Chapter 5

Fairytale

 

Danielle went to bed early that night. But just as she’d tucked herself in, she heard a noise at her window, right before it began to open slowly.

Her heart stopped.

What now? she thought, and then breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it was only Max. Her smile became a gape of confusion when she noticed he was carrying a huge bouquet of roses. He’d only given her one the other night, and that one flower had been an innocent shade of pink. These were red—usually meaning love, or at least that’s what she thought.

“Er.... Hi, Max. What’s going on?”

He ignored her question and went directly to the iPod on her dresser. “Do you happen to have any instrumental or romantic selections for this?” he asked while looking through the play lists listed in the interface.

“What?” Now she was really perplexed.

“Oh, how about ‘Danielle’s bedtime mix’?” His face brightened while he checked with her for confirmation.

She stared blankly back at him.

Max shrugged and had clearly decided his selection was acceptable without a single word from her. He connected the device into the iPod dock, but didn’t push play, and then turned to face her again, smirking broadly. “That’s just in case we make too much noise and need a cover.”

What noises are we going to be making? she wondered. “Um, Max, seriously, are you trying to anger Ethan? Because this should do it…”

He chortled softly, his huge shoulders shaking with it. Teasing her was apparently fun for him. “Oh, I know Ethan will not be angry with me.” A dauntless grin pulled at his lips.

“How?”

“Well, my love, while you certainly are worthy of such affection from me, these flowers are not from me. These are from the lowly chap standing outside.” He waved an open hand in the direction of the window, as though he was a game show host noting the fine prizes available.

Danielle’s eyes enlarged as she slipped from her bed, strode eagerly to the window, and leaned out to see who was in the garden.

He stood below her window, his guitar slung casually over his shoulder by the strap as he smiled up at her.

“Ethan, you’re back!” She screamed and started bouncing cheerfully. The sound didn’t travel very far, because she’d screamed into Max’s oversized palm. It seemed Ethan had warned him that she had a tendency to do that when she got surprised, and they apparently didn’t want to draw the household to her bedroom.

Max chuckled.

Danielle mumbled under his hand, and he laughed harder, but kept the volume low. His hand remained over her lips, muffling her.

“You can remove the gag now, Max,” Ethan informed him, looking slightly annoyed.

“Oh, right.” The hand released her.

Danielle leaned further out the window. “Hi. So you got back tonight then?”

He nodded. “I came here directly from the airport, just to see you.” And then he bowed.

There’s that Jane Austen hero she was in love with, and smiled. “Thank you. But why didn’t you come to the front door? I can’t hug you from here,” she complained, the smile slipping.

Ethan ignored her protest, lifted his guitar and began playing. He brought to life an intricate melody as he plucked and strummed his fingers over the strings. The serenade he played was filled with complicated finger work and the tune was romantic and sweet, like something from The Princess Bride. She couldn’t help but be moved by it. Danielle rested her chin in her hand until he finished with the charming number and then began another.

But while she loved listening to his talented and touching performance, she really wanted to hug and kiss him. She was frustrated that he’d returned from his trip, only to remain just out of reach— She turned to face Max, who looked slightly startled just before he dropped his eyes to the floor. “Take me down to him. Please?”

His lips twisted into a rascally grin. “Yes, my lady.”

Max swept her into his arms and bounded from the high window. Her stomach upturned because it felt like the quick descent of a rollercoaster. She hadn’t been prepared for that. He released her as soon as he landed lithely on the ground, but then had to catch her, before she stumbled to the grass. “Oh, sorry, was that a bit much for you?” She could hear the laughter in his husky tone.

“I’m okay…” It seemed he didn’t believe her since he kept one hand on her elbow as she regained her balance. Ethan, who’d stopped playing, swung his guitar behind his back and tugged her into the circle of his arms. She snuggled into his embrace and whispered, “Thank you for the roses and the beautiful music, but it’s you I want, silly.”

Ethan smiled in reply and took possession of her mouth with his. When she opened her eyes, and pulled away from his kiss, she realized they were surrounded by his entourage and hers, while she stood there in her pajamas—kind of embarrassing. “Oh, uh,” she muttered as she felt her face heat up.

