35. Florence

Chapter thirty-five

Florence

"So, what's the plan today?" I ask Adelbert who hasn't stopped staring at me with the most adorable grin firmly affixed to his lips. The way those dimples wink at me from across the kitchen table has got me weak in the knees.

"I find myself to be rather attached to you, so I'll do whatever you want to do," he says and places his hand out, palm up on the table. I put mine in his and he laces our fingers.

I think I might literally be glowing. Since Adelbert kissed me, it feels like my world has shifted on its axis. Like my heart, brain, and soul have all somehow aligned and everything points to him.

"How about showing me all your favorite parts in the house? I still haven't explored every hidden corner, and seeing your bedroom has been a revelation to me."

Adelbert's brows scrunch up and he sits back in his chair, acting like I've just said the weirdest thing.

"A revelation? How so? It's a plain, functional room with a bed and a wardrobe."

"That's exactly my point. There is nothing personal in there. No knickknacks. No paintings. It could be anybody's room. In contrast, my room in this house is done up beautifully with its canopy bed and fancy linens. It looks like it's out of some home decor magazine."

"Ah." Adelbert nods and I note the flicker of sadness in his eyes. "The house belonged to my grandmother and she decorated it according to her heart's content. Her lodgings on campus were according to my grandfather's specifications, so this house was all hers. As you can tell, she had really good taste, though perhaps a bit too baroque for me.

"My bedroom was given to me to do with as I pleased. I've been using it for many years and haven't gotten around to, how can you say, finding my own personal style. At Alberad, Everett took care of the dormitory room we shared, but I didn't really care enough to do something to my bedroom here."

I tilt my head to the side and worry my lip between my teeth as all of that information sinks in.

"Wait. So you've been living in the same bedroom that you've had since you were a child? Why didn't you move into the main suite after she died? Made the house your own?" It doesn't come as a surprise to me that Adelbert hasn't made the house a priority, but to have had the same bedroom for so long and for it not to show a bit of his personality blows my mind.

"It was not exactly a priority for me," Adelbert says, mimicking my thoughts. "My reasoning was that I'd be moving to the Alberad campus anyway. And it's not like I needed that. The bed is just somewhere to sleep. My study, on the other hand, is mine. I have taken the time to decorate it according to my own specifications."

"This is making a lot of sense for me now. It has a very different vibe than the rest of the house. Dede would call the house old-money chic, but your study is masculine and earthy. Your desk especially is beautiful and has its own character."

Adelbert grins and pride shines in his eyes.

"That is my favorite piece of furniture. It was custom-made, handcrafted from oak trees that are local to Germany. The company I worked with has an eco-friendly, holistic approach to carpentry and considers their environmental impact. Plus, their craftsmanship is top-notch."

I lean forward in my seat, intrigued by the thought that went into that single desk. Adelbert has rarely shown interest in many personal things, besides cooking, so I find it fascinating that eco-friendly, handcrafted furniture has him this invested.

"You sound very passionate about that. Would you consider getting more pieces done by them for the house?"

Adelbert shifts forward and takes both my hands in his. His throat bobs on a swallow and vulnerability is evident on his face.

"I would love your input on this too. I'd like for us to redecorate the whole house—together. Really make it ours . Maybe that was what I was waiting for all along. For us to turn this house into a home."

A warm, tingling sensation starts up in my chest and works its way down my limbs, goose bumps following in its wake as a strange peace settles over me.

"I'd really like that," I admit on a dreamy sigh. "Can we give Sir Purrington a room too? One with cat trees and comfy pillows? And lots of sunshine he can stretch out in?" The whole vision is clear in my mind's eye.

Adelbert's eyes crinkle in the corners with the radiant smile he's sporting. "Of course. He deserves only the best."

Before I get lost with ideas on interior decorating and paint fights—which I'm sure I'd eventually be able to coax Adelbert into—another thought occurs to me.

"But, what about the lodgings on campus? Would I stay here alone and you live there? I know it's not far away. I'm just curious as to how it would work."

"Firstly, I want to say I'm very pleased that you're asking me this so directly. The Florence from a couple of months ago wouldn't have felt comfortable enough to voice all of her concerns so plainly. Thank you for trusting me enough to be forthright with your worries.

"Now, to answer your questions. I go where you go. I told you, if you don't want to live here, if you're not comfortable at Alberad, I'd be happy to follow you elsewhere. You are now my priority. Ensuring your happiness, showing you my love, that is my main focus. Jobs come and go, but I am not willing to lose you."

"Can I ask you another favor?" I ask, voice coming out wet as my eyes start to well up at that declaration from my male.

"Anything," Adelbert says vehemently, squeezing my hand while his mage hand wipes away the single tear that escaped.

"I want you to lower those mental barriers you have in place when you are with me. If you're comfortable with it of course. I want you to feel how happy you make me, how much I love you, and that I am not only saying things to keep the peace."

"Are you sure?" Adelbert asks, eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.

"I'm sure, my noble Adelbert," I say gently. "I'd like to share this with you. I'll tell you if I want them back up."

Seemingly happy with that, Adelbert nods and a small but hesitant smile quirks his lips. I push all my love and excitement for our future toward him, wanting him to feel my sincerity.

A sudden gasp escapes him and a pink flush steals across his cheeks and up to the tips of his pointed ears. A misty sheen covers his eyes and I squeeze his hand.

"I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Liebling."

Shifting gears, I say, "Quick thought, let's redecorate the whole house, but let's not touch the kitchen. I'm kind of sentimental about it."

"It's funny you say that. My grandmother only updated minor things to improve functionality, but this is largely still the original kitchen from when the house was built."

