Chapter Twenty
Two months later
It was Lucia’s birthday today. Beginning of October. Jack stared out his classroom window. All of his students were long gone for the day. A few stood around their cars, chatting, waiting for their boyfriends or girlfriends to be done with football practice. He stared up at the trees. The leaves had already started to change color. The year was nearly over with once again.
Closing his eyes, he tried not to think about all that had happened in the past year. He saw the kiss that Lucia had placed on his lips. It was like a movie in his mind that he got to watch, seeing her look so scared and then her lips had been on his.
So sure, so scared, so everything, and he’d held her in his arms, and told her it would all be okay.
Running a hand down his face, he opened his eyes once again and stared up at the trees.
No one had mentioned a word to him about Lucia’s leaving. Principal Brandt had said that her parents made the quick decision and that she wasn’t surprised. All the information on Lucia Deen was that her parents tended to make quick decisions and rarely turned up for their daughter’s parent-teacher conferences.
He didn’t completely understand what kind of files they had on the kids, but Brandt liked to keep detailed documents for her files.
Not for the first time he wondered if Lucia was happy.
If she missed him.
He missed her so fucking much.
In fact, he’d even put his house on the market and was looking for a new place. One that didn’t have so many memories. He was also looking at a change of schools. Walking the halls was a nightmare for him. When he was near her locker, it was like he saw her, smelled her.
He hadn’t been able to eat a fucking strawberry all through the damn summer, and that pissed him off.
A lot of things annoyed him of late. Even his parents, who had shown an interest in his life. They’d sent him at least five applications for different schools around the country, and not any of them actually appealed to him, mainly because it was his parents’ friends, and he didn’t want them doing him any favors.
Turning away from the window, he made his way toward the desk. The same desk that held more memories of a time when he’d been a lot happier.
The ring he’d bought for her still remained in the same place. The engagement ring that made a mockery of all of his plans.
There were moments that it actually felt like she’d died. He’d even drive past her house a couple of times a week, just to see, but a new family was there now, and he couldn’t keep living in the past.
Lucia Deen was gone.
She’d gone to protect him, and he hated that he couldn’t have done the same thing for her.
“Hey,” Marie said, surprising him.
“You do realize you don’t go here anymore,” he said.
“Shoot, you could have fooled me.” She clicked her fingers and smiled. “I knew I was in the wrong place.”
“What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to come and check on you.”
“You’re not a high school student.”
“I know, but I am a college student.” She turned around, showing him the sweater she wore with the local college logo on it.
“Very good.”
Marie visited him often since Lucia left, mostly to give him updates on how her friend was doing.
“I thought I’d come say hi. You know, being what day it is.”
“Lucia’s birthday.”
“Yes, she’s now nineteen.” Marie entered the classroom. She leaned against one of the student desks, arms folded. “I always imagined her being here, you know? Even when her parents were moving and everything was changing. I always thought it wouldn’t happen. That she’d stay here for a long time, and that we’d move on.”
He didn’t interrupt her. Talking about Lucia was the only thing he had of her right now. That, and a few pictures that he struggled to look at anymore. The constant reminder of everything that he’d lost.
“I wanted to apologize to you,” Jack said. “I … I didn’t think, and I’ve not thought how this has affected you.”
“Talking to you, Jack, is not a problem. I loved Lucia. Still do. She was like a sister to me, and it hasn’t been right her not being here. I can’t believe her parents did what they did.”
“Why not? You wanted to report us. It’s the natural thing.”
“Okay, so I screwed up. I didn’t realize that this was the real deal to you. You’re a teacher, and Lucia was a student. I didn’t for a second think that you could have been in love with her until I saw it with my own eyes. I didn’t report you because I knew Lucia loved you.”
“I do love her.”
“I can see that. You look like crap, just so you know. Lucia doesn’t look much better.”
“What?”
