Page 86 of Gwen's Delta
“You love me?” Her voice came out soft, barely above a whisper.
“Yes, princess. I know it’s fast, but it’s right. I don’t want to spend a day without you by my side. You filled a hole in my life I didn’t know was there. But hurting you would kill me.”
“I love you, too. I understand your job and your need to help others, it’s not even close to what my parents did. So no, Luke, you won’t hurt me. You are the man I’ve dreamed about for years. You are kind and strong, maybe a bit of a nerd, and the bravest man I’ve ever met.”
As Luke processed what she’d said, his expression changed, and a huge smile softened all the hard angles of his face. He swept her off the chair and into his arms. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, you are my one and only.”
“And you’re mine,” he said and carried her into the bedroom.
“What about grocery shopping?” She giggled.
“It’ll have to wait—dessert comes first.” Luke’s voice rumbled against her chest and all her girly parts melted.
* * *
Three days later, Gwen’s grandparents threw a party for the Delta team as a thank you for keeping their family safe. Grams baked for two days and catered the meal from the Tuscany Trattoria, Gwen’s favorite Italian restaurant.
Merlin already felt at home in Lancelot and hanging out at the bookstore with Gwen. He’d miss it next week when he had to report back to work. But for today, they’d all hang out and stuff themselves with food.
By the time Commander Turano arrived, the party was well underway. Merlin introduced him to the Dedmonds, who promptly hugged him. Merlin had never seen his CO blush before, and it wasn’t something they would let him live down.
When Merlin took one of the platters into the kitchen to get refills, his CO followed him.
“What’s up, Roe?” Merlin asked. There had to be something on his mind to seek out a private area to chat.
“I just wanted to share a little unofficial news,” Roe said with a grin.
“Oh really? What news? Don’t leave me hanging.”
“It looks like Eric Sand has been transferred to the Peru office.” Rue chuckled.
“Are you shitting me? I guess karma sucks for him,” Merlin said with glee. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. He’d be bored shitless in the Peruvian Consulate. “Can I tell the rest of the team?”
“Sure, but keep it on the down low,” Roe replied.
“Copy that.” With a huge smile on his face, Merlin carried out the refilled tray of chicken parmesan.
Destiny came with Zip, and Gwen finally got to meet Nori, who had surprised Woof by flying in when they’d returned from Egypt. Even Gwen’s parents showed up toward the end of the party. It was awkward at first, but everyone was having too much fun to let them ruin the party.
After they arrived, Gramps announced that Arthur and Stacey had bought a house in Lancelot and would be working at the bookstore from now on. Merlin’s gaze sought Gwen. She was chatting with Destiny and Nori near the dessert table on the other side of the room.
As their eyes met, she winked. Maybe she’d already known since she didn’t look upset. Gwen hadn’t forgiven her parents, but Merlin knew it was only a matter of time. It probably helped that she and Sir Galahad were coming to stay with him for a while. She didn’t know it yet, but he was going to ask her to make it forever. But first, he had to get the ring.
After everyone left, he finally hunted Gwen down in the kitchen. She was at the sink, washing dishes. Merlin came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. He leaned close and inhaled the scent of honeysuckle.
Gwen took a step back to lean against him and rubbed against the erection he’d been trying to ignore all afternoon.
“Oh my, have you had this problem for long?” Gwen teased.
“All afternoon.” Merlin nuzzled the side of her neck, and whispered, “Are you almost done, princess? It’s time for some magic.”
* * *
Magnus “Duff” McCormick had come to Gwen’s bookstore to pick up the manual he had ordered two weeks ago. He needed it to complete the overhaul of the motorcycle he’d purchased at an estate auction. He probably could have figured it out on his own, but he wanted to do it right the first time, not dick with it until he got it right.
It was Saturday and he’d planned to get out to the dirt bike track before noon to get a few laps in before he met the guys at the Ugly Mug for drinks later.