“Don’t mind them, Danielle, it’s not like you’re standing here in your knickers.”

At least they weren’t meeting her gaze, knowing their magic was at full intensity, and she focused on Ethan again. He took her face into his hands and brushed the tip of his nose across hers. “Danielle,” he whispered affectionately, “I’ve planned our next day trip for tomorrow. I need you to be ready at eleven.”

“Okay.”

“And wear your white dress. I desire to see you in that again.”

“All right,” she said, breathless.

She drew her fingers through his hair, noting how the moonlight bounced and danced from the lighter strands. She was about to go for his lips again, when Max interrupted. “Whoops!” he snapped, and then yanked her from Ethan, rolled her into his chest, and sprang back up to her bedroom. The sensation drained the blood from her head. She couldn’t recall any amusement park rides that went up so quickly, or at least she’d never been brave enough to try one.

The knight stuffed Danielle in bed, hit play for the music, and then instantly disappeared from sight. She collapsed into her pillows, waiting for her stomach to return to its proper place from her toes.

Then her door opened. “Hey, Dannie—er, I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, I was awake,” she replied, trying to not look guilty and dazed.

“Oh good, may I borrow a rubber? I can’t find mine,” Brianna said.

“A-a what?” Danielle could feel the horrified look on her face as she choked out the words.

Her cousin’s eyes rounded and then she erupted into fervent giggles, doubling over with the intensity of it. “Oh!” She laughed some more. “I totally forgot!” She then started coughing she was laughing so hard and sat down on the edge of Danielle’s bed before she collapsed from mirth. “I mean an eraser.” She pronounced each syllable slowly.

“Oh,” was all Danielle could muster in reply.

“I’m sorry, Cousin, we call them rubbers because that’s what they’re made of. I haven’t a clue why you Yanks call them erasers.” She paused to consider that for a moment. “Okay, well I suppose that does make sense too. Anyway, could I borrow one?”

“Eh, sure. There should be one in my desk.”

Her cousin walked to the desk, shuffled around for the eraser, took it, then went back to the door. Danielle watched her cousin, wondering where the vampire was hiding, and what he was thinking of this insane verbal exchange.

“’Night, Danielle.”

“Goodnight, Bri.”

She waited for Max to reveal his secret place and nearly shrieked when he slid out from under her bed. He was jerking with silent guffaws. He gave her a pat on the head and then jumped out the window. She followed and watched as he landed easily, and then disappeared around the front of the house.

Ethan was still there. “Danielle, I must go home now. But I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks for coming by.” She sighed as his guards took their places on either side of him.

“Goodnight.”

“’Night,” she replied.

He also vanished into the night with the two-man security entourage he’d arrived with.

 

* * * * *

“Where are we going this time?” Danielle asked as they got settled into his car the next day, but realized that she’d failed at masking her impatience when he chuckled.

“We’re going back to the ruins, and it should take about an hour to get there, and yes, I plan to carry you again,” Ethan replied, anticipating her next set of questions.

Laughing, she said, “You’re getting to know me a little too well.”

“We’ve been through a lot, Danielle.”

“That much is true.” She reached for the blue silk tie he wore. “This is nice, it matches your eyes.” Then her gaze traveled over his charcoal pinstriped suit. He’d dressed up special this time, and she wondered why, though she did have some suspicions.

“Thanks, and, as always, you’re lovely in this Edwardian-style dress. And I see you remembered the pearls I gave you. I’m glad.” His hand traced the inset lace on the skirt, and then swept upward to brush her hair aside, giving himself a better view of the jewelry.

The drive went by quickly, lucky for Ethan, since Danielle didn’t feel the need to keep asking him how much longer. He parked the Jag on the shoulder of the road. Once out of the car, he lifted her into his arms to begin the long walk through the forest to the ruins.

As Ethan made his way through the underbrush in a suit and polished black shoes, Danielle noticed that many more vampires than their usual guard were in the woods as she and Ethan passed through. It seemed they’d come out in droves.

“Why are there so many?” she asked softly.

“They just want to make sure we’re safe. We’re in a forest,” Ethan said.