“We did a video chat thing. I don’t think she’s doing all that well. She looks tired, and she doesn’t smile. Isn’t there any way for you to talk to her parents? Resolve this?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to risk Lucia being in trouble, and now we’ve got a whole ocean between us,” he said.
He wanted to see her, needed to.
“Look, Lucia wanted me to give this to you.” Marie held out an envelope. “She mailed it to me, but because of where she lives now, it took forever to get to me. She had to do it in secret.”
He took the envelope, holding it against his nose.
The scent of strawberries still lingered on the card. “Thank you, Marie. When you talk to her, tell her Happy Birthday, and that I’m thinking about her.”
“I will, Mr. Parker.”
“I think it’s more than okay for you to call me Jack.”
“I know, but it just seems weird to me. I’ll try it, Jack.” She chuckled, turned on her heel, and left.
He didn’t watch her go.
Staring at the letter in his hand, he was tempted to open it up then and there, but instead, he packed away his things and left the school.
Heading to his car, he waved at some of his students, but once he was behind the wheel, he had one focus, getting home.
He did so without making any stops. The sign in his front lawn didn’t calm him that day. The realtor wasn’t happy that he didn’t want to be present for any of the viewings. He didn’t want to see anyone who would be buying his property.
Entering his home, he grabbed a beer and made his way outside to his table on the porch. There was a chill in the air, but tonight, he didn’t feel it as he stared at her envelope. It was the first one he’d received, and he wanted to savor every single moment.
Turning it over, he opened up the envelope and pulled out the paper. Opening it up, he smiled at her handwriting. So neat, sure, and he ran his fingers across it.
You’re a grown-ass man loving some handwritten work.
Get over yourself.
Releasing a breath, he focused on the words.
Dear Jack, Mr. Parker,
I don’t know why I didn’t think to actually write to you, and send it. It’s the strangest thing, but I was watching a woman the other day in the park. She was sitting down, and she had this large coat. Her hair was swishing all around her, but she held this letter in one hand, clearly open, and in the other, pieces of paper with writing. My parents said I couldn’t have any contact with you at all. Being the total modern-day girl that I am, I didn’t even think of writing. I know you can’t write back. I don’t want you to get in trouble, and Dad’s still being an ass.
My birthday is fast approaching, and I still can’t stop thinking about you. The days here are so long. They’re miserable as well. The weather is not the best. It’s never the best to be honest, and I know I shouldn’t complain, but there it is. It’s my letter lol. See what I did there. I can still say lol.
Anyway, I feel happier just knowing that I’m writing to you.
I wanted to say how sorry I am about everything that has happened. That day on my birthday nearly a year ago now, I never for a second thought about what would happen. I had developed this crush on you. It was so big, which was why I went and sat in the back of the room. You know the spot. I didn’t want you to think less of me for actually having feelings for you. I know, I’m weird, but I’ve accepted that. Kissing you was the best thing I ever did. Falling in love with you, I can’t be upset about that.
Jack, I love you. More than anything else in the world, and this time apart, it is killing me. However, I have hope. I know it’s not right of me to ask this, but … will you wait for me? My parents can’t keep this up forever, I just know it. I love you, and I want to be with you. I’m going to find a way. Somehow.
If you don’t want to take that chance, I understand.
Please let Marie know what you want to do, and I will accept it either way. What we had shouldn’t have happened. It was forbidden, wrong, but when you actually think about it, only you being my teacher was wrong. That was all.
Everything else is what people write books about, make movies for.
I love you, Jack Parker, and I will be yours always.
Lucia
Jack smiled as he read the letter a second and third time.
Being with Lucia, no matter the age difference or whether they should have done it or not, it was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. He didn’t realize that he could have fallen in love or have these feelings at all.
Love was something he’d never known for most of his life.
It seemed rather fitting that the rebel in him would fall in love with a student.
“I’ll wait for you, Lucia. Forever if I have to.” He pressed a kiss to the letter, feeling some hope after so much darkness.
