American Pie (34 page)

"If I agree?" Joy lit her eyes. "Oh, Jamie! Of course I agree. It's a dream come true!"

They moved toward the table and looked at each other across the pots stacked over the surface. "Everything you said was right, Lucie. I've been a shortsighted fool. A selfish cad."

Crimson flared on her cheeks. "You're not a cad! I only said that"

"No, you were right." His dark eyes caressed her face, her mourn, made love to her. "I don't claim I'm easy with the partnership yet, but I can say I'm willing to try." A smile softened his expression. "After examining your books, lass, I can spy where I might be useful. The question is: can you forgive me for being a damned idiot?"

Her eyes turned as soft as velvet. "Of course I forgive you. I love you, Jamie Kelly."

"And I love you, Lucie Kolska. You don't know what it's been without you. You're my very life, lass." He smiled and his eyes centered on her trembling mouth. "You gave me a speech, now I have one for you."

She smiled, loving him, aching for him. But there were things that needed saying. She gripped the tabletop with impatience, longing to hold him and be held, and nodded.

"I'll earn my way, and I'll make myself worthy of your trust and Stefan's. I won't accept a penny I haven't earned."

"I know that, dearest. I've always known that."

"You were right about everything, lass. Countess Kolska's cream is the opportunity we sought for so long. It makes everything possible. Stefan and I intend to eventually expand the partnership to include design and construction." He drew a breath. "My first task as managing partner of this firm will be to lease a warehouse where the cream will be manufactured. My second objective is to hire a dozen people to actually make the cream. Do you object to anything so far?"

She gazed at him with shining eyes. "Did you truly think I would?" She loved his laughing mouth, his thick auburn hair, the rich sound of his Irish r s.

"Next I plan to retire you." He observed her closely. "Or do you wish to continue making cream?"

She tilted her head. "I think you will make an excellent managing partner," she said softly. "The thought of retirement thrills me. But what shall I do with myself, Mr. Kelly?"

"Your brother has stated that under no circumstances will he release you or me from our pledge. Therefore, it seems you must marry me forthwith."

"I see well, if I must," she said, laughing. Though it was impossible, she imagined a burst of sunshine lit the tenement rooms, as blazing as her happiness. Her heart pounded against her ribs as he moved around the table and caught her in his arms. He crushed her to his chest and murmured her name against her hair.

"God, Lucie. I've missed you so much!"

The distance closed and it was as if they had never been apart. She stroked his dear beloved face and felt a familiar excitement kindle within her body, leaving her breathless as his mouth possessed hers. Both were trembling when he released her.

"Lord above, lass." His shaking fingertips stroked her hair, her cheek, her lips. "When I think how close I came to losing the only thing I ever loved "

Tears of joy glistened in her eyes. Her hands slipped inside his vest and she heard his intake of breath. "We have each other and our future. A wonderful future! Oh, Jamie, such lovely things lie ahead. If only Greta "

He kissed her again, deeply, passionately, telling her as best he could that he would never leave her again. That he would be there always, loving her, cherishing her.

"Lucie, dearest darling," he murmured hoarsely against her parted lips. "Would it be a terribly caddish thing to yes, yes it would."

She pressed close to him, feeling the urgency of his need and her own trembling response. "Dearest Jamie," she whispered. "I want to, I you must know I do, but "

He examined her violent blush, then he laughed and swept her into a tight embrace. "Precious Lucie, there's never been another like you. I love you, I love you," he said against her mouth. "Say you'll marry me. Soon. Immediately. Before I expire from wanting you."

"I agree," she whispered, blushing to the roots of her hair, "The wedding should be soon. Very soon."

"I'll speak to Father Norlic first thing tomorrow." Then he gazed adoringly into her eyes and kissed her again, slowly, deliberately, a kiss that promised delights to come, a kiss that sent her heart pounding and took her breath away.

In the street outside a wagon passed and Lucie heard the jingle of harness bells. The sound was as clear and pure as Greta's musical laughter. For a moment she felt Greta's presence beside her and sensed she would conceive a daughter on her wedding night. A small Greta to love and protect and keep from harm's way. Before the bells faded into the distance, she imagined the fragrance of geraniums scenting the room, a brief impression then gone.

Then there was Jamie, and the excitement of dreams coming true. And the joy of discovering her slice of the pie was as sweet as she had always imagined it would be.