Trouble in Mudbug (Ghost-in-Law, #1)(90)
“I’ve never been more sure.”
Luc smiled and ran his finger across her lips. “You know, that statement lacks punch coming from someone with so much uncertainty in her everyday life.”
“Sure, point out my flaws when I’m standing here pouring out my heart.”
Luc leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. “I love you, Maryse Robicheaux. God help me, I’m head over heels for you.”
Maryse felt her heart pound in her chest. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure.”
“Says the guy who sees ghosts. Like that’s not uncertain.”
Luc wrapped his arms around Maryse and pulled her close to him. This time his kiss wasn’t gentle but sensual, and Maryse felt her legs grow weak. “I love you, too, Luc LeJeune,” she said. “God help us both.”
Luc laughed. “We’re a mixed pair, Maryse. Me with a one-bedroom studio in the city and you living in a hotel. What are we supposed to do about that?”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking about that…about everything that’s happened over the last week. I know what I thought was a cure wasn’t really, but the thing that made it different is that the mice didn’t get sick. I think it’s something worth pursuing. If I found a way to alleviate illness during radiation, that wouldn’t be a cure, but it’d be a hell of a lot better than the way it is now.”
“That’s a great idea, Maryse.”
“So I was thinking that since your job and the university lab are in New Orleans, maybe keeping your apartment there isn’t such a bad idea.”
“And what about Mudbug?”
“I’ve got the insurance money from my cabin and the land lease money coming soon. I was thinking about building again, somewhere on the bayou, just on the outskirts of town. Nothing fancy.”
“No more hiding out in boat-access-only living quarters?”
Maryse smiled. “I’ve missed out on things for too long. I’m not going to make that mistake again. So do you think you can handle living in a small town again…part time at least?”
Luc planted small kisses down the side of her neck. “I think I’m going to love it.”
“You know,” Maryse said as she reached around to squeeze Luc’s butt. “I’ve never made it with an undercover agent before. At least, not that I was aware of.”
“Really? So you’re telling me there are no other men in your life?”
Maryse grinned. “Well, there was this zoologist, but his exit strategy needed work.”
Luc drew her lips to his again, the promise of everything to come in his kiss. “Who says I’m going anywhere?”
Helena Henry stepped out of the beauty shop that evening and crossed Main Street. Maryse and Luc had just pulled up in front of the hotel, and from the rumpled looks of their hair and clothes, Helena had serious doubts they’d been doing any botany back at the office.
She smiled as Mildred and Sabine walked out of the hotel to greet them. Luc took Maryse’s hand in his and spoke directly to the two other women. From the ecstatic looks on their faces, Helena had no doubt what news Luc was delivering. He was still talking when Mildred grabbed him in a hug, probably crushing every rib in his body. Even from her place across the street, Helena could see the tears in the hotel owner’s eyes.
Helena felt her own eyes mist a bit, both with joy and regret. Pretty soon Maryse would have a whole new mother-in-law to deal with. She could only hope the next one didn’t cause Maryse the trouble Helena had.
But all that was behind them now. Maryse was safe, and the land was protected. Luc had put things in motion, and Helena had no doubt that her exhumation was just around the corner. Maybe then she’d get the answers she needed to leave this Earth.
The foursome finished their hugs and walked into the hotel, and Helena had no doubt Mildred would be breaking out a bottle from her champagne stash. Helena looked around at the quaint little town and sighed. It was all so peaceful, so normal.
But for now, someone in Mudbug had still gotten away with murder.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To Colleen Gleason, friend and critique partner extraordinaire, for keeping me honest and always making me work harder. My parents Jimmie and Bobbie, brother Dwain, sis-in-law Donna, and beautiful niece KatiAnne, for all your continued support. To the fabulous staff at the Jefferson Hotel, in Jefferson Texas. Maybe I’ll get to see a ghost next time! To my editor, Leah Hultenschmidt for agonizing over the cover (it’s fabulous!) and every word in between. And to my wonderful agent, Kristin Nelson, for understanding why this was the series I absolutely had to write and working with me and the publisher until I had the opportunity to.