He bowed his head as if saying a prayer of thanks, then quickly rose and in one swift movement pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. Joan closed her eyes and melted into his embrace, memorizing it, finding it felt like home.

Leaning back slightly, he reached up and touched her chin, lifting it a bit. “May I?” he asked.

Joan’s heart melted a little more. He always asked, never assumed, his will at the mercy of hers, and not realizing it was the very same with her. Her will was at the mercy of his.

That’s what love was about, selfless.

Yielding to the other.

Thinking of the other before oneself.

“Yes, always yes.” She leaned forward, brushing his lips with hers. The light touch took her breath away, her body reacting with heat and need. He met her lips once more, lingering there, nibbling her lower lips softly, playfully, another request. She mimicked his movement, and as if her body already knew what to do, her arms reached up and wrapped around his neck. Her fingers tentatively slid into the soft hair at the nape of his neck, caressing up as she pulled him closer.

How was it possible to be so close to someone and still feel like they were too far away? Her thoughts scattered as his hands splayed across her hips and branded her with his warm touch. His mouth captured hers, teaching—ever the teacher—and caressing her. A flicker of his tongue against her lips made them part in shock. She could feel his smile rather than see it, as it spread across his lips before he flicked his tongue against hers softly, invitingly, a request.

His flavor enveloped her, sang a love song as she gingerly kissed him back. New and untried, she gave every drop of affection and love in her kiss, speaking through her actions rather than her words.

“Five seconds before I come through the door,” Morgan called, his voice shattering the fragile moment like a firework in a glass greenhouse.

Rowles pulled back reluctantly, then raised his voice in answer, “Fifteen.” He kissed her again, and he lingered a moment longer against her lips.

“Two,” Morgan countered from the hall.

Joan blinked, the spell dissipating as she met Rowles’s exuberant expression.

“One,” Morgan said.

“Zero?” Rowles replied, his tone teasing. He grasped Joan’s hand and held it tightly, moving to stand beside her.

Morgan walked in, watched them cautiously, and then relaxed. “I suppose there’s news you wish to impart?” He rocked on his heels, and while he still looked less than thrilled, the edge to his tone and demeanor was absent.

“It turns out you will be stuck with me for quite some time, but now as a brother-in-law.” Rowles gave Joan’s hand a squeeze as he turned to her and grinned.

“I see. I suspect you’ll next ask to procure a special license?”