Page 101 of Shattering Dawn

“You’re sure? I mean, we’ve only known each other a few days.”

He smiled an unexpectedly wistful smile. “I fell in love with you the day you hired me.”

She frowned. “How could you know so quickly?”

“Because I felt like I’d been hit by a freight train.”

“That’s how you knew you were in love?”

“Well, sure. That’s usually how it is with the Sweetwaters.”

Her pulse kicked up. “I was afraid I’d made a serious mistake by hiring you.”

“You’re not much of a romantic, are you?”

“But I realized right away that my feelings were very complicated. Hard to sort out. I wasn’t sure what was going on. Your uncle explained the biophysics of the situation. Something about aura resonance.”

“Well, shit. You discussed us—our relationship—with my uncle? You and I haven’t even talked about it. Not until now. I can’t believe this.”

“Calm down. He was very understanding. Helpful. Supportive.”

“Thank you, Uncle Shelton,” Gideon muttered.

“You’re missing the point here. I love you, Gideon.”

“What?”

She smiled, savoring the quiet, thrilling joy of certainty. “There is no question about it. I think I knew it that first day but, like I said, the situation was complicated.”

Gideon’s eyes were molten silver now. “Amelia—”

The doorbell chimed.

Startled, Amelia jumped off the stool. “I wonder who that could be?”

Gideon was already on his feet, suddenly all business. “I’ll get it.”

Amelia followed him into the front hall and managed to get to the door ahead of him. “It’s okay. That’s Egan, the gardener.” She opened the door.

The gardener had a small white envelope in one gloved hand.

“Hi, Egan,” Amelia said. “What’s up?”

“Morning,” Egan said. “I found this in the gardening shed. It has your name on it. The mail carrier must have dropped it.”

“Thanks.”

Bewildered, she took the envelope. Her name was, indeed, printed on the front in block letters. She was pretty sure she recognized the handwriting. She ripped open the envelope and discovered a note and a business card.

Dear Amelia:

I will miss our pizza-wine-and-movie nights. I realize I almost got you killed, but I want you to know I truly did value our friendship. In my family we don’t do friends. It was nice to have a real one for a while.

I know you will take good care of Daisy and Dahlia.

Remember, don’t overfeed them. And help yourself to my wine collection before the apartment manager realizes I’m not coming back.

Sincerely,