His explanation didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but Danielle was distracted by the sound of music drifting through the trees as they neared the ruins. It sounded like a strange mix of the fairy’s music and the vampire musicians from the ball. As her previous suspicions resurfaced, she asked, “What do you have planned?”

“You’ll see soon enough.” Ethan grinned as he cleared the last of the trees and Danielle could finally see what he’d done.

She gasped. The stone structures of his childhood home were decorated with white rose garlands, and situated in the center of everything was a table for two, covered with a white tablecloth and sprinkled with white rose petals, then in the center of that stood an empty white vase. The table was flanked by a pair of wingback chairs. She’d never seen living room seating used in an outdoor setting like that, but it was beautiful and ultra romantic.

She tried to find the source of the music, but could see no one else in the area.

“When did you do all of this?” Danielle marveled.

“I didn’t, the others helped me.” Her gaze moved back to the surrounding trees and she noticed shadows of people moving within the shade of the trees.

“What’s this all for?” she asked, although she had a hunch.

“It’s all for you, princess.” He tickled her with a kiss on her neck as he advanced toward the table.

She squirmed and giggled just as she always did when his lips touched that sensitive flesh. “Well, you’ve topped the ball this time.”

Ethan bent down to set Danielle in one of the chairs, she was then startled to see Beon standing there holding the chair out for her. He hadn’t been there before and had seemingly materialized from out of nowhere.

Beon was dressed in a black suit with a black necktie, and a white tuxedo shirt, his dark hair was slicked back, and he stood by the table like a stodgy butler. He even had a white towel draped over his arm. And the sight of Beon like this made Danielle want to laugh, but she pressed her lips together in an attempt to keep it in.

“For you, Danielle.” The words came from behind her, and she knew Nadia’s voice instantly. She turned to see the folkloric immortal holding a single white rose out to her.

Danielle took it. “Thank you,” she said as Nadia left, and then looked at Ethan curiously.

The smile he returned bewildered her. His lips were twisted with a grin, but something she didn’t recognize danced in his eyes.

“I’ll take that, dear.” Beon snatched the rose from her and stuck it into the empty vase.

“For you, my lady.” Danielle shifted her gaze again to find Cedric holding another white rose out to her.

“Thanks.” She took the rose, only to have it taken by Beon again.

Cedric chortled and ruffled Ethan’s perfectly placed hair as he left.

Ethan scowled and combed through his dark-blond locks with his fingers to fix it.

“Hello, my darling.” Sophia addressed her next, with yet another rose, and her famous hors d’oeuvres arranged on a tiered cake platter, which she set on the left side of the table.

“Hello. Thank you, Sophia,” Danielle said as she took the rose and just handed it to Beon this time. She was catching on to the pattern here.

Danielle looked over her shoulder to see Seth approaching next. Sometimes he still made her a little nervous. Perhaps it was because even as he strode toward her with a single rose in his hand, he did it with such an air of purpose and importance that he appeared almost regal. “For you, my dear,” he said holding the rose out to her.

Danielle took it. “Thank you, sir.”

Seth was followed by Max, who said, “Lovely roses for a lovely lady.”

She laughed. “Thanks, Max.”

Max handed four roses to her rather than just one. He then slid his hand flirtatiously along hers as he released the flowers. She knew Max only did it to taunt Ethan, mainly because it always worked so well.

And she checked Ethan’s expression to see if he’d fallen for it. He did. “I saw that, Max. Watch it,” Ethan growled, his eyes narrowed.

Never daunted by Ethan’s warnings, even when he’d been a vampire, Max gave Ethan a swift slug in the arm as he passed him.

“Ow!” Ethan grimaced as he fought to keep his chair from tipping over from the force of the punch. “I’ll get you for that,” Ethan grumbled while rubbing his now dead arm.

Danielle laughed, but stopped short and blinked when something soft bounced off the end of her nose. She looked into her lap and saw that it was a white rose petal.

Ethan snorted, the sound was followed by a stream of chuckling.

Suddenly after that, she was showered with many more petals as well as roses now.

