by Bree Wolf
Grant laughed and pulled her into his arms as the orchestra struck the first cord. “Does it matter?”
Nessa shook her head. “I don’t think it does, but it does not hurt to remember. Sometimes, I wonder, what if you had not attended the ball that night? What if you had not looked at me in that moment?” She shook her head, unwilling to imagine such a scenario.
Grant’s hands tightened upon her, his moss-green eyes filled with flecks of gold as they looked down into hers. “I was meant to,” he whispered as they moved to the music, completely oblivious to the many guests watching them, delighting in their joy. “I believe that with all my heart. No matter what could have happened or what might happen, I will always find you.”
Resisting the urge to kiss him, Nessa smiled. “If that is so, could you not have found me a little sooner?” She sighed, no longer wishing to contemplate what could have been. “I was so close to giving up. So close.”
His hand slipped farther onto her back, urging her closer as he dipped his head and looked deep into her eyes. “So was I, even without knowing it. If you hadn’t come along, I might have married Elizabeth…and doomed all of us.” He placed a quick kiss upon her lips. “Thank you for making me see what joy can be found in life. I did not think it possible and, fool that I am, I considered myself happy when, in truth, I never knew what that meant.” Again, a deeply contented sigh left his lips. “So, yes, it might take me some time, but I will always find you.” He grinned at her. “You can run as far and as fast as you can, and I shall always find you no matter where you go.”
Sidling closer, Nessa teased her lower lip, loving the way his gaze traced the movement. “Is that a threat…or a promise?”
“Definitely a promise,” Grant replied before he twirled her in a circle. “I found you once, and I would do so again if need be.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Nessa whispered, suddenly wishing the day would end and grant them privacy. “I have no intention of ever leaving your side.”
“That is good to know.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “What do you say we take our leave and head upstairs?”
Tempted, Nessa gawked at her husband nonetheless. “What? This is our wedding day. We cannot simply leave.” She paused. “Can we?”
Daring twinkled in his eyes, and before Nessa knew what was happening, he spirited her away from the wedding assembly and into the house.
Her new home.
Their home.
The very place where they would live happily ever after…
…or not?
THE END
Continue Nessa’s and Grant’s story in HOW TO WAKE A SLEEPING LADY when a tragic event separates them after all. Still, Grant made Nessa a promise, and he is determined to keep it…no matter what.
