Almost Midnight (Shadow Falls: After Dark #3.5)(129)

Fredericka nodded again and looked at Brandon. She’d noticed him checking out everyone’s forehead. His gaze shifted and landed on her.

He smiled and that was all it took for her heart to fill with some warm emotion. She’d never been one to believe in sappy shit like love at first sight, but she couldn’t deny she’d been drawn to Brandon from the start. Then again, he’d been shirtless and wielding an axe. Most women would have been drawn to him.

Suddenly voices rose at the side of the house. One of the officers called the sheriff over. The words weren’t said, but she knew, and so did everyone else.

Linda’s body had been found.

She saw the look of grief cross Brandon’s face. While she knew he’d wanted to find answers, it still hurt. Considering her own unearthing of answers, she understood that all too well.

When she saw him walk through the garage to go inside, she went in herself.

He was standing in the front room, beside the chimes. She moved beside him and wrapped her arm around his waist.

“I’m gonna miss her,” he said, his voice tight.

“I know,” Fredericka said.

After a few minutes of just standing arm in arm, he looked down at her. His blue eyes were misty with tears. “How did I get so lucky to find you?”

She just grinned. “I’m the one who’s lucky.”

“Do you believe in fate?” he asked.

She nipped at her bottom lip. “I don’t know.”

He ran a finger over her lips. “Don’t worry. I believe enough for the both of us.”

She took in a big breath. “There are still things about me that … that you don’t know. My dad … he was rogue. He did a lot of bad things. And in the were world if you were raised rogue, then you are considered—”

“Stop.” He shook his head. “Do you really think that’s going change my mind about you?”

“I just want you to know in case—”

“All I need to know is you.” He brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “I know we just started … but I’ve never felt this kind of connection with anyone. Don’t you feel it?”

“Yes,” she said. “I do. But…” She hesitated and then forced herself to say her fear. “What if what you’re feeling is just because I’m were? There are a lot of were chicks out there with good family history.”

“I got a feeling there’s only one Ricka. And do you think I’m looking for family history? I’ve got a pretty messed-up family history myself. I’m looking for someone who makes me happy. Who can make me laugh. Who understands art. Who knows what a scar is … and isn’t. I’m looking for someone who with one look can make my heart feel whole. And that’s you. You do that for me.”

She smiled. “And that’s you,” she repeated. “For me. I’m still just a little scared.”

“Don’t be.” He leaned in and kissed her. The kind of kiss that tasted like promises, love, and a future.

Oh, hell, maybe Fredericka did believe in fate.