AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Were you pleased?”
“Are you fishing for compliments?”
“Maybe.” A smirk appeared.
“Then, I was beyond pleased. I was, well, I’m not quite sure how to describe it. I know one thing. I was completely loved today.”
“Was it obvious?”
“Hmm, yeah.” I grabbed him by his hair and kissed him. “I love you. Like crazy.”
“Enough to marry me yet?”
“Yes, but not right away. You have to know by now there’ll never be anyone for me but you. Do you think I could have this with someone else?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
I raised myself up on my elbow. He was serious. There was a question in his mind about that.
“Well, I do. There won’t ever be anyone for me but you. It’s like what you said. I’ll always be here, till the end. I love you with everything I have. Only I can’t marry you quite yet. Please give me a little time. It’s all I’m asking.”
“Of course, I’ll give you time. I told you, I’m a patient man. You don’t know what it means to me just to hear you tell me you love me.”
“Well, I do. More than I ever thought possible.” It was true. After Peter died, I figured my chance at love had passed. But then Pearce came along and changed everything.
He kissed the end of my nose. “I guess we should try to get some sleep. We need to be at the airport at ten in the morning. I wanted to get you home in time for brunch with the family tomorrow. Is that okay?”
“Perfect.”
Sixteen
We landed in Charleston around eleven and were at the Middleton mansion before noon. They did brunch once a month as a family. It was quite an extravagant affair with all sorts of wonderful dishes. Eggs Benedict, crab omelets, shrimp and grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage, and an array of sweets. Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Bellinis were also making the rounds. They were clearly a family that enjoyed having a great time together.
“Oh, before I forget, remember the upcoming Heart Ball is in a couple of weeks. Your father is the chairman this year and we’re hosting several tables,” Susan said.
“Right. What’s the date again?” Pearce asked.
“It’s the first Saturday in February. I hope you’re bringing Alexia.”
Everyone turned to me as Pearce answered, “I hope so too, Mom.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied.
“The Heart Ball is a fundraiser that Dad’s practice is involved with every year. It’s a black-tie affair and it’s usually at Charleston Place.”
“That’s right,” Susan chimed in.
“Sounds amazing.”
“Then you’ll come?” Pearce asked.
Talk about pressure. I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t afford to buy anything, but I didn’t have anything fancy to wear to something like that. Pearce must’ve noticed my angst, because he leaned in and whispered, “And I get to take you shopping.” He was serious. I could tell from his expression it was something we wanted to do. I raised my brows, but he just nodded.
“Sounds like lots of fun, especially going with you all.”
Susan beamed and then so did Henry.
Pearce looked at Justin and asked, “Who’re you taking?”
