Chapter 10 #2
Howard’s expression shifted, but it was still tense and uncomfortable. “Is that why you wish to spend time with me?” he asked unconfidently. “Because I am some sort of…catch?”
Instantly, Yves saw his mistake. “No!” he exclaimed.
They were lucky in that the dance ended at precisely that moment.
They were doubly lucky that they had ended it near one of the corners of the room.
Yves stepped out of Howard’s arms and took his hand, leading him over to a relatively sheltered corner beside a window that was decorated with candles.
“That is not what I meant at all,” he said, taking Howard’s hands again and moving closer to him so that they might create a world all of their own.
“I am with you and I wish to continue to be with you for as long as possible because you are a good man, Howard. You are wise and considerate. You helped me when no one else could or would. I find your experience alluring and your tales of adventure fascinating. I understand fully if I am not enough for you—”
He intended to say more, but Howard raised a finger and placed it over his lips.
“You are enough,” he said. “Do not ever think that you are not enough for anyone or any circumstances. You are clever and brave. You are beautiful and have such a good heart. Watching you with those urchins the other day and with your nephews and nieces today was truly a pleasure.”
Yves caught his breath, more because of the sweet look in Howard’s eyes than because of what he was saying. “You were delightful to watch as well,” he said.
He wanted to say more, but the sentiments in his heart could not form themselves into coherent thoughts or words. He felt as if he stood on the precipice of something great, something that might form the rest of his life, but he did not know how to make that final leap.
Howard let out a breath and relaxed into a smile. “My darling angel,” he said, pulling Yves into an embrace. “It has occurred to me that the two of us have done ourselves and each other a great disservice by not being perfectly clear with one another.”
“Oh?” Yves asked tremulously, desperately hoping that Howard meant what he thought he meant.
Howard chuckled, as if he understood Yves’ single syllable to mean so much more. He pulled him closer and grasped Yves’ chin, tilting his head up so that he could bend down and kiss him lightly. When he was done, he said, “I love you.”
Yves caught his breath, blinking up at Howard. “Do you?” he asked. He immediately felt like a fool. He shook his head slightly and rushed to say, “That is, I mean, I love you, too.”
Howard’s smile grew. The two of them just stood there staring at each other for a moment until Howard started to laugh. “What a fine pair we make,” he said.
“We do,” Yves rushed to agree, although he knew he meant something different. “We make a splendid pair.”
“Oh?” Howard asked, imitating him.
Yves grinned and said, “You are wise and experienced, I am young and eager. You lead with your head and, well, other things, and I lead with my heart.” He paused, then laughed and added, “And other things.”
Howard laughed along with him until he seemed unable to stop himself from drawing Yves into his arms for another kiss.
Yves could have floated in that kiss for hours, even though they stood in a very crowded ballroom.
He knew the others would not mind, though.
They all probably approved in the extreme.
The kiss did eventually end, however, and Howard asked, “So you do not wish to leave this life of decadence to return to your family? You do not wish to trade your sinful ways for the life of a respectable grocer?”
“Not at all,” Yves said, making a face and then laughing. He raised a hand to rest it on Howard’s face. “I wish to be with you.”
Howard drew in a breath, his entire countenance beaming with joy.
“And I wish to be with you, my angel,” he said.
“For more than just a night or two. I find that I want to be with you always. I want to take you around the world to show you everything, and I want to settle into some cozy home with you here in London.”
“Truly?” Yves asked. “We can truly travel the world? And have a home together in London?”
“It might have to be a home here within The Chameleon Club if we are to avoid suspicion,” Howard said, “but yes. Yes, indeed.”
“Oh, Howard!” Yves said. He could not help but throw himself into Howard’s arms, wrapping his arms around his lover’s body. “Nothing would make me happier.”
“Nothing would make me happier as well,” Howard said, lifting him off his feet and spinning him in a quick circle.
When he put Yves down, he said, “I am set to travel to Italy in the new year. I know it is quite a lot to ask, particularly as you have only just reunited with your sister, but would you like to come with me?”
Yves gasped. “Yes! Yes, I would like that very much. I have never been to Italy. I think it would be wonderful.”
“Then you will accompany me on my trip as the dearest companion of my heart,” Howard said, shifting so he could take Yves’ hands. “And when we return—”
“When we return, we can examine the possibility of opening a home for orphans,” he rushed to say. “Or some similar endeavor that will help the sort of unfortunate souls we have encountered in the last few days.”
“We will,” Howard said, beaming. “And if your sister and her family should like to be involved, I would like that immensely.”
Yves was so overcome with joy that his eyes began to sting with tears and his lower lip wobbled. “It will be such a wonderful life to have,” he said. “It is more than I could have possibly imagined, even a fortnight ago.”
“Our life together will be even more than that,” Howard said. “It will be one filled with family and friends, with goodness and giving. It will be the happiest life anyone could imagine, and all because I will have you as my very own.”
“And you will be mine,” Yves said.
Once again, he could not resist, embracing Howard and lifting to his toes so he could kiss the man soundly. He never would have imagined finding someone who suited him so perfectly in every way and who wanted him in return. Their life together truly would be magical.
I hope you have enjoyed Yves’ and Howard’s story!