Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Yes.”

  He jumped out of his seat and pulled her to her feet. The hug that followed was the best he’d ever had—with the exception of the ones he had with the beautiful, wonderful woman who’d made it possible. He looked over Marianna’s shoulder at a smiling Rosie and mouthed, “Thank you.”

  After a long embrace, the two of them separated and returned to their seats.

  Primrose leaned forward. “What do you remember?”

  “It’s amazing. I remember my name, my wonderful brother, those long hours studying law, and then that terrible camping trip.”

  Her breaths were coming out too fast. “Slow down, Marianna.”

  She huffed out a breath. “Sorry. I’m so used to Thea that it will take me a while to get used to my real name.”

  The waiter came over and took their orders for lunch.

  “That’s okay,” Rafe said. “Now that I’ve found you, we’re going to walk down memory lane together.”

  “I’d like that. Clearly, I have a lot of catching up to do.” She turned to Primrose. “Are you Rafe’s wife? And how did you manage to get my memories back? Trust me, I’ve tried everything from hypnosis to acupuncture. Nothing worked. I guess I should have sought out a witch.”

  Shit. Now wasn’t the time to explain about Rosie being a goddess of Fate. His sister could only take so much in one day. “Primrose—or Rosie as I call her—and I are dating. We’re very serious.” He hoped that would be enough to satisfy Marianna.

  For the next hour, he told her about how he hadn’t practiced law so he could search for her.

  Marianna reached across the table and clasped his hand. “You are the best brother.”

  Rafe smiled. “I love search and rescue by the way. In fact, I’m glad I didn’t go into law. I can’t help but wonder how you didn’t remember your name but knew law?”

  “The doctors explained that our memories come from different parts of the brain. The areas of the brain that deal with knowing how to walk, talk, and learn, weren’t damaged, just my other memories from in the past.”

  “I’m glad they are back.”

  “Not all of them, but with time, I’m sure most will. Then again, I have you to remind me. How are Mom and Dad, by the way?”

  Shit. He hadn’t wanted to bring up that topic when they were having such a great time. “Dad is fine, but Mom became ill right after you disappeared.”

  “Is she okay?”

  Rafe clutched both of her hands, the pain racing through him. “I’m afraid she died a year later.”

  “No! I should have been there for her.” Marianna’s voice trailed off. Then as if the reality of the situation sunk in, another round of tears streamed down her cheeks. “I can’t believe she’s gone. Oh, Rafe. I never should have gone camping.”

  “Don’t do this. You were celebrating. No one knew she’d become ill.”

  Her chin trembled, and Rafe slid out of the booth and slipped in next to his sister. He embraced her, needing to console her. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to come out of a fog and realize you’d lost a few years of your life.

  When she calmed down, they talked a bit more about how Dad seemed to be lost, but Rafe was sure once he saw Marianna was alive, his spirits would improve.

  Their food arrived, and the three of them ate in between asking a ton of questions. Finally, Marianna looked at her watch. “I have to get back to work—assuming I can even think straight. I can’t tell you how relieved I am to know I actually went to law school. I took the exam here and thankfully passed.”

  “I’m not surprised. You were exceptional,” he said.

  “Thank you. How long can you guys stay? I have so many more questions.”

  That was partially up to Rosie. “You still have a few more days to your vacation, right?”

  “Yes. I think it would be wonderful to spend it in Hartford,” she said.

  Rafe smiled, happier than he’d been in a long time. He and Marianna hugged goodbye, and then exchanged contact information, promising to meet up again tomorrow.

  Primrose was thrilled. The big smile on Rafe’s face told her he was truly happy. “So now what?” she asked.

  “My sister and I will get reacquainted.”

  “I think that’s great, but what happens next week? Are you planning to move here to be near her?” She held her breath.

  For the first time, she had this fear that he’d follow Marianna around to make sure she stayed safe and forget about his own mate—or rather the man who Primrose planned to mate with.

  “No. At least I don’t think so. This is all so new.” He polished off his drink. “I don’t know how to thank you. While your abilities are more powerful than I could even imagine, I had no idea you could mind link people.”

  She needed him to understand her limitations. “I’ve never done it before, and I doubt I’ll be able to again.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Rafe Tremont, we belong together. Like I said before, I knew you would never have been able to consider spending your life with me until you learned what happened to your sister. I was able to help you unite with your sister because you are my mate.”

  He looked away for a moment. “Now that I’ve found her though, I want to move on.”

  “Describe moving on.”

  He sighed. “Oh, Rosie—moving on means I want to be with you. I want to put the past where it belongs—in the past.” He held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. Now that I’ve found my sister, I want to spend time with her too, but you’re my future.”

  His words sang to her. “Are you sure? I mean being with a goddess could be a bit intimidating.”

  Rafe shook his head. “Not for me. I’m proud that you possess all these talents. Unless you ever decide to use some magic, I will probably always be a better skier.”

  She chuckled. “That may be so, just as I will be able to make better pots than you.”

  “I’m good with that.”

  As much as she wanted to discuss more practical considerations, such as where they would live, he needed more time with her before changing his life.

  “What do you say we explore Hartford and see what it has to offer?”

  “I would love that.”

  Rafe’s head was spinning, but he was never surer in his life that he and Rosie were meant to be together. It wasn’t just that their paths had been destined to cross, it was also that they thought alike. She understood him better than anyone else ever had in his life—other than Marianna. Now that his sister’s disappearance was solved, he could allow the walls around his heart to come down and let Rosie in.