****
Lucia chewed on her cereal as her father entered the kitchen. She didn’t say anything to him. It was her birthday, and her mother had already wished her a good day, kissed her head, and left for work.
To Lucia it was just another day.
“Happy Birthday,” her father said.
“Thank you.”
She didn’t turn to look at him.
Their relationship had been strained for a long time. It was kind of funny actually. She and her mother had always struggled to see eye to eye, and yet it was her father that was difficult to talk to.
Every single night her mother came to see her now, to make sure she was happy.
“What are you doing today?” her father asked.
She chewed her food, staring at him. “Seeing the sights.”
The university admin office had to let her go over the summer as they had no need for volunteers.
She was still looking for work and waiting on her visa change. Until then, her parents had said for her not to worry.
“How long are you going to stay mad at me?” he finally asked.
Lucia stared at him and wondered what to say.
Forever?
Until you let me go back to him.
“How do you feel about Mom?” she asked instead.
“What do you mean?”
“How do you feel about her? I know you met each other when you were young and you both knew what you wanted out of life. Neither of you wanted a kid. Yes, I know, you love me. I’m just curious though. Did you love her?”
“Of course I loved her. We both knew what we wanted out of life. We both were in love and had these plans. Why?”
“I was just curious.”
“Why?”
“Because … I wanted to know. It’s my birthday after all. I don’t want to fight with you.” She took another mouthful of food and stared at him. She didn’t actually taste anything, but cereal seemed to be the only food that she could actually stomach right now. “What would you have done if you were kept apart?”
“Lucia?”
“I’m just curious.”
“Your mother and I, we didn’t do anything wrong.”
“And yet Jack and I did.” She watched her father’s hands clench into fists.
“He was your teacher.”
She smiled. “All my life I was the good girl. The perfect daughter you could have. I never made waves. I didn’t stop you from going to your conferences, or your late-night work. Today is my birthday, and a year ago, you both presented me with a car and a promise. A promise that you wouldn’t forget my birthday.” She glanced down at her watch. “In about ten hours, a year ago, work took priority over me.”
“Why do you keep bringing this up?”
“Because I want you to realize that you’re not perfect. That I wasn’t perfect. That I was happy. I fell in love with Jack Parker, and even though you didn’t agree with it, it doesn’t mean it was wrong. He’s not my teacher anymore. I love him, and I’m not going to keep on letting you do this.” She tapped the paper and pushed it over to him. “Once I find a job, and I can be on my own two feet, I’m out of here. I’m done being this person, Dad. I’m done behaving as if I’ve done something wrong. I’m a good person. I’m not going to keep being bullied or protected by you anymore.”
She got to her feet, and without a backward glance made her way out of the house. The weather was once again miserable, but with an umbrella in hand, she felt like she had a chance.
There was going to come a point when her father’s threat wouldn’t stand. He wouldn’t be able to keep her in check.
She didn’t know what happened to her the other day as she’d stood in the park looking into the small lake. People were laughing, joking, arguing, and activity was everywhere.
As she stood there, she realized that she could write to Jack. She couldn’t receive anything from him, but also that as the years passed, her father’s threat would cease to matter.
A twenty-year-old, twenty-five–year-old, who would care if she dated a teacher? There was a way for them. She just had to wait and see if Jack felt the same.
****
“What are you going to do?” Patricia asked.
Bill looked dejected. Even though they’d both tried to put a brave face on it, the truth was, they were fast losing that fight. She’d always been the one that was at loggerheads with her little girl, and it was Bill who acted like a go-between. Now, their roles were reversed, and she knew it was tearing her husband apart, but also damaging their little girl.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Fix it.”
“How?”
“You know how, but you’re being too damn stubborn for your own good.”
Bill sighed. “You really want me to do this?”
“It’s our daughter, Bill.”
“He had no right.”
“They’re in love.”
