Page 56 of Charmed By Destiny

“Can you believe him?” Eric asked Gabe. The inspirit’s green gaze cut to Eric, and Luke liked the way the stoic man couldn’t hide his feelings for Eric. Their affection for one another was wonderful, and Luke hoped to have that with Richard in the future. “This wedding stuff is so weird.”

“Leave your brother alone. At least he mentioned it to his parents when he found his soulmate,” Clark said. “How long were you and Gabriel together before we were told?”

“Dad, we have to be nice, they were married yesterday,” Richard advised.

“Fine, but there’s no need for anyone to be upset,” Clark responded. “Richard and Lucas were intending to tell us within an appropriate time frame following their discovery. That’s what is important.”

Eric rolled his eyes but didn’t add a comment.

“Anything else you want to know, Mom?” Richard asked.

“Yes, what is your plan for the future?”

Richard set his fork on the table and glared as he patted his mouth with a cloth napkin. “I’ve had about three hours of sleep and no chance to think or discuss the future with Lucas. We don’t know every step of the journey. Obviously, we’re soulmates, but we have a lot to learn about each other.”

“I think we also need to be mindful of Douglas’s feelings,” Luke added. “All three of us work in the same office. Last night, we talked about telling our coworkers, but I’m not sure that’s the best thing right now. Maybe we should delay that announcement until Douglas has healed a little.”

Richard smiled, and his blue gaze grew soft with what Luke hoped was affection. “Thank you, he’s been an extraordinary friend, and I’ve already hurt him enough. Keeping our relationship private outside the family will also give us some space to get to know one another without an audience at work.”

“While I applaud your mindfulness in thinking of Douglas, please consider how difficult it’ll be to keep your relationship hidden,” Clark stated. “Remember, nothing is as secret as people think it is. How will you see each other without tongues wagging? I'm not sure how you pulled off last night without anyone noticing. They may have, it just hasn’t reached me yet.”

“My Dad is notorious for learning everything about everyone because he’s a nosy busybody,” Richard explained.

“Luke and I are friendly, we could tell people he’s coming here to spend time with me,” Gabe suggested.

“Nothing against humans, but they don’t understand soulmates,” Maribeth pointed out. “A newly married man suddenly hanging out with a hot guy? What kind of rumors are you willing to deal with to keep a secret from Douglas?”

Luke flashed a grin at Maribeth. “Thanks for calling me hot.”

“What if Lucas moved to the guest house?” David asked. It was one of the rare times Luke had heard the man speak.

“Guest house?” Luke asked.

“It’s behind the main house,” Richard explained. “It was built because Gabriel refused to live with us. Long story, but Gabriel somehow convinced himself he wasn’t a Marwood. Thankfully, my brother is irresistible and they’re soulmates, or Gabriel would still be out there brooding. We have a guard resurrected by Eric last year that we offered it to, but Takoda preferred a quiet house by himself. Given how annoying our family is, I don’t blame the man.”

“We could casually mention to people that Lucas wanted something serener than the condominium building,” Clark suggested. “Perhaps as a temporary option until he chose a house of his own or something. By the time people grew suspicious, you could go public with your relationship.”

“What do you think, Lucas?” Rosalind asked.

Luke wasn’t sure how to respond. While he loved the idea of being close enough to Richard that they could see each other without having to figure out how to meet up clandestinely, he wasn’t sure what the necromancer thought. He glanced at Richard and was delighted by his smile. His soulmate was on board.

“I have no argument with moving,” Luke said.

“We can help you pack,” Maribeth insisted.

“No, that’s not happening,” Richard replied. “The only reason you want to help Lucas pack is so you can snoop through his things. If he has a ton of stuff, we’ll hire movers. Professionals who won’t rifle through his belongings.”

Luke laughed. “It’s a furnished apartment. I have clothes, shampoo, and a freezer full of frozen meals.”

“One small thing I’d like to add prior to finalizing anything,” Rosalind interjected.

“Somehow, I knew it wasn’t going to be that easy,” Richard muttered.

“Ignore my son’s rudeness, we taught him manners, though I know that must be hard to believe at times,” Rosalind said with a quelling look for Richard. “We can tell people that Lucas is living in the guest house, but it’s barely habitable. Sorry, Gabriel, but you put little effort into making it welcoming. While I normally love a decorating project, I see no point in making the guest house reflect Lucas’s personal style since it’s temporary. He should live in the house with us. We have plenty of extra rooms, and they aren’t bland or beige.”

“And don’t worry, you can keep the door locked so Maribeth doesn’t snoop through your stuff,” Clark added.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I’d like to speak to Richard privately before I accept or decline,” Luke answered.

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