Chương 47: A Valentine's Vow Part 2

Duncan's face flashed in my mind's eye. He could also do this, but the man was overseas. The kiss he gave me on that swing that night was a going-away gift to him. That was three months ago.

Then again, maybe my kids were also behind this. I carried the basket and followed the trail. I was hoping that the trail would lead me to the Greenhouse. However, it led her to the side exit of The Belle.

And by gods what I saw made me gasp.

The trail that led to the forest was illuminated with fairy lights that were strung high on the branches of the trees. On the forest ground were lanterns to make sure that I would not trip and fall. Then again, I am not in the habit of wearing heels. The only time I would be caught wearing one would be at social high-end functions.

Although, the dress I was wearing was another thing. Highland wind could be a bit cold and I do not like cold. The lighted path took me to the clearing where my kids would usually be with Duncan.

Visions of the man filled my mind. This was the same spot where Duncan had been chopping wood before he chased me and the first kiss happened. But the place was devoid of the chopping block and the pile of lumber that were usefully there. What was there though, was a setting that I know that never could happen to me.

A roaring bonfire was lit up. There was an open tent with several thick rugs and pillows that were comfortably arranged. Two tables were laden with food and drinks, there were also some strings of fairy lights inside the tent. The setting looked too intimate for her taste. The whole scene looked like it was taken from a page from one of the books I have read.

But man, I was speechless.

"Lass," a voice behind me said.

I shivered. There was no mistaking who that brogue belong to. I slowly looked behind me. And there he was Duncan. I looked into his gray-green eyes, it was so clear that he wanted to say something more to me, but Duncan took my hand and led me to the last few steps of the open clearing. He set the basket near the opening of the tent and with extreme gentleness, he drew me into his arms.

He was so warm, and my body temperature was always cold, but I am in Duncan's arms, I never felt cold. It was either hot or warm. I could hear some kind of melody nearby, and we both swayed together with the music.

I closed my eyes while my head rested on Duncan's broad chest. Other than the music in the background, I was also listening to his heartbeat. I felt him kiss the top of my head, then after a couple of minutes, he whispered into my ear.

"I should thank Jane. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't know this was the first time you had a proper date, nor would I know you never had Valentine's celebration," I felt him kiss my forehead this time.

I am melting, I thought. He had been gone for a long time, three months, and yet here I am trying my best to lean into him. "I'm too busy earning money and taking care of my kids. Why should I bother with this kind of thing?" I told him in a matter-of-fact tone that was my signature response.

I heard him chuckle before he said, "There is nothing wrong with taking care of their needs, lass. You are a mother, a verra wonderful and brave mother, I might add. But it doesn't hurt to let someone take care of you. You have needs too…"

"Yeah right. Needs…" she snorted. My reality though, was a lot more bitter than what I had been saying. Because no one really cared for me. "Been there, done that," as the famous saying said. No matter how much I tell them what was happening to me, none gave a damn, so why bother?

"I'm no like the people you know, lass. I can see what you need, but I'm no going to force my way just to get you. You are a woman who should be wooed, and cared for." He stopped swaying and tilted her face so he could look into her eyes.

"Your kids are not the only ones who should be taken care of, so do you. I won't make promises I can no keep, but be warned. I can feel you here," Duncan placed one of his hands on my chest, as he continued to look into my eyes.

"And if I feel you need me, I will be there. Propriety be damned, you are human, my woman, and damn anyone who said otherwise."

"You done?" I asked.

"No," he brushed his lips across mine and continued, "you being my valentine is no just a day, it is more than that for me. It is a commitment to make you feel spoiled and special. It means me, taking care of you, body, heart, and soul. It also means I will be your first and the last in everything. No, you are not ready to hear those three words, no yet. But I will say them someday."

"It's easy to say those words-" my words were cut off when he kissed me. The kind of kiss that would mark me deep and possessive.

"I don't plan on just saying them, lass. You will feel them. You will know what it is like to be with a man willing to share not just your body, but your life, your ups, and downs, and make you shine like you're supposed to. I will be the man you never had, and be the one to stay beside you till the end of time."

"Duncan…" was all she could say before my lips were claimed once more. I surrendered to his kisses. I need to resist this man, I have to.

But I missed him.

I was not going to say it out loud. To say it would mean I have truly fallen for him.

For now though…

In his arms, I found solace. With his kisses, I felt passion. Every word, he said rang with assurance. His action spoke of sincerity.

Also, the most important feeling of all? I know that as long as he was here, as long as I belong to him, as long as he wants me, I would never be alone.

However, for how long?

SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO
JulieStrife18

These two chapters are my Valentine's Day gift to everyone. On my part of the world, Hearts day is done, now it's the other half of the world. Hence two parts.

Thank you for reading!

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