I trace the wood grain on the table and circle a particularly pretty knot.

"It's like there are memories embedded into it," I remark.

Adelbert uses both hands and follows a line on his side too.

"I think you might be right in a sense. The wood in this house has lots of character, especially in the kitchen." Looking up at me, he adds, "I'd really appreciate your ideas on the rest of the rooms throughout the house too. We can tour through them all today and end in the main suite. That's the first place I want us to put our personal stamp on. Then, we can move into it and start claiming the rest of the house bit by bit too."

I wiggle a bit in my seat and my feet tap giddily.

"That sounds amazing. I'm so excited to dream with you."

Adelbert's face softens and he gives me that devoted look with puppy dog eyes I'll never get bored of.

"Me too. I'm looking forward to hearing all your ideas." Blinking suddenly, he adds, "Before it slips my mind again, remind me to get the book of fairy tales from my grandmother's study. I have been toying with a new theory and I'd like to read up on it, see if there's anything in this book that might substantiate my theory."

"Sure. The one about the branches coming out of the elf's head?"

"Horns," Adelbert corrects with mock sternness.

"Horn branches." I wink and giggle at how funny it is to echo a conversation from so long ago.

Sir Purrington makes himself known with a charming meow and I automatically move back in my seat to make space for him on my lap, but the cat passes me by and heads to Adelbert's side. I swear there's some extra swagger in his walk today.

"Why is he coming to me?" Adelbert asks, eyes darting between me and the cat.

"I think he wants you," I say from behind my hand, trying to stifle a giggle that wants to escape at Adelbert's confused expression.

"Me? Why me?" Adelbert asks, a little flustered as Sir Purrington patiently stands next to his chair.

"Cats are very independent creatures and they make their own choices. Today, you have been chosen," I attempt to explain cat behavior.

Adelbert does not look convinced.

"Chosen to do what?"

"He wants to sit on your lap. Just lean back a little so he has enough space to jump up," I encourage gently, hoping it will lead to more bonding between my two loves.

"Why would he want me when he can have you?" The question is so unguarded and sweet. I know Adelbert really means it, and I melt a little at that.

"Maybe he now approves of you after you listened to him and saved me?" I suggest.

Adelbert's brow furrows but he silently scoots back. Sir Purrington jumps onto his lap, turns in a circle, and settles down into a ball.

"Pet him," I encourage. "Stroke his fur a little."

"How hard should I press?"

"Just go softly, like you're playing with my hair. He'll let you know if he likes it or not."

A hesitant hand raises and barely touches the cat's fur with the first stroke. Sir Purrington lifts his head a bit and Adelbert's hand freezes.

My heart aches for Adelbert who has been so bereft of affection all his life that he doesn't even know how to pet a cat.

Picking up on my emotion, Adelbert's voice is rich with concern. "Are you sad because Sir Purrington came to me?"

I shake my head and smile fondly at him, silently vowing to make up for all that he's missed. "I'm just sad for the little boy that you were, but I'm so very happy to be part of what we'll call your ‘affection' era."

"I'm looking forward to learning all I can from you," Adelbert says. The mushiness of the moment is so sweet, I almost giggle.

I redirect the conversation back to an oddly patient Sir Purrington.

"Try stroking him again. He likes it a bit harder than that."

"I know someone else who likes it hard too," Adelbert quips under his breath.

I raise my hand to my chest in mock outrage and put on a thick accent.

"Mr. Alberad, dost thou jest?"

"I'll let you know, I do have a joke or two saved for a special occasion."

"I'd love to hear them! Tell me one, pretty please," I pout playfully and lace my fingers together in front of my chest.

"You'll have to work for them. They only come out on special occasions."

"Then work, I shall," I declare. In a softer tone I add, "Don't look now, but that is one happy cat."

In the time it took to have that little exchange, Adelbert had relaxed enough to start petting Sir Purrington the exact way he likes it. The resounding purr filling the kitchen is evident of that.

"Are we pet owners now?" Adelbert asks me, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head as the realization hits.

"I think Sir Purrington adopted us first," I surmise.

Adelbert stares at his hand as he keeps up the petting, seemingly entranced by Sir Purrington's response to his touch.

"Cats are very unique creatures," Adelbert remarks. "I don't personally know any big cat shifters, but I might get in touch with Rollo or Sawyer and ask them to connect me to one."

"Let me get this straight…. you want to call Rollo, your wolf shifter friend, and Sawyer, your bear shifter friend, to ask about a cat shifter because you have a cat now?" I try to follow the thread of his thought process, but I'm not quite sure how it's all connected.

"Yes. Is that strange?" Adelbert asks and shifts his hand to scratch under Sir Purrington's chin, eliciting an even louder purr from the cat.

"And may I ask why you want to talk to a big cat shifter?"

"I think a lion or tiger, or maybe even a jaguar shifter can give us some insight into Sir Purrington's mind and some guidance as to his care," Adelbert explains like it's the most sensible step to follow.

"That's… really, really sweet. I appreciate you trying to logic your way through having pets, but he's just a cat. A very smart cat at that. But cats tend to be private. And I can guarantee that if you call anyone with feline genes then they'd be offended if you asked them about a pet," I warn gently, not even willing to imagine how his questions might be received.

"What could possibly offend them about it? Isn't it the responsible thing to do?"

His questions give me better insight into his dynamic with his friends and why Everett took over most of the talking on the island instead of letting Adelbert explain the bonds to a bunch of nervous human women.

"Would Rollo like it if you called him about getting a dog?" I ask, trying to get him to see reason.

"Good point. I'm going to have to keep you around if I don't want to offend people."

"You've got me for as long as you want me."

"Forever," Adelbert whispers.