Page 9 of Winter Love

“I need to find a place to live.”

I want to live with Lukas, but I don’t want to assume, either. The look that Lukas gives me tells me that he didn’t like what I said.

“Do you really think I’d allow you live somewhere other than with me?” He frowns.

“Well I hoped you’d want me to, but I didn’t wast to assume—wait did you say you won’t ‘allow’ me to live in my own place?” I squint my eyes at him.

Lukas bursts out laughing.

“I did say ‘allow,’” he says, using air quotes.

I punch him in the arm as he laughs more. I’m pretty sure my hand hurts more than his arm. Lukas and his brothers work out everyday and it shows.

“Ugh. You’re an ass.” I laugh as he takes my hand and kisses it.

“I don’t want you to live away from me. We’ve spent the last three years apart. I’m ready to never spend a day without you by my side.”

I wrap my arms around him and lay my head on his chest. He’s always known just what to say to make me feel like the most important person to him.

Lukas

I never thought this day would come. I’d hoped for it, but I never let myself believe it could happen. It seemed hopeless when Emmanuelle and I split up. We just couldn’t figure out a way to keep going. But now she’s telling me that she’s ready to move here to Wintervale. To be with me. I’m going to make sure she knows how much this means to me.

I’ve had my mother’s engagement ring tucked away since the weekend I met Emma. When my mom was alive, she said that I’d know when I found the right girl. And I knew when I met Emmanuelle that she was the one. Now I just need to find the right time to propose. Because Emmanuelle will be my wife. I’dmarry her right now if I thought she’d say yes to it. But I know her family needs to be here for that.

I’m surprised that Emmanuelle’s parents don’t hate me. I thought after we broke up that they would for sure. I mean I told her papa how much I loved her and wanted to marry her. And yet in the end, I couldn’t make it work.

“I’ve been promoted to lieutenant at my station,” I say to her.

“Oh my God! That’s so awesome! Congratulations,” she says as she kisses me.

To have her in my arms again…I can’t even describe the feelings I’m having. I hope this isn’t a dream.

“How about I come down to Storyville in two weeks? You can put your notice in and get packed. I’ll come down and we can drive back together.”

“I’d love that. And my parents will love to see you. Wait till I tell them that we’re back together. Should we call them now?”

“Hell yes. Call them.”

I watch her pull out her phone and call her parents.

“Maman, I have some news for you.”

“HI LUKAS! WELCOME BACK TO THE FAMILY!”her maman yells into the phone.

I laugh.

“I’m putting you on speaker, Maman.” Emmanuelle laughs.

“Thank you, Mrs. Rousseau.”

“Juliette. Or Maman. We’ve talked about this, Lukas.”

She laughs.

“Are you still coming home Monday?”Juliette asks.

“Oui, Maman. I have to work on Tuesday.”

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