“And if it doesn’t last?” he asked.
“That’s not our fault. We did our bit. I don’t want to be one of these moms that have regrets. I already have them from missing the day she first walked to her words, to now. She fell in love and had sex, and that is something a mother and daughter are supposed to know. I’ve listened to other parents at work, and they know. They know their kids through and through. My girl was having sex and a relationship, and I didn’t know. I couldn’t see a damn difference, Bill. This is not perfect, I get that, but … we can’t come between them. We can’t.”
She stared at her husband, knowing that he felt the same way.
“And if he’s moved on?” He dropped his head into his hands. “Then it’s my fault. I took her away.”
“Then we did everything we could, but I don’t think he would. Bill, he didn’t even fight you when you attacked him.” She’d never seen her husband attack anyone before. It had been a shock to see that kind of violence in her best friend, her love, and the man that was her life.
“You know you are a good mother,” he said, getting to his feet.
“You don’t have to lie to me.”
“You’re a good mother, because you know when you’re at fault. You recognize it.” He moved toward her, kissing her head.
“Does this mean you’ll do it?”
“It means I’ll do something. I don’t like him.”
“I don’t expect you to like him. Our parents didn’t exactly get on, but they abided each other to help us be together. Why can’t we do the same for our girl?”
He released a breath, but it was in that way she’d come to know. It meant he was going to do as she asked.
Patricia didn’t know if she was doing the right thing or not, only that she had to do something. Seeing her daughter so unhappy didn’t help.
She wanted to see that radiant smile she’d seen so many times before. The sadness hung over her like a dark cloud, and Patricia wanted rid of it for good.
****
Lucia whistled as she stared out of the window. It was pouring down with rain like it had been doing so many times in the past few weeks. She’d seen the news report of the recent floods that had been happening up and down the country.
“Your father should be arriving any minute,” her mother said, sipping some of her wine.
“Okay.”
“You could at least show some excitement at seeing him again.”
Her father had been gone a week.
While he’d been away, Patricia had been present constantly. They had even spent the day touring the local sights, stopping by in a few museums, and doing some mother-daughter bonding.
It was kind of surreal to be getting along with her mother. Removing the peas from their pods, Lucia stole a couple as she worked. The tender green balls were really sweet. They’d gone to the farmers’ market, and her mother had this big giant feast planned for when he arrived home.
She didn’t get it, and it did seem strange to her that her dad would just leave for something work-related without taking her mom.
“I will. I do miss him.”
“You do?” Patricia asked.
“Of course. I know we’re not on the best terms right now, but I still love you guys.”
Patricia bit her lip, and Lucia realized that was exactly where she got her lip biting from, her mother. “You’re sure, even though we’re bad parents?”
Lucia giggled. “You’re not bad parents. I get why you did what you did,” she said.
“You do?”
Her mother was saying those two words a lot.
Yes, there had been another moment of clarity for Lucia while watching the news where a girl had been killed after running away with an older man.
She’d watched the news bulletin and listened to the story. Then of course, she thought about her own situation, and realized for the past few months she’d been behaving like a spoiled brat.
Her parents loved her very much. They were worried about her, and rather than seeing this from their perspective, she’d only seen it from hers, which was they’d taken her away from the man she loved.
“Yeah. You both love and care for me. Jack and I, we made a few mistakes with our relationship, but I know you guys love me. You both want the best for me, and I want to say sorry to Dad when he gets home.” She sighed and turned to her mother. “I’m so sorry for making your life hard, for making this somewhat unbearable. I didn’t want to do that, but I ended up doing it anyway. I am sorry.”
“Oh, honey.” Patricia pulled her into her arms. “I love you so much, and I’m so sorry for being a pain in the ass and a nag. God, I wouldn’t be able to handle anything happening to you. I know you’re growing up and you’re an adult now. You can make your own choices, but just know that I love you so much. So, so much.”
She held Patricia tightly to her.