Bewildered, she looked up to see where this attack was coming from. “Oh!” she gasped. A swarm of little fairies hovered over her head, showering her with fragrant flowers and petals.

Danielle recognized Alora as she swooped down and stopped so close in front of her face she almost had to go cross-eyed to see her.

“Hello, Danielle,” the sprite greeted and then snuck a look in Ethan’s direction. It seemed the tiny fairy planned to say more and wondered if Ethan would approve.

Which he didn’t. “Alora! Don’t you dare!” Ethan admonished sternly.

Alora pouted, gave Danielle a kiss on her nose and darted away like an insect.

“I’ll take those,” Beon said, reaching his hand out for the remaining roses to add to his arrangement.

“Oh … yes, sir.” Danielle quickly gathered them from her lap and passed them over.

He then began arranging the flowers in the vase as precisely as a florist would. But his brows furrowed when he apparently didn’t like how it was going. He left with the bouquet, looking a little exasperated—then returned to place the finished design in the center of the table. He’d added some tiny white flowers that dripped beautifully from the lip of the vase, complementing the roses nicely. Pressing his fists on his hips, he admired his work. The corner of his lips twitched into a smile and he turned on his heal to leave again.

Danielle snickered; Beon was funny when he behaved like this.

Emotions swelled within her. Ethan had planned all of this for her? Lifting her gaze to his, she said, “Thank you, I can honestly say I’ve never received flowers like that before.”

“Did you enjoy that?”

“Yes, though it was almost tiring.” Danielle slid her hand across the table to reach his. He followed her lead, matched his fingertips with hers and then interlocked their fingers. She sighed, she was here with Ethan, yet she hadn’t really had a chance to enjoy just his company. And realized that this was the best they were going to get as she again noticed the many guards lurking within the woods.

Ethan frowned. “You can’t be sad. Not at a time like this.”

“I’m not sad. It’s just ... well, we’re never really alone.”

“Salad is ready.” Beon’s voice cut into their “moment” abruptly, proving her point.

They both sat upright, forced to release their hands in the process. Ethan eyed her, looking concerned and lipped the words “I’m sorry” to her.

She nodded as Beon left them to their salads. “Will they leave us alone longer when we’re done eating?” she asked.

“That’s the plan,” Ethan said.

“Really?” He nodded, and she continued, “Please tell me this isn’t a six course meal.”

“No. It’s a light lunch.”

“Oh, good. Eat your salad quickly,” Danielle advised spearing some lettuce and a cherry tomato onto her fork. “The sooner we’re done, the sooner these interruptions end, right?” Again he nodded with a mouthful of salad on his fork, and her eyes drifted to the trees again. “Though the forest will still be full of watching eyes, won’t it?”

“I’m afraid so.” Ethan sighed. “I know this is massively awkward, but we can’t change it. Especially now that it seems you are being followed nonstop by immortals wishing to do you harm.”

Even knowing he was right, Danielle rolled her eyes. They couldn’t change it—she just had to learn to live with it.

When they finished their meal, Ethan’s expression rearranged again and he appeared to be quite distracted by his thoughts.

“Are you all right? Did you eat too fast?” she asked.

“No, love, I’m fine. Please come with me.” He stood, stepped around the table, lifted her hand into his, and then led her to an upholstered chaise lounge; another piece of furniture not usually seen in an outdoor setting.

Once Danielle was seated, Ethan dropped to his knee in front of her. She gasped, completely knowing what he meant to do.

He reached into his pocked, removed a small velvet box, and opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond ring set in white gold. The design was intricate and vintage inspired. The band was thick with rectangle diamonds leading up to the main setting. Fancy scrolls ran along the edges of the gold. The main setting was surrounded with a square of white gold, and tiny diamonds marched around the design. In the center sparkled a large, round diamond.

“Danielle my love, will you marry me? Will you be my wife?”

Her heart was pounding. Many girls fantasize about a moment like this, and here it was, a magical reality. She couldn’t have dreamed up a better man to marry in her wildest fantasies. Her emotions rushed to the surface and spilled over in the form of tears. “Yes, Ethan! Of course yes!” She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

With her arms still slung around his neck, Ethan managed to rise from his kneeling position to seat himself next to her on the chaise.

