Saying “I love you” made Serenity feel better about her situation, giving her the freedom to wait for Damien. Her happiness didn’t depend on words that were just that. Damien’s disbelief in love was a deep-seated fear from his past. Leaving him felt out of the question. She loved him enough to hold course and not run again.
In the closet of their bedroom, she found a cardigan that matched her blue shirt and checked her image in the mirror.
Soft pink infused her cheeks, and her smile came easily. She fluffed her hair and went downstairs like they were made of pure air.
Damien leaned against the wall but straightened as she approached. He towered over her, like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. "I changed my mind, Serenity. I don't want to go out."
Whatever bothered him clearly made him unhappy. She'd back off for now and do what she needed to do. Her mind felt clear. She nodded at him. "Oh. Well, I guess I should figure out how to deal with Kiwi leaving. I'm still in shock, but I’m so happy for her."
His shoulders were tight, but he waved her to the left. "I'll get you some names. Come to my office."
She followed his muscular backside. "I'll need an office too if this is to be my home."
He opened the door and held it open for her. She ran her hands across his abdomen as she passed. His jaw clenched. "For now we can share this one until you pick the room you want. There is one that overlooks the Intracoastal, or one that has a view of the garden."
"Perfect. If you have a few applications, I can start the search for Kiwi's replacement." Serenity took the seat next to his by the desk and the laptop.
He took his seat, typed quickly into his search box and turned toward her. "The idea of love has always been foreign. I never wanted it. I never wanted to be like my father or have a woman like my mother saying she loved me. Love made her crazy."
Wow. Serenity hadn't expected this conversation right now, but she would listen. She scooted closer, lowered her head, and placed her hand on his. "I don't want to be my parents either and they were definitely in a loveless marriage. I understand that it makes you cautious.”
He stared at his screen without moving a muscle. “My mother cried for weeks after we thought Catherine died.”
She tapped his arm and he glanced at her. “I’m sorry but I don’t believe you’d ever do that to me.” She scooted closer. “It had to hurt to lose your sister suddenly, like that.”
“It was.” He placed his hand on hers.
Her skin warmed from his touch. “Closest I have is my mom. She thought I loved my father more than her, if you can believe that.”
He swallowed and typed on his laptop. “I’m glad she’s healing.”
“Me too. Part of what I wanted to do today was find the guy my mother almost left my father for."
He pressed the print button on his laptop, then returned his gaze to hers. "I'll help you find him, but first I need to say something to you."
Was it too soon to hope he changed his mind? She didn't dare ask. She took a deep breath and tilted her head. "Okay, but you don’t have to. I'm happy we are being honest with each other; I'm hoping in time we grow closer."
"Okay." His brow furrowed, making him look miserable.
Business mattered. She could wait for him to open up emotionally and it didn’t have to be today. She nodded and pressed her hand on his arm. "So, the applicants?"
"All business with you." He printed something else on his screen.
The last thing she needed was for him to believe she didn't care. She massaged his arm and leaned closer. "I'm hoping if we straighten out Calm Serenity then we can fly to Paris, like we planned for our honeymoon."
A slight blush graced his face though it was so faint she'd have missed it if she didn't know him. He opened his email and asked, "What’s the name of the man your mother was involved with?"
"Luca Meier, he was a ski instructor when I was eight." Serenity saw him email the name and information for her on his screen from a file labeled, “Get More Information Morgan Enterprises” while he handed her two resumes. She assumed it was his information business, and settled in her seat to read the print outs. She circled what she liked on both.
Damien asked, "Would you recognize his face?"
"Yes, I think so." She put the papers down.
He turned his chair. "We'll get a preliminary list in an hour. The more you remember about him, the better. In the meantime there are a lot more applicants than the two I pulled so far. I'll have my secretary send you a file."
"Sounds good." She didn't move. Goosebumps grew on her arm near him and she held still, as her heart built up hope. Damien had something else to say and her heart pounded in her chest.
He reached out for her. "Serenity?"
"Yes?" She couldn't handle another rejection today of her love. Her skin felt electrified yet frozen in place.
"Hold my hand." He flipped his so it was palm up.
"Okay." She took it and instantly felt his strength. It helped her release the tension in her own body. "Now, what's on your mind?"
He scooted off his chair and went to one knee. "Serenity, there is no one else for me. Since you told me you loved me, I've been paralyzed that I might lose you."
Her heart thumped now but it was completely different. She hadn't even expected the word love to come out of his lips again and it wasn't in a negative connotation. She pressed her forehead to his, thankful he was open now. "Well, if love dies, there is nothing left."
His other hand brushed against her arm. "Serenity, I am scared to call what I feel love, but I know no other name for how I feel. You were right, and I had to see things from your point of view. My family’s loyalty is love, and I feel that for you a hundred times more. I love you, far more than I thought possible and I'm hoping you can forgive me for what I said."
Warmth grew from her soul enveloping her in a bubble of happiness and love. Damien loved her. She wanted nothing else. "I already did. Your family helped me realize that running away wouldn’t solve my problems and that I should tell you that I love you."
His lips parted. "They helped me realize I loved you."
While she didn't have a family like his growing up, she now wanted to fit into his. Damien was her everything.
Her mouth tingled for a kiss. She closed her eyes. "So that's a yes to Paris?"
"Absolutely." His hand cupped her chin while his lips met hers.
His kiss promised happily-ever-after.