“How have you been without Dad? This is your first time apart?”
“We talk constantly. He lets me know how he’s doing.”
“Where did he go again? You never said why he had to leave.”
She opened up another pod, shucking out the peas before turning her gaze back to Patricia. She saw the frown on her face.
“What? What is it?”
“It’s nothing. I’m just surprised at how grown up you’ve gotten.” Patricia stroked her cheek.
The ringing of the doorbell pulled her away. Patricia jumped, looking nervous.
“Mom, what’s the matter? You’re kind of scaring me right now.”
“It’s nothing. Just continue doing those peas. I’ll go and answer it.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Lucia continued to open up the pods, watching the peas fall into the bowl.
She’d never have thought Patricia was acting weird, but there was a first time for everything.
Since sending her letter to Jack, talking with her dad, the news bulletin, life, for the first time, she felt … okay. She wasn’t pulled down by misery, but she could see more clearly and understand.
She’d already made the decision that when her father arrived, she wanted to apologize to him. To say how sorry she was for the way she’d been behaving. Her relationship with her parents was not the best, but it was still there. One day she hoped to go back to Jack, but fear of what her father would do stopped her from immediately jumping on a plane and going to him. She didn’t want to lose herself, and also her talks with Marie helped a lot.
Marie finally decided to cut her losses with the traveling ranch hand and was already enrolled in college, taking classes, and knew exactly what she wanted to be
Unlike Marie, Lucia was still trying to figure out what she wanted to study.
Lucia frowned.
They were taking a long time.
Shucking the last pod, she looked up and froze. There in the reflection of the glass was Jack.
She didn’t know what to do or what to say. He was right there, in the kitchen doorway, staring at her.
Closing her eyes, she counted to three, and opened them again.
“I’m still here,” Jack said. “I have days like that when I think I’ve seen you. You’re not there though.”
She spun around, and it was him. He stood in the kitchen doorway.
“It’s cold out.”
“Your mom hung my jacket up.”
“She knows you’re here?” she asked.
Panic, fear, happiness, excitement, all other kinds of emotions swamped her, and she didn’t know what to do.
“We both know he’s here,” Bill said, drawing her attention to the side of Jack. Patricia was snuggled into Bill’s side.
“Dad?”
“Look … you’re my little girl. You will always be my little girl. I don’t claim to be a good dad, but I reacted and I didn’t think. I’ve only known anger these past few months. I, I was in shock, seeing my little girl, and I just blew. I was worried, but I decided that even though I don’t agree on how you both conducted yourselves, or what happened, I know for a fact that you both love each other. Now, love, I understand. I’ve never loved anyone more than your mother. I won’t come in between the two of you, and I don’t want any more lies or sneaking around. We’re going to give you a few moments to talk.”
Tears filled her eyes, and she didn’t know what to say or what to do.
When she turned to Jack, he opened his arms, and she ran into them.
The instant his arms were around her, holding her close, everything felt right in the world. This was her man, in her home, holding her. Everything was how it was supposed to be.
“Strawberries. I’ve missed this smell. I’ve missed you. Fuck, how I’ve missed you.”
Tilting her head back, she smiled up at him, but he took possession of her mouth, and she was lost. His kiss drove her need higher, she wanted his lips more than her next breath. He slid his tongue across her mouth, and she opened up, and he plunged inside.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she said as he pulled away from the kiss. “I don’t … what happened? You’re here.”
“I’m here.”
“Dad went and got you?”
“Yes.”
She listened as Jack told her everything.
****
Three days earlier
Jack finally had a buyer for his home, and as he wrapped up one of the few pictures he possessed, he couldn’t help but feel the velvet box in his pocket. Over eight months had passed since he last saw the love of his life, and a few weeks since he’d gotten that letter.
He was filled with hope, but he didn’t know what to do.
Lucia wanted him to have his dream, but while teaching was great, it wasn’t the same as being with her.
