Page 32 of Her Stepbrother Master
“One more week of classes, then a week of finals.”
“And when do our parents return from Europe?”
“Next week.”
He rubbed his face, considering.
LuAnn brought a bowl of oatmeal to him. “Are you having second thoughts?” She twisted her fingers together as she stood by his side.
He pulled her onto his lap. “No, mouse. Definitely not. I’m just thinking about the best way to break it to them. If we were worried about your father’s heart with your trouble in the dorms, just think of what this will do to him.”
LuAnn sucked on her lip, looking adorable. “I don’t know. There’s nothing wrong with us marrying. We’re not related by blood, and we weren’t even raised together. We lived together for just a few months a long time ago.”
He nodded. “I agree.” He picked up her hand and stroked each delicate finger. “Help me decide, mouse. Should we wait until they return to tell them first, or do we elope this week and tell them when it’s done?”
Her face broke into a brilliant smile, but then her brow furrowed. “I’d love to marry you today, but I think we should tell them first.”
He squeezed her hand. “Okay, Lulu,” he said inventing a new nickname for her. “But let’s go to the courthouse to get a license and blood test.” He hoped, for her sake, their parents did not disown them both forever. If they disapproved, he would still whisk LuAnn off to elope. They’d gone too far down the path to pull back now. He loved her. He realized he always had. He’d thought it was lust, or just wanting what he couldn’t have, but it went deeper. She’d been the one perfect girl for him all along—his baby girl. She kissed his head and stood up, serving herself a bowl of oatmeal and sitting across from him.
He watched her eat, looking shy and excited, blushing the same way she had as a thirteen-year-old.
As long as he was following his dreams and eschewing convention, it seemed time to make a change with his job, as well. LuAnn deserved a husband who had the courage to be a man, and make his own way in his career, rather than wait for a boss to give him the chance to move up.
He’d been carrying Mr. Washburn’s card in his pocket since their meeting. Calling him meant Brad should be prepared to leave his current position and now he had a future wife to consider.
“I may have my first client if I decide to go it on my own,” he said, deciding it best to be frank with her about the situation.
Her eyes lit up. “Really, Brad? That’s fantastic!”
“Yes, I’m seriously considering pursuing it. But it’s risky. If I start my own firm, I won’t have a steady income to support you.”
“I think you must,” she said, without hesitation. “It’s what you’ve always wanted. I will get my teacher’s certificate at the end of this semester, and I can work until we have children.”
His heart twisted at her willingness to sacrifice for him. “I hope that won’t be necessary, mouse, but it helps me to hear you’re not daunted by the risk.”
She drew herself up. “Of course I’m not. You were born to be your own boss.”
“And yours,” he said with a wink.
She giggled and blushed.
“Thank you, baby girl.” He pulled Mr. Washburn’s card out of his pocket and walked to the phone, asking the operator to connect him with the number.
“Mr. Washburn? It’s Brad, Brad Stanford, the architect from Jones.”
“Yes, hello, Brad. I was hoping you would call. Have you considered my offer?”
“Yes, sir. I’d like to draw up new plans for your house.”
“Wonderful. Why don’t you and your wife come over for dinner one night this week and we can discuss it more?”
“My wife?” He glanced over at LuAnn, who nodded eagerly. “I’m not married yet, but I’d love to bring my fiancée, thank you.”
“How about tomorrow night?”
“That sounds wonderful, Mr. Washburn.”
He took down the address and hung up, turning to LuAnn. “Are you ready to schmooze on my behalf?”
