“That’s all right.” Darius smiled down at her. “It’s only natural to want to know more about the man who’s dating her daughter.”
A gleam of interest lit her features. “And this is only natural too.” Without warning, she tugged him behind a tall cedar tree and kissed him smack on the lips. His pulse immediately thudded to life, but he quickly pulled away from her.
What was she thinking? Her parents could be watching from any window.
Meredith’s blue eyes swirled with a mixture of hurt and embarrassment. “Darius, don’t you find me attractive?”
“Of course. You’re a beautiful woman, Meredith.”
“Then why haven’t you tried to kiss me? We’ve been dating for a while now, and all you’ve done is kiss my cheek.”
Why hadn’t he? The answer to that was complicated. Residual loyalty to Selene perhaps, combined with indecision as to how serious he was about their relationship. He didn’t want to give Meredith any false impressions until he was certain about their future. “I guess I was taking things slowly.”
“What if I don’t want to go slowly?” She peeked up through her long lashes. “What if I’d like to go much faster?”
Darius blinked at her bold declaration, his collar suddenly seeming too tight again.
“I’m twenty-one, Darius, and my parents are serious about me making a good match.” She gave a shrug. “I’m afraid if you don’t make your intentions known soon, Daddy will marry me off to one of his other acquaintances.”
Darius frowned. “Why the rush?”
Meredith hesitated, then sighed. “It’s because of my sister. Sissy’s turning eighteen in a few months, and Mama is planning her debut.”
“Debut?”
“Her coming out to society. Introducing her to all the eligible men.”
“Oh.” He still didn’t see the problem.
“As the oldest daughter, I’m supposed to be married, or at least engaged, by then. Otherwise it’s an embarrassment to me and my family.”
“That’s . . .” Ridiculous. But he couldn’t say that without offending her. “I don’t know what to say. Our traditions don’t include such a ceremony.”
She clutched his arm. “If you care about me at all, won’t you consider asking Daddy for my hand? I . . . admire you very much, Darius. You’re the one I want for a husband.” She pulled his face close and kissed him again.
This time he let himself explore the sensations that washed over him. The softness of her lips, the brush of her fingers over his cheek, the way her lush figure felt in his arms. It had been a long time since he’d held a woman, and the feelings rushed back in an explosion of need.
Before things got too heated, he pulled back and attempted to get his heart rate under control. There was definite chemistry between them, which boded well for a future together. Really, what was he waiting for?
The answer hit him square in the chest. Sofia.
“I’d like you to get to know my daughter first, Meredith. After all, if we marry, you’ll play a big part in Sofia’s life.”
Meredith’s lips turned up. “I’d love to. She seems like such a sweet child. It will be an honor to be her stepmother.”
She was saying and doing all the right things. So why were silent alarm bells ringing in his head?
“Very well. I’ll speak to your father this evening and make my intentions known. If your parents agree, we can be engaged before your sister’s party.”
She gave a little squeal and clapped her hands. “I’m so happy, Darius. I promise I’ll make you a good wife.” Then she paused, her lashes fluttering. “Would you mind if we make it official tonight? It would mean the world to me.”
He stared at her, trying to decipher her true motive. If he’d sensed the least bit of smugness or conceit in her request, he would have refused outright. But the hint of vulnerability in her eyes crumbled his reserve. “I suppose a few more weeks won’t change anything.” He took her hand. “Meredith, will you be my wife and Sofia’s stepmother?”
Actual tears formed in her eyes. “Yes, Darius. I would love to.”
Because she expected it, he pulled her close and kissed her again. A seal of the promise he’d just made to her.
Then, forcing away any lingering doubts, he smiled down at her. This upcoming marriage would secure his future and, most importantly, Sofia’s. His daughter would go to the best schools and enjoy every opportunity in life. Darius would never have to worry that she might be exposed to the type of prejudice that he and Selene had suffered. Prejudice that had ultimately caused Selene’s death.
He gazed up at the clear skies overhead, his thoughts turning to his late wife. I hope you approve, Selene. We’ll never have to worry about our little one again.
10
Olivia and Margaret strolled along the sidewalk, heading back to the house. Even though it was still early in the day, the heat had already started to climb. It would be hot and sticky by the afternoon. All the more reason Olivia tried to take her walks in the coolness of the morning.
Olivia scanned the buildings as they walked. It was a lovely neighborhood, right on the border of the commercial district, with residences on the other side. The only thing that marred the street was the empty lot to the left of Bennington Place. Ruth told her that someone had bought her former neighbor’s place some years back and had torn the house down, but nothing had been done since. She imagined the new owner must have run into financial difficulties and couldn’t afford to rebuild. A shame for such a nice property to sit idle.
Perhaps if the maternity home did well enough to warrant expansion, one day they might be in a position to purchase the lot and build there themselves.
Just another one of her daydreams.
Olivia smiled as she walked, breathing in the fragrant air. She
