All of Me

“Okay.” The words were barely off her tongue when he grabbed her by the hand and dragged her over to the line to purchase a ticket. Everything happened so fast, her head spun.

“You okay?”

“It’s just that everything is going so fast. I’m trying to catch up, that’s all.”

They reached the counter, and he pulled out his travel documents. Luckily, there were seats available. She handed over her driver’s license, and a minute later she had a ticket. She would return on a 5:00 p.m. flight tomorrow. Smiling, they went through security and proceeded to the gate. When the time came to board, Karen was surprised to find herself seated in first class. She hadn’t bothered to look at the ticket, but guessed with Damian’s and Kyle’s height, they definitely wouldn’t be comfortable in coach.

Damian reached down for her hand. “You good, baby?”

She smiled and snuggled closer. “Better than good.”

Two planes, a taxi and over seven hours later, Damian opened the door to his house and moved aside so she could enter. Given the late hour, she could only tell that the house was brick and had a nice porch.

He set his bags down in the foyer. Bending, Damian swept her up in his arms and strode purposely from the room and upstairs. “It’s late. Let’s go get comfortable. You can see the house tomorrow. We’ll put your clothes in the washer tonight and go shopping in the morning.”

“I don’t have anything to sleep in.” She had bought a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush and deodorant in one of the airport shops.

“You won’t need anything tonight. I’ll keep you warm,” he said, pressing a wall switch and entering his bedroom. He placed her on her feet.

She laughed. He was right. “Very nice,” she said, turning in a slow circle. Dark, heavy furniture dominated the space with a huge bed as the focal point, decorated in soft gray hues.

“Come on. You can get your shower first.”

She followed him into the bathroom done in gray and black marble.

He turned on the water and placed towels on the counter. “I’ll bring you a shirt.” He left and returned with a black T-shirt. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” She closed the door behind him, undressed and stepped into the heated space. She washed up, careful not to wet her hair, and contemplated her whirlwind of a day. At best, she figured they’d patch things up with a promise to visit in a couple of weeks. She never dreamed she would hop on a plane to go home with him or meet his parents. He promised to show her the house tomorrow, and Karen couldn’t help being apprehensive. So far, nothing in his bedroom indicated the presence of his late wife, but would that hold for the rest of the house?

Chapter 19

While Karen showered, Damian went downstairs to retrieve his bags and turn off the lights. He still couldn’t believe she had come. His heart had filled to near bursting when he heard her calling out to him, and it was all he could do to stand there. But he needed to hear her say the words, to tell him she trusted him and believed in him—in them. Back in his bedroom, he placed his suitcase in a corner and his carry-on bag on a chair. Unzipping an inside pocket, he took out the jeweler’s box, clutched it in his palm and offered up a prayer of thanks. With any luck, the ring would end up exactly where it should be.

He walked down the hallway to a second bathroom and showered. When he returned, Karen was just coming out of the bathroom. Like any man, he got a thrill from seeing her in his shirt. He stood nearly a foot taller than her, so the shirt went almost to her knees.

She held up her clothes. “Can I put these in the washer?”

“Follow me.” He led her back downstairs to the laundry room and waited while she started the washer, then carried her back upstairs.

He pulled the covers back on the bed and made a mental note to thank his housekeeper for changing the sheets. Damian placed Karen on the bed, climbed in and pulled her into his arms. He groaned with contentment.

“I’m so glad you came,” he said, brushing a kiss across her lips. “So glad.”

“Me, too.”

He kissed her again and set about showing her just how happy he was.

* * *

Damian woke up the following morning, braced on his elbow and watched Karen sleep. Twenty-four hours ago, he thought he’d have to live without this remarkable woman. He wanted her by his side for always and didn’t know how he was going to let her go this afternoon.