Pulling away, Ethan gifted her with an emotion drenched expression of love and devotion. “Thank you. I promise to keep you safe and make you happy beyond the end, Danielle, forever, for an eternity.” He reached back to disengage her left arm from around his neck, removed the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. “I designed it myself,” he whispered, his lips smiling as he ran his finger over the ring. “Are you pleased?”

“It’s beautiful. I love it.”

His eyes left the ring and met with hers. They gazed at each other, soul to soul. It was far more intense than just staring into the eyes of any another person, and it was something only they had with each other.

“It’s not too late to say no to the weak mortal and marry me instead!” was shouted from within the woods to their left. It was Max, the tease.

“Hey! Why did you hit me?” again bellowed the knight. Nadia had probably smacked him for the comment.

Danielle couldn’t decide if she wanted to cry or laugh at that.

“Ignore him,” Ethan said in a low tone as he gently took her face in his hands, and then enticed her with sweet kisses placed everywhere on her face—except for her lips. He kissed her on the eyelids, on the cheeks, along her jawbone, and just under her chin. Danielle shuddered thinking Ethan was a master at distraction, because he was driving her crazy by never touching her lips!

Her fingers interlocked behind his neck. “Kiss me. Now,” she demanded.

Ethan chuckled. When he finally did press his mouth to hers the kiss was sweeter, even more divine, and more delicious, and she realized that’s how he’d planned it.

She tugged him closer with his name on her tongue and smiled against his lips when he did the same. At that moment, Danielle didn’t care they weren’t really alone, and that they most likely had an audience.

The kissing continued until they were forced to gasp for air.

Ethan then leaned back into the chaise, spread his legs and tugged her to his chest. She fanned her fingers across his shirt to admire the exquisite ring, then dropped her head onto his chest.

They snuggled as the music continued to sweeten the air, and Danielle watched the edge of the trees as the fairies danced like colorful fireflies amongst them. Their glow was bright enough to see during the day, although they did keep to the darkness of the shadows.

“I love you,” she whispered softly.

“I love you too. More than anything,” Ethan replied.

They lingered until the sky transformed into sunset hues, and she knew it would soon be time to go. Danielle realized the time had come when she could see vampires emerging from the dense wood. They didn’t converge on them immediately, still giving them some time alone together, it seemed.

“Will they ever leave us to ourselves?” Danielle asked.

“Once we’re married they’ll have to give us more privacy.”

She sat upright, alarmed. “Please tell me that’s not the only reason you proposed to me.”

“No! Of course not! I want to spend this life and the next with you. I would have proposed to you even if we didn’t have bodyguards tailing us constantly. I’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time now. Since before I was even cured.”

Sighing in relief, Danielle could feel the soft smile on her face as she returned her head to her toned pillow.

Her mind was just now beginning to comprehend the clues ... he’d said he felt their situation could improve, he’d said he was working on a better plan than running away together, and he’d left on that trip…. But— “Ethan?”

“Yes.”

“Where did you go for two days?” she asked as she rubbed his tie between her fingers, experiencing the petal softness of the silk.

“Glenwood Springs. That’s a very nice little town, by the way.”

“Oh...” Her parents might not be too thrilled about this arrangement, mainly because it would keep her from returning to Colorado.

“Why do you think I went to Glenwood, Danielle?”

“What?”

He sighed, and she wondered if he we was ever frustrated with how slow she could be. “Danielle, I went to ask your parents for your hand in marriage.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“I didn’t think people did that anymore.”

“Well, I do.”

Of course he did. He was old-fashioned like that. She should have known.

“And they approved?” she asked in disbelief.

“Yes. I can be very convincing when I need to be.”

“Wow, I’m amazed. You’re amazing! They really did not want me to marry a Londoner.”

“They’ve accepted it, you have nothing to worry about,” he whispered with his lips against the top of her head, and his fingers tangled in her brown curls.

Danielle noticed the sun was sinking lower in the sky, and could see the vampires moving closer. However, she was still startled when she heard one speak into her ear. “Danielle! I’m so happy for you!” Nadia sang, as she gave her a hug.

