Page 75 of Dangerous Christmas Memories

“I just popped by with some final paperwork for Priscilla to sign to complete her exit from the witness protection program.”

“I see.” Luc was about to comment on how at ease the marshal appeared to be in Priscilla’s apartment, when Priscilla walked into the room wearing a red dress that clung to all the right places and captured his thoughts.

Luc sidestepped Mac to cross the room quickly to her, holding out the flowers. “You look lovely. Gorgeous. Beautiful.” He stopped himself before he could add more accolades, not wanting to overwhelm her with his enthusiasm.

“You brought me flowers.”

“Uh. Yes.” Heat crept up the back of his neck as he handed the bouquet to her.

“Thank you—for the flowers and compliments.” She accepted the flowers, then surprised him by kissing his cheek. “I’ll just put these in a vase. Then we can go.”

“You’re welcome.” With effort, Luc resisted the urge to adjust his tie for the millionth time. He started to follow Priscilla into the kitchen when Mac laid a hand on his shoulder.

“I’ve already told Priscilla this, but I want to tell you too.” Mac extended his hand. “I wish you both the best.”

“Thanks. That means more than you can know.” Luc shook Mac’s hand.

“It won’t be easy for her to readjust to life outside witness protection. Be patient.”

“I’ll try, but I admit that I’m anxious to put that behind us.” Luc bounced slightly on his toes, unable to control his excitement—not only over the evening, but the prospect of spending the rest of his life with the woman he loved. He paused, startled by the thought. Yes, loved. Somehow, over the course of those few days together running from a killer, he’d fallen in love with Priscilla.

Mac chuckled. “I can see you are.” The marshal tucked a leather portfolio under his arm as Priscilla came back into the room carrying a vase with Luc’s roses.

She set the floral arrangement on a small end table and turned to Luc. “Ready?”

“If you are.” Luc couldn’t keep his gaze off her as she said goodbye to Mac.

“Thanks, Mac, for everything.” Tears glistened in her eyes.

“You’re welcome.” Mac headed to the door, then paused to look at Luc. “Take care of her.”

Luc nodded. “I will.”

After Mac left, Luc joined her by the door and took her hand in his. “You okay?”

She sniffled. “Yeah. I just can’t believe it’s really over, and that I finally have my life back.” She squeezed his hand. “I don’t know how to live without looking over my shoulder.”

Luc tugged her closer, his free hand fingering a ringlet of hair near her cheek. “You have me to help you.”

A smile crossed her face. “Yes, I do.”

“And we have all the time in the world to create new memories together.” He held his breath, hoping she would agree with him.

Priscilla gazed up at him. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you about Dr. Hastings.”

Concern etched lines in his forehead. “I thought you weren’t seriously hurt at the cabin.”

“I wasn’t.” She paused. “Dr. Hastings is a hypnotherapist.”

Luc nearly forgot to breathe as he stammered, “Does that mean you—I mean, do you remember me?”

“She was able to help me unlock all my memories of that night, not just the bits and pieces that had shaken loose over the years.” She smoothed the lapel of his jacket. “I now know the full story of how you rescued me from my attacker and how sweet you were after Gerald fired me.”

“Thank God.” He brushed a stray tear from her cheek. “But I’m sorry that means you’ve remembered more about the shooting.”

More tears filled Priscilla’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “That part’s horrible,” she whispered, then gave a shaky laugh. “But the memories of you are much nicer.”

That startled a laugh from him as well. “I’m glad.” He drew her hands together in his. Now seemed like the ideal time to tell her what he was thinking about their future. “We might have decided to get married on a whim—”

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