Surprised at how quickly he’d managed to hone in on her concern that this might be her last opportunity to speak with him, she knew the time for complete honesty was now. “Will I see you again?”
“I honestly don’t know, little girl. I still have a way to go. If I’m lucky, I’ll see my baby sister again.”
Lux felt as though her world were falling apart. She’d wasted so many years holding grudges against him. Yet, faced with the prospect of never seeing him again or harm coming to him was more than she could stand.
When or how she moved, she would never know. All she knew was that her arms were around him and she was hugging him close.
“I’m a cold hearted witch and I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you, and for all the horrible things I’ve said. I take them all back and I’m now a much better person.”
The sound of his laughter came as something of a shock. Here she was baring her soul to him and he was chuckling.
“What is so funny, Samuel?” She demanded pushing back but not letting him go.
“You!”
Releasing him, Lux took a step back and folded her arms across her chest. She didn’t know it, but her stance and the tap of her foot belied her words of only moments before.
“Luxie, you have got to be one of the most difficult women I have ever dealt with, but I love you.”
“Of course you do. I love you too and you better make sure nothing bad happens to you, or her,” Lux said tossing her head in Rachel’s direction. “I don’t know her, but I want to, okay?”
“Okay,” Sam replied, all traces of amusement gone. Turning to Josh, who had remained silent throughout their exchange, he held out his hand. “My sister is a very contrary woman. She was like it as a child and nothing’s changed. So, I wish you well if you decide to keep her.”
“Decide to keep–”
“Yeah, I’m going to keep her. But don’t worry about me; I know how to keep Luxandria in line!”
Lux thought about calling Josh on his arrogance but recognized the moment for what it was; an opportunity to assure her brother that she would be well looked after.
While the men turned their attention to each other, Lux used the time to approach Rachel. She didn’t know what to say. But there was a look in her sister-in-law’s eyes that told her she would take good care of her husband. “There is no doubt in my mind that one day you and I will have a chance to get to know each other. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I will make it happen.”
“Sam and I are resourceful, but the Kingdoms are more so. Don’t be afraid to use them. For my part, I’ll do what I can. I lost my only sibling. I don’t want that for Sam and you.”
While Lux had no idea what Rachel was talking about in regards to the loss of a sibling, she knew her words were important.
The Kingdoms had each other and together they were an almost impenetrable unit. While she might still be on the peripheral, she would endeavor to use their considerable means to ensure her brother’s safety. But first, she wanted all the gaps filled in. As things stood with the departure of her brother, only one person could do that, Josh.
Chapter 27
From the way she was looking at him, Josh knew he faced a barrage of questions. Given that Sam had opened avenues of uncertainties, he braced himself for what was to come. True to form, Lux began her inquisition with a direct hit.
“Who do you work for, Joshua?”
Unable to stop a smile from splitting his face, he shook his head in reaction to her question. He would answer her, but he would do it in his way and in his own time because giving Lux the upper hand, for the most part, was a mistake.
“Let’s go.”
“You work for let’s go?” Lux asked sarcastically, maintaining her position.
“Get your coat, Luxandria.”
“Am I to take it that if I don’t do as you say you’re not going to answer my questions?”
“I wouldn’t have put it quite that way, but it sort of sums it up, yes.”
Her look of defiance was priceless, but he knew she took note of his seriousness. One roll of her eyes later and she was on the move.
While she went to get her coat, Josh made a little detour a smile splitting his face.
They drove for about thirty minutes and Josh knew the exact moment she realized where they were heading. Pulling in front of their house, he cut the engine and waited for her reaction.
“I can’t believe you kept it.”
“This is our home, Lux, and we had more good times here than bad. It’s where we began our married life together. If the house is going to be sold, that’s a decision we’ll make together.”
Josh was watching her closely for a reaction to his words. Unsure of what her continued silence meant, he didn’t push the subject. He realized they still had a long way to go but as far as he was concerned, what they once shared was worth fighting for. However, he had no idea if she wanted the same thing; hence his bringing her here. Maybe a visit to the house would serve as a reminder of the good times.