Reluctant Hearts: A Clean Regency Romance (Faithful love Book 1)
Page 8
Adrian shook his head. “You?”
“You laughed and I got mad.”
The council man's face reddened. “Guards! Arrest that woman!”
“No!” Adrian said instantly. “Leave her alone.” He turned back to the girl. “I never told anyone about that. How did you... you?”
Tears continued to pool in her eyes and stream down her face. “Adrian, you have to remember me. Please!”
“Remember you?” He shook his head again. “Paige, I... I don't...” His shoulders slumped. “I'm sorry.”
“Back to the ceremony,” Lady Patricia snapped. “So, Paige if you would please just leave. Your duty to this family is over.”
Adrian stared at her for a moment longer before slowly turning to face the Minister again. But, before anyone could do or say anything, a soft voice drifted into the air.
Hush now, please don’t cry, My Love,
Let me calm your fears
He became stock still and his heart leapt into his throat.
Let me take away your cares
Let me dry your tears
All of the sudden, he was back in the garden again, watching as his wife held their son, singing to calm the child's cries. Her blond hair. Blue eyes. Her smile... her face.
Just close your eyes while I sing to you
And whisper words of love so true
All air left him as he spun around, his eyes wide. That face... her face.
Til all your worries and fears have ceased
While I hold you close to me.
His stared at her for a long moment as a single tear slid down his cheek. “Olivia.”
She blinked in surprise then a smile burst across her face. “You know me?”
He nodded, his eyes scanning ever inch of his face and the next instant, he was running towards her. She met him half way and he instantly pulled her into his arms, not caring that tears were streaming down his face. “Olivia... sweetheart.”
Laughter rippled from her lips as her arms tightened around his neck. “Adrian.”
He slowly pulled away, his hands moving up to the sides of her face. “I can't believe that I...
How could I not know you?” His hands dropped to her shoulders as he shook his head. “I really am an idiot.”
She chuckled, her hands moving up to his face. “But you're mine. And... I love you.”
He laughed softly, leaning into her touch. “I don't want to belong to anyone else. Only you.”
Then, he pulled her close and kissed her.
Loud cheers filled the hall and Olivia found herself smiling as she leaned into him. Now I know why this felt so right.
A moment later, he pulled her back into his arms, resting his head on top of hers. “I don't know how and I don't care. All I really care about is that you're home.” His arms tightened around her. “You're finally home.”
Epilogue
-Six months Later-
“I can't believe I didn't know you,” Adrian whispered as he slowly shook his head. “How could I not recognize you?”
She laughed and leaned against him. “Don't worry. I'm not mad. I'm actually proud of you.” She laughed again as he blinked in confusion. “Adrian, you forced yourself to forget me to take care of Sterling. I...” She released a deep breath. “You don't know how happy it makes me that you love our son that much.”
“Mama! Mama!” Sterling called as he ran into the room. “Mrs. Applegate showed me how to
make a paper swan! Look!”
Olivia took the, rather rumpled, paper bird from him and smiled. “Aw! It looks wonderful! ” She reached out and touched the top of his head, her smile instantly dropping. “Sterling. Why is your hair wet?”
The five year old grinned sheepishly. “Um... there's a leak in the ceiling?” She raised an
eyebrow and he sighed dramatically. “I may have run out into the rain.”
She couldn't hold the stern look as a chuckle escaped her. “What did you do with Mrs.
Applegate?”
As if on cue, the old woman entered the room. “Oh, the whole family. How delightful!” She
laughed. “It's good to see you all together.” She shook her head. “I still can't get over it, even though it's been six months. It's just... so amazing.”
Olivia nodded in agreement. “You know, Mrs. Applegate. I never asked you what it was you had wanted me to get from the attic.”
The old woman burst into laughter. “There was nothing up there for me, Dear. I sent you up
there to that corner because I knew that's where the portraits were.”
“You knew!?” Adrian and Olivia echoed in shock.
Mrs. Applegate nodded. “I did, but I didn't think I could say anything. If I said anything, people could have accused you, Olivia, and I both of plotting against Adrian. Taking advantage of Adrian's broken heart. You had to figure it out for yourselves. And you did... mostly.” She sighed happily. “And I must say, I rather enjoyed watching you two fall in love all over again.”
Olivia just smiled. “Thank you.” Her face suddenly lit up and she looked out a nearby window at the pouring rain. “Adrian, come here.” She grabbed his hand as she jumped to her feet, pulling him up off the couch.
He gave a startled yelp as she ran down the hall, pulling him along. “Olivia, where are we-” But he was cut off as she pulled open the front door and ran out into the rain.
“What are you doing?” He asked from the safety of the covered porch.
She just laughed as she spun around in the cool rain. “Come out here with me!” She called,
holding a hand out to him. “I want to tell you something.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You can't tell inside? Where it's dry?”
“Adrian.” She wiggled her fingers. “Please.”
He knew he couldn't resist. And so did she. So, he finally relented and stepped out into the pouring rain til he was able to take a hold of her hand. Pulling her to him, he grinned down at her.
“Now, what?”
She laughed and threw her arms around his neck before whispering in his ear. She pulled back and watched as a variety of emotions flashed across his face, causing her smile to widen.
He blinked at her slowly. “Wh... really? ” She nodded. “You are?” Another nod. He laughed and grabbed her into a hug before lifting her up off the ground, his laughter filling the air. “This is amazing!” Her laughter joined his as he spun her around until he slipped and they, once again, landed in the mud. “This time,” He said around gasps of air as he leaned over her. “My parents are coming here. Not the other way around. Because I am not going to lose you again.”
She laughed softly and pushed his hair off of his forehead. “You couldn't if you tried. I'm home now and I'm not going anywhere.”
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Epilogue