After what went down last night though, Yale was not so sure what was going on in Roslyn's head anymore.Before Evangeline could even get a word in, Roslyn chimed in, "Evie, if you're tired, just head back and get some sleep. I'll hitch a ride with Uncle Yale."…In the white BMW, Yale fired up the engine from the driver's seat and watched Roslyn wave goodbye to Evangeline before sliding into the seat beside him.As the door shut, a voice as cold as a robot's snapped, "Strap in."That was when it hit Roslyn that she was riding in Yale's car, where everything had to be by the book.She obediently clicked the seatbelt into place and waved to Evangeline through the rolled-down window.The car zipped off, the roar of the engine nearly drowning out the world.Inside the car, insulated from the noise, it was dead quiet.Roslyn was not in the mood to chat, and Yale was at a loss for words.It was odd. After all, Roslyn's presence usually meant there was never a dull moment.Last ni
Roslyn loomed above him, her eyes a mesmerizing shade of sea-glass blue, locking onto his intelligent gaze before drifting downwards. The sensation at his lips was warm, tender, and tingling, as if a current passed through them, sapping Yale's strength in an instant.The kiss deepened, and the subtle hint of lemon from her lips was intoxicating, making Yale's eyes flutter shut without him even realizing it. His breaths grew heavier and more urgent.Yale tried to resist, but Roslyn's embrace tightened, drawing them closer until they touched in a way that left them both vulnerable. Roslyn, caught in her own mischief, froze for a moment, her cheeks flaring up into a bright, eye-catching red. She threw caution to the wind and dove in for another kiss. Seizing the moment of his startled gasp, she playfully flicked her tongue, inviting him to join her in the dance.Then, a pair of strong hands came to life, not to push her away, but to draw her even closer, pressing her lips down further.
Yale had always been careful not to hurt Roslyn's feelings, choosing his words with care even when he was laying down the law. This time, faced with her tearful eyes and the weight of the moment, Yale's restraint shattered. He could not believe it had come to this, and he could not bother with being gentle anymore."Niece?" Roslyn echoed his words, her eyes puffy and red as if she had been crying for hours. "Are you still trying to fool both of us? You say you think of me as a niece, but does a niece's embrace stir anything in you?"Alright, you've made your feelings crystal clear. I get it. I'll just keep my distance from now on!" Roslyn had her own pride, but for Yale, she had crushed it to smithereens, all for a single smile from him. She had tried everything, even throwing herself at him, but nothing worked. She was done.The car door slammed shut, leaving Yale alone with the fresh lemon scent that Roslyn had left behind. Life in the army, surrounded by tough guys, had not prepa
Unbeknownst to them, Walter, face burning up, stumbled downstairs for a drink and heard the entire phone call clearly.Was Evangeline going to show up at the old Gordon place?"Cough, cough..."He was feeling pretty run-down, and a couple of instinctive coughs managed to snag Trey's attention."Walter, how are you holding up? Feeling any better?" Trey asked, all worried.Walter took a gulp of water and sat down next to Trey. "I'm doing okay, Grandpa. No need to fuss over me."He scooted over on purpose, and it was not just to give his grandfather a health update."Did I hear you right? You invited Evangeline over for a family dinner?"Being sick was making Walter feel all kinds of vulnerable. His head was pounding, and just the thought of Evangeline showing up stirred up feelings he could not quite put into words.Would Evangeline pity him if she saw him all weak and helpless? Maybe enough to reconsider the divorce?"Yeah," Trey grumbled. "It's because you couldn't cut it whe
Stepping out of the car, Evangeline's gaze landed on Walter. His cheeks were tinged with an odd flush, his face set in a blank mask, lips pressed into a thin line. He had this vibe about him, like he was silently warding off everyone.Evangeline figured he must be annoyed by something and made a mental note to steer clear of him at tonight's family dinner. Their divorce was just around the corner, after all, and there was no point in stirring up emotions. Plus, tonight was all about Alex, the guy she had always looked up to like an older brother. She was not about to let Walter hog the spotlight.So, what happened next was no surprise.Walter stood tall and straight, right beside Alex, who was in his wheelchair.Evangeline, with the Winnie the Pooh bear in her arms, made a beeline for Alex."Alex, it's been ages!" Her face lit up with a warm smile as she gracefully placed the bear on Alex's lap. "Check out the gift I picked for you. You like it?"Evangeline always had these deep
It suddenly hit Evangeline that she had been so caught up in picking out the perfect gift for Alex that she forgot to head inside!In the sprawling courtyard of the old Gordon place, Trey had been parked in his chair for ages, waiting."Evie, it's been forever since you visited me. I've missed you!"Trey snagged Evangeline's hand, his frail, old fingers finding her wrist.Underneath her light sleeve, the cool, regal green bracelet sat quietly on her wrist. It was the Gordon family's prized heirloom, the very thing that marked her as Trey's chosen granddaughter-in-law.A few eagle-eyed onlookers caught a glimpse of the bracelet and shot looks of pure envy her way.A flicker of emotion crossed Trey's face. He had always known.How could Evangeline's heart change? How could she even think of leaving the Gordons, or her less-than-perfect grandson?This mess was all Walter's doing. Trey was set on laying down the law with that boy and winning his sweet granddaughter-in-law back."I
There was a deeper message in Alex's words, a playful sort of sadness woven through them.Evangeline, thinking about all the events Alex had been through, felt her heart go out to him big time."I guess you're right."Had Alex not stayed away all these years for the very same reasons?She was in the same boat, her heart in pieces thanks to Walter. How could she just forget the things that had nearly broken her, just because of a little warmth?Sure, there might be some super forgiving folks out there, but she and Alex? Not a chance."But hey, dinner's about to hit the table. Aren't you starving?"Her face broke into a beaming smile.Years had passed, and Evangeline had become Alex's ray of sunshine.The gloomier Alex got, the brighter she shone, like her own little sun.Their moods bounced off each other, and that was how they made things better, bit by bit.Alex shook his head, and when he turned to look at her, his voice was slow and deliberate, "Evie, what about that job
Evangeline snapped out of her reverie just in time to catch Alex's voice, heavy with a sigh."They remind me so much of us."'Us'?If Alex himself said that, it had to be true.At that moment, all the negativity, all the whispers and rumors, just did not matter anymore.Evangeline felt a rush of excitement as she gave Alex a firm nod. "Maybe I'll try it out?"Since she had parted ways with her old teacher, the violin had been gathering dust. She had not even thought about teaching.She was not even sure she could actually teach anyone anything.Alex's face lit up like a Christmas tree. If Evangeline was in, then it was practically a done deal.Evangeline was tough as nails and a total perfectionist. She might not have taught before, but with her never-say-die attitude, she was bound to be a hit with the kids."Try it, then. Worst case, I'll chat with the higher-ups and get you a trial run, no strings attached. Once you're in the groove, we'll figure out the next steps."Alex