“Why?”
“You always were a curious one.” He chuckled slightly. “I’ll lead you.”
“Into something?”
“No. Though if you continue to ask questions, I’ll consider it.”
“Mean.”
“Nothing of the sort, you’ll be shocked to know I’m attempting to be romantic.”
“Pardon?” she gasped mockingly. “I thought I heard you utter the word romantic.”
Her foot grazed something hard, like a leg of a chair.
“That was a warning.”
“Menace.”
“Don’t you forget it.”
“As if you’d ever let me.”
“As if you’d ever want me to cease being my charming self,” he replied. “Now, if you’ll please just wait right there. Brilliant.” He continued to keep his hand in front of her eyes. The scent of spice and peppermint rose from his skin and wove a spell around her. They paused, and a distinctive chill spread over her as he moved to stand behind her, keeping his hand in place.
“Now?” Meredith asked, partly from curiosity, partly simply to annoy him.
“Ask again, and I shall make you wait longer.”
“Must you always try to have the upper hand?”
“Yes, yes I must.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“Ah, Meredith.” He spoke her name like a caress. “That is actually a telling question. One I’ll answer once you open your eyes.” He removed his hand, and Meredith blinked, focusing on the scene before her. The large window at the far end of the library was in front her, close enough to touch. Fat snowflakes tapped the leaded glass, accumulating in the corners and as she looked into the distance, she could see the ground silver with new fallen snow, even in the darkness.
She gasped, leaning forward and pressing a warm hand against the cold glass. “It’s snowing!”
“It’s snowing,” he repeated.
“I love the snow.”
“I know.”
“It’s my—”
“Favorite precipitation,” he finished. “You said that quite often when you were younger, though I imagine you were more or less thrilled with the large word than the actual white fluffy snow.” His voice was thick with amusement.
“It was an equal fascination,” she said, still studying the falling white flakes.
“You would wait and pester your father to pray it would snow every Christmas as a child.”
“I would, and your father would chuckle and be sure to remind me he would add the request to his prayers also.
“He loves the snow as well.”
“What’s not to love?”
“The cold part.”
“Ah, you’re cold-hearted, and I still like you.” Meredith turned to face him, warmed by the memories.
“Do I feel cold Meredith?” He pulled her into a tight embrace, his mouth grazing hers, then retreating.
“Yes.”
“Your lying is becoming a problem.”
“Kiss me again, and I’ll repent.”
“Ah, and the solution presents itself.” He kissed her once more as he wrapped his arms around her and enveloped her with his warmth.
“Thank you,” she whispered against his lips.
“I told you I could be romantic.”
“Though it pains me to admit this, you are indeed correct.” She kissed him once, twice.
“Music to my ears.”
“Don’t get used to hearing it.”
“Rather, I see it as a constant challenge to provoke such truth from your lips.”
“You would see it as a challenge.”
“Perhaps you’ll consent for it to be a long term challenge?” He drew away from her, his affectionate gaze searching hers.
“What exactly do you mean?” she asked, her heart pounding.
“Meredith, I have known you my whole life. I’ve seen you in braids and with leading strings. I’ve seen you in the most lovely of circumstances, and when you’re dreadfully ill.
She giggled slightly at his words, even as tears prickled her eyes at the warm adoration in his gaze.
“Meredith, you know what I hate, what I love, you know I’m a terrible loser, that I hate all forms of fish and can be the world’s most despicable man when I’m unwell.
“This is true.” She nodded, causing a tear to slip down her cheek.
“With us, there is no need to get to know the other, to discover maybe if the other is loyal, or honest, or kind.” He grasped her hand, held it tightly. “Life with you will never be dull, boring, or passive. It will be an adventure, full of competition, and a need for sharp wit and sharper intelligence. But most of all, it will be full of love. That is, if you’ll have me.”
“Love?” Meredith whispered, searching his gaze.
“Love. Why would I settle for anything less?”
“Why indeed…? To think, all those horrid tricks you did to me… all because you were in love with me the whole time,” she teased, pulling on his shirt with her free hand, leading him in closer, his warmth calling to her.
“In my defense, I didn’t know it. And I could say the same for you…” He released her hand and wrapped his arms around her, a smile teasing his lips.
“I was blissfully unaware myself.”