He’d already told his parents of his decision and the possible repercussions of what he was going to do. They of course advised him against going and finding the woman he loved. He didn’t need to teach.
The inheritance and money he earned from that, along with his stocks and shares, made him a very comfortable man. Besides, there were other career avenues. Teaching was just one part.
He was only thirty-one years old. He could do anything he wanted.
The only thing he couldn’t live without was Lucia.
Marie had stopped by to visit him, and he’d told her of his plan. She was all for it. She wanted her friend happy once again.
He’d just finished packing his third box of books when his doorbell had rung. It wasn’t often he had guests. His parents never visited him, and there weren’t many people besides Marie that he’d call his friends.
When Jack opened his door, Bill Deen was the last person he expected to see.
Glancing behind him, he saw that he was also alone.
“I’m not here to start a fight or to cause problems,” Bill said.
“What are you here for?”
“I want to talk.”
“You want to finally talk to me?”
“I don’t think I’ve got much of a choice, do I?”
Rubbing the back of his head, Jack stepped away from the door and allowed the other man to enter.
“You’re moving?” Bill asked.
“Yep. End of next week.” He intended to put most of his stuff into storage until he knew what was happening.
“You’re just going to leave?”
Jack sighed and glanced up at the other man. “I’m done.”
“What?”
“You can report my ass. Accuse me of whatever you want. I no longer care. Lucia … I know you’re pissed, and in your shoes, I’d feel the same way. I shouldn’t have touched her or had a relationship with her. But it wasn’t just about all of that. I fell in love with her. I can’t live without her anymore, and if she would be willing to have me, then I want to marry her.”
“What about your teaching? You love it.”
“I do. Teaching is something I enjoy. I won’t deny that, but it’s not worth it without her.” He smiled. “I never thought I’d fall so hard for a woman, but Lucia has that way about her. The moment she got inside my head there was no letting her go. I love your daughter, Mr. Deen.” He pulled out the velvet box. “And I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
Jack was done hiding. He was done with it all.
“You got her a ring?”
“Before last Christmas I got it for her. I saw it and knew it would fit perfectly on her.” Jack ran a hand down his face. “I’m sorry. You’re here at my house. I’m being rude. What can I do to help you?”
“I was wrong.”
“Sorry?”
“I was wrong about you and Lucia. She’s my daughter, and I will always worry about her. The past months, they’ve been hard. Lucia didn’t take the move too well nor any contact with you. I can’t say that I am going to agree to this, but will you come back home with me? My wife and I, we want to try and make this work.”
“You want me to come to your home.”
“Yes. Lucia’s mother and I, our parents didn’t always see eye to eye. We had to put up with a great deal to be together. I promised myself that if I ever had a chance to be different, I’d do it. Yet, I acted the same way as my father did. We always do crazy things for the people we love. I can see that you love my daughter, and I will give this a chance between the two of you. To make it work. Providing Lucia would have you, of course.”
“Of course.” Jack laughed. “Thank you. Thank you.” He held his hand out for Bill to take. There had been a few seconds of pause, but finally, Bill held his hand out.
****
“He helped me pack up my home and now I’m here, with you.” Jack stroked her cheek, retelling her most of what happened, leaving out the engagement ring part.
“You’re here.” She smiled. “Sorry, I can’t see my dad helping you pack or actually being nice to you.”
“It happened,” Jack said. “He’s a pretty good guy.”
“I’m a very good guy and lenient. Get to the next part,” Bill said, shouting to be heard.
On the way over here, he’d been driving him insane, worrying.
****
Two hours earlier
“I’ve never asked a woman to marry me before,” Jack said.
“It’s quite easy.”
“You’re on the wrong side of the road.”
“We’re in England. This is the right side of the road.”
Jack tensed as they passed a large truck. “Crazy, crazy people.”
“So, you’ve never proposed to anyone?”
