Page 160 of Dust to Dust

“Yes, ma’am. A microbiologist. I’m currently in graduate school.”

“My, that sounds like an important career.”

I smiled. “I like to think so.”

“I hope you can focus more on your studies now that you’re not dancing anymore.”

I froze. “You knew about me…dancing?”

“Quinn told me.”

I cut my eyes over to his. “He didn’t tell me that.”

“I think he was afraid I would make some scene. Like grabbing my rosary and praying for your immortal soul,” she teased.

“You can if you want. My late father was an Episcopal priest, so I’m sure he would’ve done the same.”

Orla laughed. “Oh honey, I don’t care about your past. You were doing it to take care of your family and put yourself through school. That’s truly noble.”

Tears once again filled my eyes. “That means a lot, and I thank you.”

She wagged a finger at Quinn. “With that said, don’t think that the two of you are going to be sharing a bed under my roof.”

“Mam,” Quinn groaned with a roll of his eyes.

“Not until you’re married.”

“We’ve just been reunited after a month apart.”

“Not under my roof.” She then made the sign of the cross before heading down the hallway.

Quinn exhaled a ragged breath. “Maybe we should stay in a hotel?” he suggested.

“I wouldn’t dream of insulting your mother like that.”

“Don’t act like you’re not horny for me.”

With a laugh, I countered, “I can abstain to please your mother.”

Quinn crossed his arms over his chest. “I didn’t think the lack of sex would start until after we were married.”

“If that’s a proposal, it needs work,” I mused before I started down the hallway to the kitchen.

I didn’t get far before Quinn grabbed my arm and spun me to him. The intensity of his stare caused my heartbeat to accelerate. “Say the word, and we’ll go down to the church after lunch.”

“You’re just saying that so you can fuck me in your mother’s house.”

He shook his head. “I’ve wanted to marry you since the first day I saw you.”

My eyes bulged. “You didn’t even know me.”

“I knew you were beautiful and kind. That was enough for me.”

“You’re serious about us getting married today?”

“Aye, I am.”

As I stared into his eyes, there was nothing more in the world that I wanted than to become his wife. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Quinn.” When his eyes lit up, I shook my head. “But not today.”

---