“Thank you, Nadia.”

The others chimed in, embracing and congratulating them as well.

Max threatened to punch Ethan’s arm again, but it wasn’t really fair for Max to roughhouse with Ethan now that he was mortal, and Danielle covered his arms with hers so Max couldn’t do it.

The knight boomed with thick laughter. “Okay, I could never hurt Danielle, so I guess you have her to protect you.”

Ethan laughed and kissed her on the top of the forehead to thank her for rescuing him from his dangerous friend.

“How’s your arm from the last time?” she asked Ethan.

“There’s a nice bruise there, I can feel it. I realize now how much you were suffering when Celeste attacked you.” His golden brows turned up and he moaned.

She giggled.

Interrupting, Beon said, “I’m sorry, Ethan, Danielle, but it is time to go.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, Beon,” Ethan said.

“Thank you for everything,” Danielle added.

Beon nodded, smiling kindly.

 

Danielle closed her eyes as they neared her uncle’s home. She was very happy even though their circumstances remained unsafe. Ethan was right, it could improve.

“Danielle, do you still trust me?” Ethan asked.

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

“You’ll see.”

His comment made her slightly nervous. It seemed there was more to his plans that she didn’t know about.

Ethan then pulled up to her uncle’s house, parked, and jogged around the car to open the door for her.

Beon and Sophia joined them as they approached the front steps. Danielle looked at them curiously, but they said nothing, though Sophia was smiling. She knew they didn’t need to be cautious with their eyes yet, as it would be a few more minutes before the sun set completely. However, the look on Sophia’s face made her suspicious again.

When they stepped inside, she knew what the secret was when they were greeted by more than just her aunt, uncle and Brianna. Her parents were there, and her mouth dropped open as she gaped at Ethan.

He chuckled and pressed her lips together with two gentle fingers placed under her chin. “Surprise,” he said.

“Danielle! You were right! Ethan is a very nice young man!” her mother said, drawing her into a hug.

She realized then how much she’d missed them, as she sank willingly into her mom’s comforting embrace. “Oh, Mom, it’s so nice to see you. Thank you for coming all this way.”

The moment her mother released her, her father beamed happily as he too gathered her into his arms.

“Daddy, I can’t believe you’re here! It’s so wonderful!” Danielle said, fighting back the tears that came to her so easily.

“My darling little princess has found her prince,” her father whispered when he leaned away from her to see her face. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am.” He cradled her face with his hand and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“Thank you.” It was such a huge relief to see them happy about her engagement. She’d made almost all of their fears come true by getting injured, going missing more than once, and falling for a Londoner when they’d allowed her to leave home and attend art school in England. But for reasons she didn’t understand, they were still content. She couldn’t help but wonder what miracle Ethan had performed to make this possible.

Brianna snatched up her left hand, requesting to see the ring. She was surrounded by the rest of her family as they also converged for a better look.

Uncle Nick invited everyone to sit down in the drawing room for—of course—tea. He then made the proper introductions, while her parents studied Beon and Sophia, appearing perplexed with their unnaturally youthful good looks. They did look older than Ethan, certainly, but not by much. She of course realized this is why they’d come, to present themselves as fake relatives for Ethan.

Ethan whispered into her ear as they seated themselves. “Danielle, your parents did have one condition for accepting my proposal.”

Her eyes widened, and she knew she couldn’t hide the worry in her expression. Of course there’d been a condition. Why else would her parents accept this so easily?

She knew her father had heard Ethan, when he said, “Yes, Danielle. We want you to finish with school before you get married.”

“Oh,” she said.

The room was silent as they all stared at her; it seemed they were expecting more than a one syllable word in reply. So she continued, “I can do that.” But she was feeling a little daunted by the requirement. She’d only been going part-time and didn’t expect to graduate quite so soon.

Of course she was nineteen and could tell them to forget it if she really wanted to, but the biggest problem was the fact that they were the ones who paid for her to go to school in the first place. Because of that, she felt they did have a say, and apparently they saw it the same way.

