Page 76 of A Chance at Forever
“That’s what I thought you’d say.”
Earlier they had changed their clothes and were now enjoying mugs of hot cocoa and Christmas cookies and fudge. After the emotional encounter between Victoria and her father, the Lockridge men said good night and excused themselves.
Richard clasped Rusty’s hand. “Welcome to the family. We’re so happy Victoria finally found someone worthy of her.”
Carter and Derek echoed their father’s sentiment, and they left Rusty and Victoria alone.
Their eyes met in a timeless moment. Then, in an instant, they flew into each other’s arms. Hot, eager kisses born of their passion and love enflamed them. Rusty pushed Victoria back on the sofa and covered her body with his.
“I want to be with you so badly, Tori. But onyourterms, not mine. If you’re afraid of being so vulnerable again, I’ll understand. I can be patient. I’ve waited my whole life for a woman like you. Please know this. I won’t hurt or degrade you.”
Her eyes softened until they resembled pearl gray velvet. “I’m ready. I trust you. I only want to know one thing. When? When can we be together?”
Rusty’s heart slammed into his chest, and his stomach tightened. “The day after tomorrow. We’ll spend half of Christmas Day with your family and the other half with mine. Then we’ll fly to my ranch in Colorado. Think we can use the private plane?”
Victoria smiled and sent his pulse racing. “I think I have some influence with the owner.”
*
Late on ChristmasDay, as Victoria played with Rusty’s niece and nephew in the family room of his sister’s farmhouse, Rebecca insisted he help her clear away the remnants of their dinner.
When they were alone in the warm, fragrant kitchen, Rebecca asked with concern, “How are you feeling, Rusty?”
“Better.” He washed the ceramic turkey platter and dried it.
“What has Alex said?”
“Nothing good. The medication he prescribed isn’t helping much.” Rusty saw the stubborn expression on Rebecca’s face and added, “Please don’t say anything to Tori.”
“Don’t you think you ought to tell her? The woman loves you.”
“All the more reason why I can’t tell her. Besides, Alex did another series of tests when I was in Colorado. It will take a couple of months for conclusive results.”
Rebecca turned on the dishwasher and started cutting slices of pumpkin pie and arranging Christmas cookies on a glass serving tray. “What happens in the meantime, Rusty? Don’t you think Tori will get suspicious when she notices how often you’re sick?”
“I’ve already told her my immune system is compromised.”
“And what if…” Rebecca’s voice trailed away, and her eyes brimmed with tears.
“Nowhat ifs. I beat the odds before. I’ll beat them again.” He flashed a confident grin, though his insides felt shuddery.
Rebecca handed him the serving tray with cookies and coffee and hot cocoa for the kids. “In case I forgot to mention it, I love Tori. She’s perfect for you.”
“Thanks, Becca. I love her, too. She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
The next morning Rusty and Victoria ate a leisurely breakfast with her father and brothers before Derek drove them to Westchester Airport. He shook hands with Rusty and hugged his sister.
“Take good care of Tori, Sinclair. She means everything to us.”
“To me, too.”
“I hope you, Dad, and Carter can come out to California soon. Renovations are in full swing on Sylvia’s boutique,” Victoria added.
“I’ll discuss it with them and let you know. Safe flight, you two.”
“I’ll call you when we land,” Victoria replied.
“Take your time.” Derek winked at Rusty and sauntered toward his Porsche.
