Connery reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. He touched his lips to the pulse point on her wrist and felt its fast flutter like the wings of a bird. “That is my fondest wish as well.”
“I spoke with Selena about moving back. I told her you were going as well.”
“And what did she say?”
“She is happy for me. I no longer have to worry about my daughter. She is stronger than I thought, and she has Gerald and now Paul and Kat. They are creating their own little family.”
“Are you saddened that she no longer needs in the way that she used to?” he asked in a gentle voice.
A tear squeezed out of the corner of her eye, and he caught it with his thumb.
“I was at first. What mother doesn’t grieve when her child grows up and leaves the nest so to speak? But these are tears of joy as well. I know my daughter is happy and in love. And I know that Gerald returns that love. He will make a fine husband.”
“I agree, they are an exceptional couple.”
“I also spoke with Selena about you.”
“Oh…?” he asked, trying to sound nonchalant, even though his heart was hammering in his chest.
“Yes, do you want to know what we talked about?”
“Do you want to tell me?”
“Angus, you can be quite stubborn sometimes,” she giggled.
“Is that what you talked about? My stubbornness?” he chuckled.
“No, I told Selena, how happy I was that you were also going to be moving to Rose Point to help with the estate.”
“Ah, I see.”
“But that’s not all. I also told my daughter how much I cared about you.”
Connery shifted on the bench to look into her eyes. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me to hear you say that. Because I care a great deal for you as well.” He tipped up her chin and slowly he bent down to claim her lips in a kiss.
“Lady Fleur Bowles?” he said in a raspy voice after their kiss.
“Yes, Mister Angus Connery,” she whispered.
“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.” And then he bent and kissed her again.
~*~
Chapter Twenty-three
Bellwood Estate
Two days later
He knew she would be here. He knew Dutch would be by her side. Dutch had been his dog and now was devoted to Selena. He didn’t mind. Not one bit. Selena was whispering softly to Azure as she fed him a carrot. Gerald had so many things he wanted to say to her, but there was one very important thing he had to say first.
“Good morning,” Gerald said as he approached her.
“Good morning,” Selena said, turning to him, with a soft smile.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“Better. So much better than I was yesterday and much better than the day before,” she sighed.
