Page 44 of Horsemen and Hot Chocolate

“I love you, too,” she said, and a bubbling feeling filled her chest at the freedom flooding her heart. “I love how you’ve shown courage in the face of darkness, and I would love nothing more than to be by your side… forever.”

Willem closed the distance, and their lips met in a gentle kiss. Wrapping her arms around him, she tugged him closer, never wishing for this moment to end. But a furry paw batted at her skirt.

Breaking the kiss, she peered down at Smudge, who meowed at them. A smile broke on her lips, and she chuckled.

“He’s saying you’re part of the family now.”

Willem smirked and picked up the needy cat. Smudge purred, bunting Willem’s jaw as he stroked his fur. Suddenly, his brown eyes met hers.

“Then I believe I should meet the rest of them. May I speak with your father?”

Katrina’s mouth parted, and a flush warmed her cheeks. Nodding, she smiled and allowed him inside.

***

Mother swiveled in her seat when they entered the room. Her blue eyes fluttered rapidly, as though attempting to process the man trailing behind Katrina. The bed creaked when Father sat up, more alert than the day before. Katrina’s heart pounded against her ribcage as she led Willem into the sick chamber by the hand. Her mother’s gaze darted to their clasped hands, and she stood on her feet.

“Mother, Father,” she started, and resisted the temptation to coil her hair around her finger, as she did when she was nervous.

“Who is this?” Mother asked.

Willem stepped forward and bowed his head. “Forgive the intrusion. Permit me to introduce myself—I am Willem Van den Broek, and I wish to speak to you on a matter of great importance.”

Mother’s eyes flew to Katrina, confusion swirling in their depths. Katrina bit her lip, unsure how Willem wished to proceed, but she trusted him.

Father cleared his throat. “Very well, Mister Van den Broek. What is it you wish to speak about?”

Willem stepped forward, sliding his hand out of hers to clasp them behind his back. They trembled, but Katrina hoped he could sense her silent support.

“I admit, I have practiced this speech a hundred times, but it pales in comparison to my love for your daughter. With deepest respect for your esteemed family, I wish to court and wed her with your blessing.”

Mother gasped and looked at Father. Katrina shifted nervously, searching for any disapproval on her father’s face, but he sat with a curious expression instead.

“I know it seems abrupt and that perhaps I have only returned for a short time, but I hold Katrina in the highest regard. Your daughter has captured my heart, and I wish nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her,” Willem continued and met her eye. Sincerity shone in his gaze, and Katrina placed a hand over her fluttering heart. “From the moment we met, I wished never to leave her side. I will spend every day proving I am worthy of her. I humbly request that you bestow upon us your blessing.”

A thick silence settled over the room. Katrina’s heart soared at his words, but her pulse thundered in anticipation of her parents’ response.

Father regarded Willem carefully before a bout of coughing took over him. Mother was by his side as he wheezed and sputtered. When the coughing fit subsided, Father inhaled a shaky breath and peered up at her.

“And you, daughter?” he asked weakly. “Do you feel the same for this young man?”

She nodded, “I do.”

“Well,” Father started, tears glistening in his eyes. He looked at Mother with a smile. “I suppose if my daughter is in agreement… You have my blessing.”

“Oh, thank you, Papa,” she cried out, unable to contain her joy any longer. She raced forward and embraced him, and Mother patted her back gently.

“All I wanted was your happiness,” Father whispered in her ear.

“He makes me most happy,” she said tearfully. “I love him.”

“Then I am overjoyed for you, daughter. Nothing else could make me happier.”

A tear slipped down her cheek before she pulled away and stood at Willem’s side.

“Now,” Mother started lightly. “May we inquire how you came to know each other?”

Willem met Katrina’s gaze with a gentle smile. “I was lost, but she found me… and became the light that guided me home.”