19 Chapter 19

I blinked and gazed first at Mother and then at Gregor. Mother looked happy and relaxed. Gregor, on the other hand, not only looked tense but scared at well.

“I… I hope you don’t mind, Quinn. I’ve loved your mother since I was eighteen.”

“Mind? Mind?” I rose and went around the table to him. “Get up.”

He sat there staring up at me, fidgeting nervously, before glancing at Mother. “Portia?”

“You’d better do as he says.” Her eyes were filled with tender amusement.

“Gregor, get up!”

He swallowed, pushed his chair back, and got to his feet, visibly bracing himself.

“God, you’re an idiot!” I pulled him into a hug so tight it caused him to grunt. “You were there for me when Father couldn’t be, and I know he’d be pleased to know you’re there for Mother now.”

“You don’t mind?” he asked, sounding a little dazed. “You really don’t mind?”