A Heart so Wild - Straton 1
Page 26
“I don’t think I’ll need my medical bag. Anyone with such a lively sense of humor can’t be hurting that badly.”
“You’re right, doc. Mind if I call you doc?”
“Not at all, though ”Edward‘ wouldn’t be out of line, seeing as how you’ll be my son-in-law shortly.“
“All I need is a bath right now, and—did I mention marriage, cateyes?”
“No, you didn’t.” She grinned at her father’s expression. “Oh, Daddy, he’s still teasing. Tell him, Chandos. Chandos?”
“Ouch!” He pulled her hand out of his hair. “Are you really going to put me through a white man’s ceremony that’s got nothing to do with feelings? I’ve declared myself—in front of witnesses. You’ve declared yourself. You’re already my wife, cateyes.”
“It would make my father happy, Chandos,” Courtney said simply.
“And you?”
“Yes.”
“Then I guess I was teasing,” he said softly.
She hugged him, so overwhelmed with happiness that she could barely stand it. He might be ruthless and savage in some ways, but he was also her Chandos, gentle when it mattered. And he loved her! That he was willing to settle in one place for her proved that beyond any doubt.
Courtney leaned back, wanting everyone to be as happy as she was, including Fletcher. “Why don’t you tell your father you were just pulling his leg, too?”
“Because I wasn’t.” Chandos swung around, meeting Fletcher’s gaze. “Can you stand the competition, old man?”
“You’re goddamn right I can!” Fletcher roared.
“That’s what I thought.” Chandos grinned.
It took a moment. Fletcher’s eyes crinkled.
He didn’t quite allow himself to smile, though. That wouldn’t have been at all in character.
He was, however, bursting with pleasure. He’d never seen his son like this, so warm and open and… approachable. It was a start. It was a goddamn good start.