Spoilt (34 page)

His knock was answered by Charlotte and her first reaction
was to scowl before bursting into a beaming smile. He knew the
large two story house contained two wings separated by a sweeping
staircase through the middle, but a quick glance over Charlotte’s
shoulder revealed that Chelsea had understated the house’s size and
appearance.

“
It’s about time you showed up. Chelsea is sulking
upstairs.”

Chelsea sat on a small love seat by a large inviting window
providing a view of the lovely gardens below. She was hugging her
knees to her chest and her face was turned away towards the window.
Beside her on the seat sat his journal and his heart beat
frantically in hope. He cleared his throat.

* * *

Chelsea stared out into the garden, unseeing. Someone had
purchased both Bloom and her house. Her life in the city was over.
Now that it was done, she felt sadder than before. Her parents
advised her both properties were purchased through an agent and
they were unaware who the buyer actually was. That chapter of her
life was now over but she still couldn’t close the book. What was
she going to do now?

A familiar throat clearing jolted her from her reverie and for
a moment she thought she’d imagined it. She turned slowly to find
Lucas perched on the foot of her bed, gazing at her, his face
guarded and his eyes amber. Her heart leapt.

“
What are you doing here?” she asked.

“
I want you to come back to the city.”

“
Why?”

“
Because I do.”

“
Why? Besides, I can’t. I've sold Bloom and the
house.”

“
I know. I bought them both.”

“
What? Why?”

“
My parents left me some money, which was more than enough to
purchase the shop and house. I want you to come home.”

“
Why?”

“
Because...”

“
Because what, Lucas?”

“
Because ... I’m in love with you. I was from the moment I saw
you.”

He stood up and strode the short distance across the room.
He lifted her up from the seat and drew her in close to him. A wave
of emotions coursed through her as she studied his expression. His
crooked smile sent her heart into a flurry and his eyes were full
of love. His hand came to her face and he ran a fingertip down her
cheek and stopped at her chin.

“
Can you forgive me?” he asked in a broken voice.

She nodded, unable to speak.

His lips sought hers, lovingly, hungrily. She wrapped her legs
around his waist and returned his kiss with vigour, the long lonely
weeks pouring from her lips to his. He pulled back to stare into
her eyes and saw he was still there.

“
I love you too.” She smiled with delight.

“
Please come home with me.”

“
If you promise you won’t ever leave me again.”

“
I’m not going anywhere,” he said and kissed her
again.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

“
I’m so glad we still live here,” Chelsea said to Lucas while
curled up in his lap in their favourite spot. “The view is just too
good.”

“
It is,” he said, but he was only looking at her.

She began to nibble his ear.

He cleared his throat.

“
Ok, shoot,” she said.

“
What?” His innocent expression didn’t fool her.

“
I know you want to say something important because you
cleared your throat and now you have a serious face on.”

“
Well, I do have something to ask you and it is very serious,”
he said, with a straight face.

“
What is it?” she said, looking concerned.

“
Well, I was wondering if you would make me really happy and
marry me?” He pulled a ring from his pocket.

“
Oh Lucas,” she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and
kissing him all over his face. “Of course I will. I love you,” she
said and she kissed him passionately.

The phone rang, breaking the moment.

“
Now who could that be?” she said, uncurling herself and
admiring her ring on the way to the phone.

“
Hello.”

“
Guess what?’

“
Hello, Charlotte.”

“
Oh hi. Guess what, I have some news.”

“
Well as a matter of fact, so do I,” she said, smiling at
Lucas.

“
You go first.”

“
Ok,” she paused for effect. “Lucas and I are getting
married.”

Charlotte screamed and then told everyone in the house the
news and there was a stream of congratulations and happy
cheers.

“
So, what’s your news?”

“
Well, it’s not as exciting as yours but I’m moving to the
city. I have a job with a vet there while doing my last
year.”

“
That’s great, Charlotte. We can plan the wedding together
and you’ll be close by.”

“
I’ll be more than close by; I’m going to move in with you and
Lucas.” And then she was gone.

-
The End -