Vampire Mine - Kerrelyn Sparks [59]
She nodded and took another bite into the cone. “This is really good. I’m sorry you can’t have any.”
He grinned. “I’m fine.”
She studied him as she chewed. “Are you usually this happy?”
“Nay.” He watched the car drive off. “I havena been this happy in centuries.”
“You look very handsome when you smile.”
The tenderness in her eyes nearly melted his heart. “Come.” He took her hand in his and led her across the street.
By the time she finished her ice cream cone, they were standing in front of the nursing home.
“We arrived too far away,” he said. “We’ll try again tomorrow night.”
She tilted her head back to gaze at the stars. “It was a good passing. His family and friends were by his side.”
“Ye can sense that?”
She nodded, still gazing at the night sky. “He’s very happy to be with his wife again. He lost her to cancer a few years ago and missed her sorely. That sort of love is amazing, don’t you think?”
His chest grew tight.
She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. “Can you feel it?”
“Feel what?”
“So much love. He’s surrounded with it.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Glory to God in the Highest.”
Something jabbed at his chest, causing a crack in his defenses. He lifted a hand to wipe the tear from her face, but stopped. How could he even touch her? She was so perfect, and he was so flawed. And yet, he wanted her so much. He lowered his hand.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
Christ Almighty, he was falling for her. “We should teleport back.” He looked around. The parking lot was too visible from the busy street. The park. It looked empty and dark. “Come.” He motioned for her to follow.
The side gate was locked with a chain, but with a quick jerk, the chain broke. He led her inside.
They walked down a brick path, flanked by brilliant yellow and red flowers. In the distance, he could see fruit trees bursting with spring flowers. He breathed deeply of the scented air. This was a night he would cherish for centuries.
She sighed. “It’s lovely.”
“Aye.” He stopped by a water fountain. “Are ye thirsty?” He pushed the button, and a spray of water arched into a basin.
She took a drink, then rinsed her hands, and they resumed their leisurely walk.
When they reached a crossroads, she halted with a gasp. “Is that a carousel?”
She ran up to the low fence that surrounded it. “Look at all the different animals. I love it.”
“Would ye like to ride on it?”
She waved a dismissive hand. “It’s closed.”
He leaped over the low fence. “Come on.” He grabbed her by the waist, lifted her over the fence, and deposited her next to him.
“Connor, it’s not working.”
He jumped onto the carousel platform and extended a hand to her. “Trust me.”
She placed her hand in his. He pulled her onto the platform, and it lurched into motion.
She gasped, stumbling to the side, but he steadied her. Music blared around them, a waltz played by a pipe organ. All the twinkling white lights came on.
“Good heavens.” Her eyes widened with astonishment. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Come.” He led her to a white unicorn with a golden horn and saddle.
It was moving up and down, making it difficult for her to mount, so he levitated her up and placed her on the saddle. She tilted her head back and laughed.
When he climbed onto the horse next to her, she looked at him and laughed some more. “Connor, you’re riding a pink horse with a garland of flowers.”
He glanced down and frowned. “Bugger.”
She laughed again, and his frown turned into a smile. When had he ever smiled this much in one evening? Never, not even as a human. Life had been too harsh back then, and survival had been a constant challenge.
He watched Marielle, marveling over the expression of pure joy on her face. What was really amazing was he’d had a part in causing her joy. After centuries of misery and remorse, he hadn’t even thought himself capable of joy.
Or love. His heart squeezed. Christ, he was falling hard.
“Hey!” a voice yelled over the music. “What the hell are you doing here? The park is closed.”
As the carousel