Chapter 19
“Luc seems like a very nice young man.”
I snort. “Mom, he’s forty! That’s not exactly young.”
She chuckles, snapping the cover onto the glass container before placing it in the fridge. “Well, darling, when you’ve lived as long as I have, that’s young!”
Quiet fills the kitchen as we continue packing up leftovers and washing dishes. Dinner was a success, and my parents seem to love Luc just as much as I do.
Love?
Huh. Is that why I still get butterflies every time I hear his voice? Or why the nightly phone calls are my favorite part of the day?
No matter how shitty my day is, I know Luc will make everything right.
My mother’s mellifluous voice interrupts my thoughts. “And don’t think I didn’t notice the way you look at him. You’ve got hearts in your eyes.” She smiles.
I roll said heart-filled eyes and ask, “How did you know Dad was the one?”
“When I met your father, he didn’t have two pennies to rub together, but he was charismatic and driven.
He’d walk into a room and people would take notice, myself included.
” Her smile turns wistful, and her eyes glassy.
“He promised someday he’d be wealthy and be able to buy me whatever my heart desired, but that didn’t matter to me.
I stood by his side without all the fancy clothes, cars, and the big house.
.. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat. His soul matches mine.
That’s when you know it’s the real deal. ”
Before I can stop it, a single tear treks down my cheek. Mom’s cool fingers brush it away, cupping my face. “And I think Luc’s soul is a perfect match to yours, Vanessa.”
“Me, too,” I whisper, a tremor in my voice. “But I’m scared. Terrified, actually. We lead such different lives. Can I really just leave the city to be with him? Does that make me weak if I give up my life here for a man?”
“Of course not! If your heart is telling you it’s the right decision, then take the leap. It’s okay if your dreams change and grow. That’s part of life. The city will always be here, Vanessa. But love... It can be fleeting and fickle. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.”
I lean into her touch when she cups my cheek, letting it soothe the raging hurricane of emotions in my gut. “You don’t think it’s too soon for such big feelings?”
“I think fate knows when we need someone and sends them into our lives at the right time.” She winks. My mother winks at me!
There’s a sass and spark to her now. Sure, she was always happy when Viktor and I were younger, but this playful side is new. It suits her, like she’s gotten a new lease on life now that Dad’s prioritizing their relationship again.
I wrap my arms around her and crush her to my body. “Thanks, Mom.”
She sighs, circling her arms around my waist. “Of course, darling. I just want you to be happy.” When we part, she winces. “We should probably rescue Luc from your father.”
Turns out, Luc doesn’t need any rescuing. Their booming laughter fills the toasty living room as I settle next to his warm body. He lifts an arm so I can snuggle closer, wrapping me in his sweet and woodsy scent.
“What are you talking about?” I peer up at my mate, realizing how right this moment is. How this is what the rest of my life could be like if I give him my heart.
His lips tip into a smile, but my dad answers. “Luc has piqued my interest in fishing. Come spring, he’s going to teach me.”
My mouth drops open as my eyebrows shoot up. “You… outside? In nature?” I don’t think my father has spent a day outside the city besides the few family vacations we took when I was younger.
Even then, he didn’t partake in many of the activities, like skiing or ice skating. Most of our vacations were in the winter since vampires don’t do well in the sun or heat. But that doesn’t change the fact that Dad is very much an inside creature.
Dad’s laughter has the shock melting off my face, replaced with a smile. “I’m all about trying new things now that I’m retired. And it seems like a good way to bond with your mate.” His eyes warm as they land on Luc.
The fact that he wants to spend time with my partner, my mate, sends my heart fluttering. Mom’s right; Luc is a perfect match for my soul. Now I just have to figure out how to make my dreams match the future I want.