Page 55 of Loyally, Luke
“Whatever you like,” came his quick response.
“But what doyoulike?”
He appeared genuinely confused. “I have no opinion on the matter.” His perfect smile spread. “It’s the reason why we’re well suited. I can follow your lead.”
“But a relationship is built on two people making decisions, not just one.”
“Yes, but this isn’t a typical relationship, you must admit.” One of his blond brows rose. “You’re a princess and I’m a duke. There are expectations well beyond typical.”
“Behind closed doors it will be typical.” She studied him. Would he be like this behind closed doors as well? Complying with her wishes? Agreeing without opinion?
Her sister, Rosalyn, would say,“Isn’t that every woman’s dream?”
“If you would like for me to come to the North Country and see your work, I’ll be happy to take a day trip and explore with you.” His smile returned. “Perhaps that will allay some of your concerns about our compatibility ‘behind closed doors,’ so to speak.”
But something told her Christopher Montgomery wouldn’t prove any more interesting behind closed doors than across the table.
She swallowed her doubt. “Let’s make plans for that to happen within the next month. What do you say?”
“Your wish is my command.”
***
Text from Ellie to Maeve:I’m in a tree!
Maeve:You’re in a tree? (I feel like this is significant for some reason. Either that or I should be concerned.)
Ellie:I climbed it! I’ve climbed my first tree! It’s one of the things on my list.
Maeve:Wait. THE list?
Ellie:Yes! My secret “simple things” wish list.
Maeve:So you just woke up this morning and said to yourself, “Today is the day I climb a tree”?
Ellie:No. Luke arranged it all for me.
Maeve:Luke knows about the list?
Ellie:Yes. We had a rather intense heart-to-heart on the night we kissed and I mentioned the list and a few things about it.
Maeve:And he helped you climb a tree?
Ellie:Actually, about midmorning, two of the girls in the orphanage came up to me, gave me a pair of gloves, and asked me to come with them. They took my hands and led me to this tree. It is secluded and can’t be seen from the hall. I know he had to have chosen it to ensure I’d have privacy and not feel embarrassed. And he put a little box at the bottom to use as a step so I could reach the first limb.
Maeve:Um... I think you should stick with Stoic Styles.
Ellie:What?
Maeve:Then I can have Legendary Luke.
Maeve:Are you getting a photo of this moment?
Ellie:I hope so. I’ve sent the girls back to ask Luke to bring my camera from my purse.
Maeve:Smart. Don’t want any easy access to the photos on your phone like that one time before.
Ellie:Exactly. And it’s nearly lunch break so I think Luke will have a moment, if he doesn’t mind.
