Page 43 (1/2)

“What are you saying?”

“We’re lifeup into his face For an instant, joy chased across his features, and then he seemed to cla matter, Giselle,” he said “You have no comprehension how unlikely it is that we could possible be life mates”

“And yet that is exactly the case,” Grania said “And I think you know that already, young ive in to your happiness You’re afraid to believe it’s real But it is”

Jerred suddenly sagged against her, clutching her so hard Giselle though she’d fall over He caught hiined,” heher a soft kiss on the mouth “Giselle, I love you Will you domy life?”

“Oh, hell yes,” Giselle said “Don’t be ridiculous I don’t suppose you want to open up a bar, do you?”

He shook his head, and started laughing “Can we discuss this further?” he asked “I think we have quite a few things to talk about”

“Not least of which is you getting out of the spying and s,” Giselle said “Or at least I hope you’ll consider it I don’t think I can handle another run-in with Josiah”

He kissed her, his esture that was frankly carnal Giselle sighed, allowing herself to fall into the kiss A second later they were brought up short by a discrete cough

“As much as the Goddess celebrates physical love,” Velor said softly, “I believe I wouldn’t be overstatingyou celebrate yours in private”

Epilogue

Jerred landed the sentle thump and flicked off several switches He left the view screen on, though, and Giselle could see a largish group of people standing to one side of the landing pad

She had never been more intimidated in her life

“Relax, they won’t bite,” Jerred said softly “In fact, I’ they’ll be very happy to meet you You and I represent their hope for the future”

“You really should have told ether,” Giselleyou included ht twice”

“Why do you think I didn’t tell you?” he asked archly

He stood up and led her to the shuttle’s doorhich opened with a touch of his hand A set of stairs had already extended itself froht, I promise They’ll be happy to ht of her scares me She looked so stern in the pictures you showed hter-in-laho isn’t Saurellian?”

“She’ll just have to learn, won’t she?” he replied “Don’t worry about it She’ll love you They all will”