Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

He didn't reply, and for a moment I thought the game was over, but I didn't dare open my eyes. First, I felt him leaning over me. Then I sensed his face coming closer . . . closer . . . until . . his lips touched mine. And his kiss lingered on my hungry lips.

"Had to make it sincere," he whispered, and I opened my eyes. I wanted to reach up and pull him down to me, but I was so taken with my own feelings and the look in his eyes, I couldn't move. Then he smiled.

"It worked! You're awake."

He scooped me up into his arms again.

"My prince," I said, and embraced him more tightly.

"And now, to carry you off and away." He held me like that for a few long moments. If he were struggling, he didn't show it. Finally, I laughed.

"Okay, my prince, put me in the chair. I believe you," I said, thinking that someone could come into the room and find us like this.

He lowered me e

ver so gently and then stepped back.

"How do I look to you? Tell me the truth," I added quickly, afraid that I had changed dramatically and lost whatever beauty I had once possessed.

"Well, . . you're thinner. And I am having some trouble getting used to that hair color, I'm afraid."

'Im changing back to my own natural color tomorrow,"

"But other than that, you're no different, just as pretty as ever."

"Luke Toby Casteel, you'd tell me I was pretty even if my face were covered with chicken pox," I said, trying to cover my obvious pleasure.

"I remember when it was and I did think you were still pretty, or at least, cute." He fidgeted about for a few moments. "You want me to wheel you anywhere?"

"No, just stay here for a while."

He nodded, his dark blue eyes narrowing on me.

"When I just looked down at you, with your eyes closed like that, I. . I didn't want to pretend. I wanted it to be a real kiss, Annie," he confessed.

"It was a real kiss," I said. "A wonderful kiss."

He nodded and then looked away quickly, knowing that if he didn't, we might say too much.

"Oh, Luke, I missed you so much."

He pressed his teeth down softly over his lower lip and nodded gently. I saw that he was holding back tears.

"Well now, I see ya up and ready to get started. That's good." Suddenly Fanny was in the doorway. "Want ta wash up and stuff and get ready for breakfast?

"Yes, Aunt Fanny."

"Okay then. You scoot of Luke, and get Annie up and dressed."

"I'll bring up her breakfast," Luke offered, He started out.

"Luke," I called. He turned around quickly. "Thanks, but from now on, no more meals in bed. No more invalid."

He smiled. "Great. We'll work on your walking as many times during the day as you want." He looked at his mother.

"If ya two are gonna keep talkin' like this, I'll jist go back ta the livin' room and twiddle ma thumbs."

"I'm leavin'." He flashed a smile at me and walked out.