to happen on a different night, of course.And I’ll ask them for your hand.And then all we’ll have left to do is plan the wedding.”
Sage gave a snort.“You’ve clearly never been to a fae wedding if you think that will be the easy part.”
