Page 72 of Chivalry in the Meadow
“Like a log,” she said as she stepped out.
“She’s lucky that way,” Mia said. “I slept once you were holding me, and I didn’t dream at all.” She yawned.
“I’m glad,” Alaric said. “Do you want to eat now or head to the porta potty?”
“Porta potty,” Mia said. “You know women. Always have to go. I know it’s a pain for you guys.”
“Why would your need to go be a pain for me,” he said.
“Oh.” She sat up and put her shoes on. “Well, it was for my ex. Any time we took a day drive anywhere it was a major deal if I need to stop two hours down the road.”
“Your ex sounds like an ass,” he said. “Unless a woman is keeping a man from going when he needs to go, there is literally no pain for the man.” He shook his head.
She laughed. “Well, now that you put it that way. Okay I’m ready.” She stood. “But if it’s daylight, why do we need an escort?”
“You’ll need one while you’re here,” he said. “Should have realized that before.”
“That girl, her name was Nessie. Did they ever find her?”
He shook his head. “No.”
Soon they had eaten breakfast, said their goodbyes and there was nothing left to do but put their bags in the car and head out.
Sir Elias loaded the bags in the back and then came around to Lilly and took her into his arms. “I want you to drive carefully,” he said. “And let me know when you’re home.”
“I will,” she said.
Then he kissed her.
Mia smiled watching them. “It’s good to see her happy. He seems like a good man.”
“He is,” Alaric said. “I wish you’d had a safer environment this weekend. And I hope the good will outweigh the bad.”
“Well, I met you, and that part has been all good,” she said.
He smiled down at her and said, may I kiss you milady?”
“Yes, you may.”
He slid his arms around her and dipped her in a kiss which took her breath away. She kissed him back as if her life depended on it. And because she didn’t want to leave him though she did want to leave this place.
They came up for air, and then he let her go and said, “I’m glad you’ll be home safe soon. You’ll call me once you get home.”
It wasn’t a demand, for he wasn’t bossy, or a request, because he wasn’t wimpy. It was more a quiet expectation that of course she would.
“Yes,” Mia suddenly burrowed in close as she could get, next to his chest and within his arms. “The minute I get home.”
He gave her a big squeeze and said, “After you’ve locked all your doors and secured all your windows.”
She raised her head leaned back and looked at him.
“What? You thought your knight knows nothing of modern security?” He laughed. “We need to get to know each other in the mundane modern world as well, my love.”
“What if we find out we aren’t suited for each other in the mundane world?’
He smiled down at her with love in his eyes. “In any age and era, I could love you Mia Louise Harkness. Your heart and soul are ageless, and love doesn’t care what year it is.”
“You are the most romantic man I have ever met,” she said, smiling up at him with tears in her eyes. “How did I ever get so lucky?’