“Years ago, I promised to marry my dog before she died.” He’d never told anyone that before. “Just pretend I didn’t mention that. I was six, and I didn’t know any better.”
“You’re panicking and acting out.”
“How did you do it?”
“I took Patricia out and asked her. I don’t have much more experience at these things than you, Jack. I’ve only ever asked one woman. It’s not like you can train for these things.”
“What if she hates the ring?”
“She’ll love the ring.”
“What if she says no?”
“I went across the ocean to come and get you because my daughter told me in no uncertain terms that she was unwilling to live without you. She’s going to say yes. It’s a foregone conclusion.”
“What do I say?”
“‘Lucia, I know your parents are the best in the world and it’s going to cost them a great deal to let me take you, but, as your father has said, I have his total blessing. I promise to love you every single day, to be completely faithful otherwise your father has also promised to sever a certain appendage and tie it around my neck, and to make you happier than you ever thought possible. If I fail all of these requirements, I forfeit my right to life, and will gladly die at your father’s hand.’”
Jack remained silent, staring over at Bill. “You’re kind of scary right now.”
“That was a similar talk I had with Patricia’s dad. I was so scared after that. For weeks, I kept checking where I walked just in case he was breathing down my neck. If I saw Patricia frown, I’d do something crazy like cluck like a chicken. It made her laugh every single time, until she realized what I was doing.”
Jack winced. “Wow.”
“I’m a pretty good father-in-law to have.”
“I’m seeing that right now.”
“All I ask is that you love my girl. To never do anything to hurt her, and possibly consider a move to England. It’s a pretty good place to be.”
“I could teach in London. It’ll be a huge pain in the ass, but I’ll do it for her.”
“It’s something to look into.”
“You’re happy with me being here?” Jack asked.
Bill was silent for a few moments. “I’m not angry you’re here, and I don’t want to kill you. I’d consider that progress. Besides, you’re supposed to be focusing on how you’re going to propose to my girl.”
“Right.”
****
Present
Bending down on one knee, feeling like this was his biggest moment, Jack reached into his pocket, feeling the velvet box.
“Jack, what are you doing?”
“I know you’re young and we’ve been apart the last nine months. There is no one else. There hasn’t been anyone else. I love you more than anything in the world, Lucia Deen. You’re the light of my life, and you have the best parents in the world.” She laughed. “I did rehearse this.”
“I approved,” Bill said.
“Jack—”
“Please, let me finish. I’ve always rebelled. I’ve never followed the rules, and I even broke my three rules for you, but I never expected to find the perfect woman in you. The love of my life. I’m screwing this up.”
“Keep going,” Bill shouted again. Jack actually believed they could be friends. In the past few days they’d discovered they had a lot in common. They both loved books, poetry, life, the law, and of course Lucia.
“My home is with you. My love is with you. I don’t care about teaching if I’m not with you. It’s not important to me unless you’re there with me. Lucia Deen, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I will try to be a good husband to you. To give you whatever your heart desires. You’ll want for—”
Lucia silenced him with a kiss. She went to her knees, arms wrapped around his neck, and her lips on his.
He held her close, kissing her back with a passion.
The time apart melted away.
“What’s your answer?” Bill asked.
Lucia pulled away, smiling. “Yes. Of course, yes.”
“You’re going to marry me?”
“Yes, I want to marry you, Jack. I want to be yours.”
When he got to his feet, Bill and Patricia were there, hugging him.
“So, this was why you wanted to do the big feast?” Lucia asked.
“It was a feast to celebrate,” Patricia said.
“We were the only two convinced you’d say yes,” Bill said. “You were both so nervous.”
Stepping into Jack’s arms, he saw her father falter for a second, and knew it would take him time, but at least he’d given them both this, and he was so thankful for it. He’d never intended to fall in love, but Lucia had entered his world and turned it upside down. In time, they would no longer be the teacher and the student, but Jack and Lucia, or husband and wife.