“Good. I guess. I mean, that no one killed them. But they’re still gone either way.”
“Yes. Your father and I had a good talk while waiting for you. He explained the family dynamics to me.”
“You know what my mother did?” She was surprised because they never told anyone. No one in Alexandria Bay even had a clue they were related to a billionaire. Or that my Mom once was one of them.
“He did. He told me everything.”
“What a love story.”
“Do you know what he said?” She shook her head. “That your mother never missed the money because she had everything she ever wanted—you and your dad.”
“And we have her. I just don’t know for how much longer.” Her heart broke thinking about it.
Charles said softly, “What I’ve learned since I met you is that time can be broken down in many ways. But it’s who you spend it with, what you do with it, that defines your life. You’re right, they are a beautiful love story. And I hope you can see past my faults so we can have one of our own.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I thought you said you weren’t a romantic. Now you have me bawling like a baby.”
He reached up and wiped her tears. “If they are tears because you love me, let them flow, and I’ll catch every one of them.”
She leaned toward him and put her arms around his neck. “They are, Charlie. And they are all for you.”
She winced and pulled back. He looked at her. “Are you okay?”
“Let’s just say bucket seats and a stick shift aren’t the most comfortable when it comes to making up and making out.”
He laughed. “I hear there is this wonderful B&B in town. It gets rave reviews. What do you say we give it a try?”
She laughed as she slipped back into her seat. “I don’t know if they have any vacancies.”
“I’m sure when Brandy sees us pull up, there will be.” He gave her a playful wink.
As they made their way back to town, she let go of all the worries she’d been carrying. Her parents were going to be okay. She would always make sure of that. Her job, well she’d find another. But what she couldn’t do without was the person sitting beside her. He had somehow become the glue holding her together. Nothing seemed quite so difficult when she knew they would face it as one.
She leaned over and said, “Is that offer still valid?”
“You might need to clarify that a bit. Which one exactly?”
“To live with you.”
She saw his face light up with the biggest grin yet. “I think I might want to move in with you.”
Rosslyn laughed. “I’m homeless. I’m going to have to live with my parents. I don’t think that would be ideal.” Not with the looks they get at the B&B.
“That’s not what I meant. I mean buy a house here in Alexandria Bay. You could be close to your parents and I can—”
“No, you’re not leaving your job. I can learn to like the city.” It was different when her mother left the family. She was disowned. But she didn’t want Charles to leave his family and his friends.
“I thought we could commute. Do three days in the city, four up here. What do you say?”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“If you haven’t figured it out, I’m not the jokester in the bunch. So, is that a yes?”
She smiled, leaned over, and kissed his cheek. “That’s a yes. I love you, Charlie.”
“I love you too, Rosslyn. Now if you don’t mind, I’m about to break the speed limit.”
Rosslyn placed her hand on his upper thigh teasingly and said, “What are you waiting for? Pedal to the metal.” She burst out laughing as the car jolted when he popped the clutch, switching gears in all the excitement. The engine roared as they raced down the roadway. She knew they were about to have some of the best make-up sex the world had ever heard. Let’s make the entire town jealous. I don’t care as long as I have you.