Chapter 44
Nervous didn’t begin to cover Bran’s state of mind. He still wanted to give Evangeline the best night of her life.
The phone rang, and he answered. “Hey, Savon. What’s up? Tell me you aren’t bringing her by late.”
She laughed. “Evangeline will be home on time. We’re on our way back. Now what are you planning?”
“What? You really think I’m sharing?” He shook his head. “I know you’ll tell her. I’m sure she’s sitting right here.”
“Had to try. She’s begging.”
“That’s why I haven’t bothered to tell Nate either.”
“Seriously? You’re impossible,” muttered Savon.
“It’s a surprise, now let me go, because I need to get ready still.”
“You’re only just now getting ready?”
He snorted. “Have been since you left. Now hush and let me off the phone.”
Bran hung up and checked his reflection. Bow tie was straight, his suit was in place, his hair was even styled, and he was clean-shaven. He looked good and knew Evangeline would like what she saw.
The preparations were made, and he arranged a meal from her favorite restaurant to be brought to the oceanside bungalow his parents used to take them to. He’d had it upgraded and had everything ready to go.
He drove out the day before to make sure the hot tub would be ready, the candles set up, and everything perfect. All he needed was Evangeline to get there so he could drive her to their getaway.
* * * *
Merova stood on the porch and attempted to summon the courage to knock. She had seen Genevieve from her slumber many times over the last century.
As much as she wanted to help, she didn’t know how to save her from Zariha or her father because Genevieve had every intention of giving the dagger to her father.
“You’ll feel better if you talk to her,” Halstien whispered.
She let out a sigh and knocked.
A moment later Genevieve opened the door. “Hi…” The smile fell clean from her face. “You’re Merova?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t help you,” she answered.
Genevieve sucked in a breath and let it out. “I would have doomed you. I don’t blame you.”
Merova took her hands. “I should have done something, but I didn’t trust you would save yourself.”
“I didn’t know how. It took my sister and Neil to show me there was another way. Thank you for not giving me the blade.”
“Really?” Merova asked.
She nodded. “I would have wasted the gift.”
Neil came down and put his arm around her waist. His head cocked. “You look a lot like Merova, Genevieve.”
“We’re blood. And I hope to get to know you both.”
Genevieve smiled. “And this is?”
“Halstien, my only love. If I hadn’t thought I lost him forever, you would have never suffered so. I’m sorry.”
Genevieve smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re here for her now. Want to come in? Seems we’re family.”
“Please,” answered Merova.
* * * *
“Stop, oh my God, just stop,” Savon shouted, then laughed. “My brother may suck at cooking, but he can be quite romantic. I remember what he pulled off for Margaret when they first got together. Please, just trust him.”
Evangeline only smiled at the mention of his first love. He wiped out all doubt when he saved her by binding their lives together.
And every second she felt his love for her as surely as she felt her own for him.
“I’m nervous. What if I don’t give him the reaction he wants?” Evangeline asked.
“Seriously? That’s what you’re worried about? You’re going to go gaga for it. He’ll be head over heels. You two will be gag-worthy adorable, then you might knock walls down in the bangathon.” Savon laughed and shook her head. “React however you react. As long as you’re happy, he will be, and I think all you need is to be with him.”
Evangeline nodded, but she felt like she wasn’t doing enough. How did she prove he was it?
Savon pulled up to Bran’s house. “Go on. And you can tell me about how awesome he woos you later.”
“I promise, but we’ll have to bring Genevieve. She still wants to know everything. I haven’t had the time to tell her either.”
“Hey, she’s like my sister-in-law. We should spend time together.”
“Then soon, we’ll have a girls’ night.”
“Bring Fran and the rest of the girls. I still owe you all one,” Savon suggested.
“Sure, but not until we get back. I’ll call.” Evangeline slipped out of the car and hurried for the stairs.
Bran opened the door and she stumbled, her jaw hitting the ground.
“Wow, oh, wow.” That was all she had.
“Hey, beautiful. Have a good spa day?”
She nodded dumbly.
“You’re glowing. The dress looks amazing. You ready?” There was a hint of nervousness in his voice.
“I’m ready for anything with you.”
He grinned. “Good. I plan to spend the whole night showing you what you mean to me.”
“Already know what I mean to you.” She closed the distance and wound her arms around his neck. “I love you, Bran.”
His lips descended on hers in a slow, burning kiss. “Come on. I already have a bag packed for you.” He locked up and took her to his truck.
“Wait, you look incredible. I don’t have the right words, but I’ve never seen a more gorgeous sight.” Except, maybe when he was naked, sprawled out beside her and recovering from an orgasm. Yeah, that was better, but only because it meant he had just made love to her.
* * * *
Bran drove them to the beach house and parked. He hurried around and let her out, taking her hand to bring her inside. Everything smelled wonderful. He hoped he liked the meal half as much as he knew Evangeline would.
Inside, he let her in and motioned to the table.
“You went to Andraste Palace?” The Mediterranean restaurant had been her favorite. She’d found it on one of her many excursions to get Bran out of her head, which never worked.
She’d only mentioned the place twice in his presence. And he remembered.
“Have I mentioned you’re perfect?”
“For you,” he murmured.
“Definitely.”
He snapped his fingers and the candles lit up around the room. “I wanted you to remember our first date.”
“How could I forget?” she whispered, tears springing to her eyes.
He shook his head. “Hope you never do. Anything you want, I want to give it to you.”
“That’s easy. You’re all I want.”
“You too.” He kissed her, taking his time. “We don’t have to go anywhere for the weekend. I made sure the café was covered for you. Tell me we can stay without interruption. And yes, I told your sister we’d be gone. And sent all of them a note telling them where to find us in case of an emergency. They’ll have that in the morning.
“I’ve never been so happy in my life,” she whispered, afraid her voice would crack.
“To the start of our life together,” he murmured.