Page 157 of Seduction Under the Southern Stars

I nod. “Fraser and Joel told me. Atticus, I’m so very sorry.”

He looks away, gritting his teeth. Then he heaves a big sigh and looks back at me. “She said what you had was clean and bright and innocent, and that you were each other’s first kiss. Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“Hand on your heart?”

“I swear.”

A pained look crosses his face. “She said you were devastated to be sent away because this was your home, and we were your family.”

I run a hand through my hair. “That’s true.”

He looks upset as he studies my face. “I thought of you like a son. I think that’s why I was so upset. Did she tell you about my sister?”

“Yes, and it made a lot more sense then. Atticus, you have to know, I would never have done anything more than kiss Lora. She was fourteen, nearly fifteen, and I’d already decided that when she turned sixteen, I was going to ask your permission to propose to her.”

His jaw slowly drops. “Seriously?”

“Yes?”

His expression is almost comical. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

“You didn’t give me a chance.”

His eyes go distant, and I know he’s remembering that day and that evening, when he yelled at me non-stop for the two-hour drive to Kaikoura.

His gaze comes back to me and hardens. “Joel said you took her on the ANZAS cruise with you.”

“Yes.”

“Were you sharing a cabin?”

“Yes.” No point in denying it now.

“Why? Was it about getting revenge on me? Proving to me that you can take what you want now you’re an adult?”

I meet his eyes and don’t say anything, stiff with resentment, using silence to show my disapproval just the way he used to. Eventually, after about fifteen seconds, he closes his eyes and tilts his face up to the heavens.

I stand there quietly, knowing he’s praying for guidance. I can only imagine what he’s feeling right now.

He’s a good man, but his one sin is probably pride, and it’s tough for him to admit he was wrong. I don’t know how he’s going to react. He might still get angry because I’ve made him feel guilty. I turn and walk a few steps away to look at an old oak tree and pick up one of the lobed leaves. I once came into the Bell living room to find Elora doing a painting of autumn leaves. I sat beside her and stole M&Ms from her packet while she pretended not to notice as she painted reds, golds, and greens.

“Linc.” I straighten and turn, and to my shock I see that he has tears in his eyes. “I’m so sorry,” he says.

I don’t know which of us moves first, but seconds later we’re having a big bearhug, and I’m fighting back my own tears.

“My boy,” he says huskily. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

“Elora was heartbroken when you left, and it’s all my fault.”

I sigh as he releases me. “It’s done now. Don’t worry about it.”

He shakes his head. “What happened to her… I have to bear some of the blame for that. If I hadn’t sent you away, she probably wouldn’t have gone to that party, or you’d have gone with her. I know you’d have kept her safe.” He stops and swallows. Then he forces a smile onto his face. “She’s still crazy about you, you know.”

“I know.”

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