ChapterSix
Cillian
“So will I love my party or want to ditch it completely?” I ask as Glenda and I exit the main house and walk down the path that leads to the cottage.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy, and I would never betray your mother.” She bites her lip to try and hide her smile, but it’s no use.
“Fine. I’ll trust you.”
“Good, because I’m terrible at keeping secrets, and if you ask me too much more, I’ll blurt out everything.” She brings her hands to her mouth like she’s trying to keep from doing just that.
“I’ll keep that in mind for the future.”
The future. That’s what I think about when I’m with Glenda. Tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. All I can do is envision what will come, and there’s never a dream that doesn’t include her.
We’re on the stone path that’s surrounded by flowers and shaded with trees. It feels secret and like we’re the only two people in the world. Sometimes I wish that were true. I love my family, so I wouldn’t want to be without them, but having Glenda all to myself is something I’ve yearned for.
“How are you not here all the time?” She sighs as she looks over the rolling hills. “It’s so peaceful, I don’t think I could ever leave.”
“That’s how I feel about it too.” She smiles at me, and I grin back. “This is my family’s land, but I’ve inherited the main house and the cottage since I’m the oldest. Amelia has a substantial dowry that Felipe turned down.”
“I heard about that.”
“It was a surprise, but we had it placed into a trust. If one day she wants to have a home here, she can, but I have no doubts that Prince Felipe will see to whatever she dreams of.”
“I’m not sure there’s anything he would deny her,” she agrees, and we both laugh.
“That’s how it should be.” I can feel Glenda’s eyes on me, and we keep walking. “When you love someone, you want to give them everything that their heart desires. Your greatest joy is seeing their joy, and there’s love in that.” I look ahead to the grassy hills and imagine the two of us here in our old age. “That’s what I want.”
She’s silent for a long moment before she finally speaks. “I couldn’t agree more.”
“Sometimes I stay at the cottage when my parents are here to have a party or they want to host a guest. The house is big enough that I wouldn’t know they’re here, but I like my privacy.”
“I can imagine there’s a lot of that so far away from the city.”
“There’s still plenty of reasons to go to the city.” I want to tell her that she’s my reason for being there so much. Otherwise, I’d stay out here like a hermit.
“Really?” She makes a face like I’m crazy. “I can’t think of anything that would make me go back there if I didn’t have to.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Without really thinking it through, I reach out and take her hand. “Careful over this part of the path. Some of the stones are loose.”
That’s a complete lie, but if it’s one that allows me to touch her, then I’ll gladly lie again.
“So you’ll stay at the main house this weekend?”
The soft skin of her wrist is pressed against mine, and all I can do is think about bringing it to my lips. “I’m not sure yet. My mother has invited people for the party, so if the house gets too crowded, I might make a run for it.” I laugh, and so does she.
“Well, as much as I love the peace and quiet, I’m not sure I like the idea of being all alone in the cottage out here.”
“It’s perfectly safe,” I reassure her because I don’t want her to be scared.
“Oh, it’s not that. I’m just reading a romantic thriller right now, and it’s got me imagining all kinds of crazy things.”
“Is that what you like to read?”
She looks down like she’s shy but nods. “Yes. I know it’s silly, but love stories are my favorite.”
“Why are they your favorite?” She cuts her eyes to mine, and I squeeze her hand. “I’m interested, not judging.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m used to people looking down their noses at it.”
“I don’t think I could ever look down on you for anything.” She blushes, and it’s so sweet my chest clenches.
“They’re my favorite because it’s a way to live the life I dream of.”
“Which is what, exactly? To be on the run from a serial killer?” She pretends to scowl. I smile down at her.
“No, smarty pants,” she laughs, and I squeeze her hand again. “To meet someone and fall madly in love and live happily ever after.”
“That’s all?”
“I’m a simple girl.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” I stop walking, and since I’m still holding on to her hand, she’s forced to stop with me. “You might think what you want is simple, but it’s not.” I reach up and brush a lock of hair away from her face. “It’s the greatest thing in the world.”
“You think so?” Her voice is soft, but her eyes don’t leave mine.