Dancing On Air (33 page)
Authors: Nicole Hurley-Moore
Evander dropped the paper and hauled Lisette onto his lap. He dropped a kiss onto her mouth before giving her a smile. ‘I love you, Lady Gainswith.’
‘And they’re the only words I ever need to hear.’
There was a knock at the door as Harris entered the room. He bit back a smile when he saw Lisette in Evander’s lap. Unfazed, he approached the table carrying a small parcel.
‘Apologies for the intrusion, but this parcel has just arrived, Lord Gainswith.’
‘Thank you Harris.’ Evander took the parcel. Lisette made a move to stand up but his spare arm tightened around her waist. ‘No, stay where you are. I like having you near,’ he said as he kissed her cheek.
‘Alright. Were you expecting a parcel?’
‘No.’ He turned the small box over and immediately recognised the bold handwriting. ‘Whatever it is, it’s from Alistair.’
Evander quickly unwrapped the brown paper and discovered a narrow wooden box. He opened the lid and found a letter and a roll of what looked like parchment. He picked up the envelope, broke open his brother’s wax seal and took out the letter.
Dearest Evander,
I send my congratulations and felicitations to you and my new sister, Lisette. It occurred to me that I have been lax in sending you a wedding gift. I hope that you both will find it in your hearts to forgive me. I wish you happiness and joy and hope that you will receive me when I return from Gainswith Park in a fortnight. Until then, I hope you will accept my gift as a sign of my abiding love and regard.
In a sense it has always been yours, brother. I don’t know why it took me so long to see it.
Yours faithfully,
Alistair.
‘I don’t understand, Evander. What has he sent you?’
Evander upturned the envelope and a key fell into his trembling hand. The key was five inches long and an inch in width; it was made of metal and was very old.
‘He’s given us Temperly, love.’ He rolled the key in his palm. ‘Alistair has given us Temperly as a wedding present.’
‘Oh Evander, that’s astonishing!’ Lisette hugged him tight. ‘Astonishing and so generous. Alistair must love you very much.’
‘Yes, he does,’ Evander said as he cradled her in his arms and stood up. ‘I am the most fortunate of men. I could not ask for a better brother and I am in possession of the home I have always loved, but beyond that, I have you.’
He bent down and kissed her. His kiss was long and slow and delicious. Lisette wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Kissing him back, a familiar warmth began to run through her body. Evander had given her so much that her heart swelled. She had been so alone and lost in the dark before they found each other. By giving her his heart, he had opened a world that she thought she would never see: a world that was filled with happiness, love and companionship. Tears misted in her eyes as she said the words that almost seemed inadequate.
‘I love you, Evander... Forever.’
He placed her back on her feet. A frown marred his brow as he tilted her head up. ‘Then why are you crying?’
Lisette smiled and shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Maybe because I love you too much.’
Evander smiled before he kissed her hand. ‘That’s not possible. Besides, I love you more and will be forever yours.’ He stepped in and took her gently in his arms. Slowly, he began to move them across the floor in a slow waltz. ‘Come, Lisette. Dance with me.’
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ISBN: 978-0-85799-093-8
Title: Dancing on Air
Copyright © 2013 by Nicole Hurley-Moore
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