“But Sajan...” her mother started.

“I already told you.”

Daniel leaned toward her ever so slightly, his chest pressed against her back. “I love those kids. I love what I do, and I love—Daniel. I love Daniel.” She stared straight ahead, meeting her father’s eyes, even as she felt Daniel tense behind her.

Her father gaped at her for a moment before he brushed past them. “Think about what you are doing, Annika. What do you know about love? We only want what is best for you.”

Her mother hesitated before joining her father at the door. “Beta, think about what we said. Every once in a while, we have a good idea.” She glanced at Daniel with what Annika could have sworn was a trace of sadness. And with that, her parents opened the door and left.

Annika sagged right into Daniel as if she had just run a marathon. His arms were around her in an instant, providing the strength and comfort she needed right now. He led her to the sofa, and she curled up in his lap.

“So, um...good morning to you, too,” Daniel chuckled.

“It’s not funny.”

“No, I suppose making out in front of your parents is not really comedy, or the best way to tell them about us.” He pulled back to look at her. “You were telling them about us?”

“Well, yeah, before you came in and kissed me like I was the last woman on earth.”

“You are the last woman on earth, for me.”

“They’re really trying to get me to marry Sajan. Besides, they should know about you.”

“Not really the best way for them to find out.”

She giggled despite the hollowness in her stomach. She felt his chuckle vibrate through her and decided it was the most amazing thing she’d ever felt. Well, almost.

“They don’t like me.” He was matter-of-fact.

She squeezed his hand. “They don’t know you.”

“They don’t want to know me.”

Annika sat up so she could look at him. “That’s their loss. Listen, it’s not easy. If you can’t handle it, bail now.” Better to find out now that he wouldn’t be sticking around.

He pressed a finger to her lips. “That’s not it at all. I’m not trying to bail on you. But I don’t want to cause trouble for you, either.”

“You’re not causing trouble.”

“Hmm. That is true.” He grinned at her, amusement playing in those green eyes she loved so much. “You’re the troublemaker here.” He kissed her neck. “But was this really the most romantic way you could think of to tell me you loved me?”

“YOU THINK YOU’RE IN love with him?” Naya stood, incredulous, in the doorway of her bedroom. She had clearly been listening, waiting for the right moment to come out—preferably after Annika’s parents had left.