Page 18 of How to Enchant a Viscount
Brooks exhaled slowly, forcing himself to find words. “It is perfect.” He lifted his gaze to hers, his voice quiet yet firm. “You have given me back a piece of myself.”
Maeve tilted her head. “Then perhaps it is time you go back and see it.”
He blinked. “See it?”
She stepped closer, her hands resting lightly on his. “It is your home, Brooks. And your mother is there. You have been running from it for so long… but I think you are ready.”
He inhaled sharply, the truth of her words settling deep within him. He had been running. He had buried himself in distractions, in pleasure, in anything that kept him from facing the memories that lurked in those halls. But now, with Maeve by his side, the idea of returning no longer filled him with dread. It filled him with longing.
He lifted a hand to her cheek, brushing his thumb across her soft skin. “Come with me.”
Maeve’s lips curved. “I had hoped you would ask.”
Brooks exhaled a breath he had not realized he was holding, a slow smile breaking across his face. “Then it is settled. We shall leave within the week.”
Maeve beamed up at him, and at that moment, he knew—with absolute certainty—that no matter where he went, no matter what ghosts he faced, he would never be alone. She had given him more than just a painting. She had given him back his past, his future, and most importantly—his heart.
And for that, he would love her until the end of his days.
