Page 74 of Enchanting the Elf
“Anything,” Adelbert says vehemently, squeezing my hand while his mage hand wipes away the single tear that escaped.
“I want you to lower those mental barriers you have in place when you are with me. If you’re comfortable with it of course. I want you to feel how happy you make me, how much I love you, and that I am not only saying things to keep the peace.”
“Are you sure?” Adelbert asks, eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.
“I’m sure, my noble Adelbert,” I say gently. “I’d like to share this with you. I’ll tell you if I want them back up.”
Seemingly happy with that, Adelbert nods and a small but hesitant smile quirks his lips. I push all my love and excitement for our future toward him, wanting him to feel my sincerity.
A sudden gasp escapes him and a pink flush steals across his cheeks and up to the tips of his pointed ears. A misty sheen covers his eyes and I squeeze his hand.
“I love you, baby.”
“I love you too, Liebling.”
Shifting gears, I say, “Quick thought, let’s redecorate the whole house, but let’s not touch the kitchen. I’m kind of sentimental about it.”
“It’s funny you say that. My grandmother only updated minor things to improve functionality, but this is largely still the original kitchen from when the house was built.”
I trace the wood grain on the table and circle a particularly pretty knot.
“It’s like there are memories embedded into it,” I remark.
Adelbert uses both hands and follows a line on his side too.
“I think you might be right in a sense. The wood in this house has lots of character, especially in the kitchen.” Looking up at me, he adds, “I’d really appreciate your ideas on the rest of the rooms throughout the house too. We can tour through them all today and end in the main suite. That’s the first place I want us to put our personal stamp on. Then, we can move into it and start claiming the rest of the house bit by bit too.”
I wiggle a bit in my seat and my feet tap giddily.
“That sounds amazing. I’m so excited to dream with you.”
Adelbert’s face softens and he gives me that devoted look with puppy dog eyes I’ll never get bored of.
“Me too. I’m looking forward to hearing all your ideas.” Blinking suddenly, he adds, “Before it slips my mind again,remind me to get the book of fairy tales from my grandmother’s study. I have been toying with a new theory and I’d like to read up on it, see if there’s anything in this book that might substantiate my theory.”
“Sure. The one about the branches coming out of the elf’s head?”
“Horns,” Adelbert corrects with mock sternness.
“Horn branches.” I wink and giggle at how funny it is to echo a conversation from so long ago.
Sir Purrington makes himself known with a charming meow and I automatically move back in my seat to make space for him on my lap, but the cat passes me by and heads to Adelbert’s side. I swear there’s some extra swagger in his walk today.
“Why is he coming to me?” Adelbert asks, eyes darting between me and the cat.
“I think he wants you,” I say from behind my hand, trying to stifle a giggle that wants to escape at Adelbert’s confused expression.
“Me? Why me?” Adelbert asks, a little flustered as Sir Purrington patiently stands next to his chair.
“Cats are very independent creatures and they make their own choices. Today, you have been chosen,” I attempt to explain cat behavior.
Adelbert does not look convinced.
“Chosen to do what?”
“He wants to sit on your lap. Just lean back a little so he has enough space to jump up,” I encourage gently, hoping it will lead to more bonding between my two loves.
“Why would he want me when he can have you?” The question is so unguarded and sweet. I know Adelbert really means it, and I melt a little at that.