Feeling her muscles tensing as she tried to imagine a long engagement with bodyguards hindering her time alone with Ethan. Danielle knew Ethan sensed her stress when he moved his hand to her back and began working his fingers into the knotting muscles, clearly meaning to soothe her.

The silence in the room lengthened to an uncomfortable amount of time, until her mother spoke, “Ethan came out to visit us, to request our permission to marry you. We were very impressed with him. Oh, and he purchased a home in Glenwood!” she announced excitedly.

“Really,” Danielle said, turning to face him. So that’s how he’d managed to sway them, that and this ... condition.

“Yes, it’s a lovely little six bedroom with a very nice garden that reminded me of England. I think you’ll like it.”

“Little?” she muttered. How are six bedrooms little? “You never cease to amaze me, Ethan.”

He kissed her then, right in front of everyone. The response from the others was almost embarrassing, as they ooo’d and ahhh’d. Her mother and Sophia squealed with delight simultaneously.

Beon, who had downed his tea in one big gulp, set his empty teacup down and then spoke, “Well, it was lovely meeting you folks, but we must be leaving now. Ethan, shall we?” Danielle then realized that the sun had set, as both he and Sophia were behaving rather sheepishly about meeting anyone else’s gaze. Beon had suddenly developed an intent interest in his shoes while he stood, and fished around in his pocket for his keys. Sophia took another dainty sip of her tea, set the cup down, stood as well, and then averted her eyes to the door. They couldn’t linger any longer.

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, Danielle,” said Ethan.

“I know.” She frowned, or maybe it was more like a pout. “I’ll walk them out.”

Danielle stepped outside with Ethan, allowing Beon and Sophia to pass. It was their only chance to speak alone before he was taken from her again.

“Ethan, I don’t know if I have the patience for this ... not ‘til I’m graduated?”

“Monday we’re going to sign you up for accelerated classes. That along with full summer semesters and the AP credits you’d already earned in high school should make it possible.”

“But, I’ll be going to school nonstop!”

“No, just full-time rather than part-time. I’ll help you. It was the only way they’d accept it.” Surrounding her with his arms, he rested his chin on her head. “I’m sorry.”

“I’d rather run away,” she complained, feeling the sting of tears return. She could have handled a long engagement if it could have been a normal one, but a lengthy one while dates and alone time were restricted was a distressing thought.

“And you wouldn’t have been happy, Danielle, because they wouldn’t be happy.” Ethan tipped away from her, held her face with both hands, and pushed away the tears with his thumbs. “Don’t be sad. This is the best way. I know what happens when a child disappears. That’s what happened to my parents, and I know how much it devastated them. For the rest of their lives they mourned my disappearance. We can’t do that to yours.”

She exhaled slowly. “I know you’re right. It’s just—”

As she inhaled, Ethan suddenly blew his breath into her face, and then forced her to meet his sapphire gaze, allowing her to see his soul. “Does that help?” he asked patiently.

“Mmm.” She smiled as his sweet breathe caressed her insides. “That did help. You’ll need to be doing that a lot from now on.”

“I’ll give you a daily dose to keep you reminded.”

“So…” Danielle ran a finger down the length of his silky tie, “a house in Glenwood, huh?”

“Yes, and I plan to build one here too. In front of the ruins. I own that land.”

“That would be wonderful! You plan to preserve them?”

“Yes, they will become part of the garden behind the home.”

“It was really nice seeing my parents, thank you for that.”

“You’re very welcome, my love. Was it worth it? Do you still want to marry me?”

“Yes.”

Sliding her arms around his ribs under his jacket, she tightened them, feeling the power in his frame. Tears still made their way down her cheeks, but they were happy tears this time. He was so wonderful, and she didn’t want him to go home. But she knew her family wouldn’t allow him to stay, nor would they allow her to leave with him. She’d have to find the patience somewhere within herself to endure this.

She kissed him goodnight and let him leave with his security detail, knowing returning home was actually a little worse for him than it was for her since he was basically detained in his bedroom all night while the curse was strongest.

Danielle’s parents couldn’t stay long. This trip had been a spur of the moment thing and they both had responsibilities they needed to get back to. She had some wonderful conversations with her mother and father, but after a couple of days, they left for their home in the States.