Page 25 of A Trickster’s Temptation

‘It’s more than your various impersonations have ever made.’

‘Must you constantly be so realistic, even in the midst of such unbridled happiness?’

‘Yes.’ Mary laughed. ‘Because if I tell you that I feel as if I am flying, as if my heart has never been so light, you will grow abominably big-headed.’

‘Come out from behind these railings, Mary, or I shall attempt to climb through them and cause myself the most terrible injuries.’

With another burst of laughter, Mary gently slipped her palm free of Adam’s. She ran to the gate of the hotel, almost tripping over a potted palm in the attempt; Adam ran to the gate as well, holding his arms out wide as Mary opened it.

She flew into his arms with an ecstatic sigh. Adam lifted her off of her feet; he hugged her tightly to him, blinking away an unexpected tear.

‘Thank you.’ He whispered in Mary’s ear, breathing in the scent of her. ‘Thank you, Mary.’

‘I love you, Adam.’

‘And I love you, Mary.’ Adam kissed her again, kissed her with all the strength he had. ‘Everything, everyone, that you are.’

THE END

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