  This adorable goddess had blown into his life and turned it upside down, and it wasn’t because she could teleport. It was the way she touched him with kindness, and how when she smiled, he wanted to give her whatever she wanted. The once shy Primrose Faiten had blossomed, and he liked to think he had something to do with it.

  They spent the afternoon walking around town, stopping in some of the more quaint shops. Rosie clearly loved art and beautiful things, whereas he was more drawn to the sporting goods stores, always interested in finding newer and better ski attire.

  Hand in hand they walked back to his car. “I’ve been thinking,” he said.

  She looked up at him and smiled. “That’s a good thing, right?”

  “Maybe. I can’t help but think about your inevitable departure next week.”

  She looked down. “I would love to stay and ski for the rest of my life, but I have—”

  He stopped and faced her. “You don’t have to say it. I know you have to return to Edendale. You have people there who need you, like your sisters. I don’t want to stand in the way of people who belong together or who are kept apart because you and your sisters are the only one with the magic to help them.”

  Her heart soared. “What are you saying?”

  “They might not have snow in Edendale, but there are mountains with forests, right?”

  She laughed, hoping he’d say what she’d been wishing. “Yes. Lots of forests where hikers get lost all the time.”

  “Not to say that CJ, Trevor, and Dar won’t miss me, but I’d miss you more if we weren’t together.” He glanced at the sky and then back at her. “What I’m trying to say is that I don’t want us to be apart. Do you have any connections back in your hometown that might help me get a job there?”

  “Yes! And if we weren’t standing on the sidewalk, I’d be jumping in your arms and wrapping my legs around your waist.”

  His heart raced. Rafe reached out and pulled her close. “How about a kiss then?”

  She grinned. “Now you’re talking my language.”

  He laughed. “You are something else, Rosie. I hope your sisters don’t hate me when they see how much you’ve changed.”

  She dragged a finger down his cheek. “They will be thrilled to see me so happy. Well, Acacia and Poppy will. They’re always telling me to get out more and live.”

  “And Magnolia?”

  “In her heart, she’ll be happy too. Now, didn’t someone promise me a kiss?”

  Rafe wasn’t sure if he could contain himself to just one, but he would try. Cupping the back of her head, he leaned down and dragged his lips to hers. It was when Rosie wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his that he realized this had been a mistake. His cock hardened to the point of being painful, but he didn’t want to stop kissing her.

  If a few passersby hadn’t snickered, they might have stayed there a long time.

  Rosie leaned back. “Maybe we should take this someplace else.”

  “I see you can read minds.”

  She laughed. “Don’t I wish, though once we mate—assuming you still want to—we’ll be able to communicate telepathically.”

  “Really? What about teleporting?”

  “I don’t think so, but then again, I’ve never had a mate before.”

  They reached the car quickly, and Rafe sped through town back to the hotel. As soon as he parked, he tried not to run toward the room. He’d been tempted to suggest that Rosie could teleport there so he could move faster, but her sudden disappearance might be cause for concern should anyone notice her. If word reached his sister about Rosie’s talents, she’d be upset that he didn’t tell her first.

  He punched the button to the elevator, but it was slow to arrive.

  Rosie smiled. “Let me.” She pressed her thumb to the glowing ring. A second later the door opened.

  “How did you do that?”

  “More of my magical abilities.”

  Rafe did love this woman. “I can’t wait to experience all of your magic—magic fingers, magic lips, magic—”

  Primrose cut him off with a quick but heated kiss.

  They stepped inside the elevator. A minute later, they were hurrying to their room. Once there, Rosie stopped and turned around. “If we’re going to mate, there are some rules we have to follow.”

  She’d never mentioned anything about rules. “What are they?”

  “I’m in control. If I’m convinced you are sufficiently excited and want to go through with this life changing event of being my mate, then I might relax the rules and let you take over.”

  He stepped closer. “You, Primrose Faiten are full of shit.”

  She laughed. “If you want the full Faiten experience, you’ll do as I say.”

  He spun her around, pressed her back against the wall, and pinned her arms above her head. Then he kissed her. Hard. Passionately. And with total abandon.

  When he finally finished, her lips were red, her eyes half closed, and her breaths rapid. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  The twinkle in her eyes convinced him she loved the foreplay as much as he did.

  They removed their jackets and ditched their shoes. Then Rosie unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans.

  When she dropped to her knees to tug them down, his imagination went wild. If he wasn’t careful, he’d shoot his wad before he even entered her. This was their big event and he didn’t want to blow it—literally or figuratively. Making love in the entranceway wasn’t his idea of being comfortable, but if that was what she wanted, then he’d oblige her.

  She tugged his jeans down to his ankles. “Step out of these.”

  When he reached down to take them off, he ditched his socks too. He thought she’d stand and help him out of his shirt, but her lips were pressed against his cock, causing his body to go wild.

  Dear Fate. My name is Rafe Tremont, and I would appreciate it if you could help me out here. I really want to stay in control a little bit longer.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Primrose was actually nervous. This was the moment every person or goddess wished for. She was about to mate with the most amazing man. His scent enticed her, and his huge cock excited her. It was such fun to drag her nails up and down his dick to see him squirm and hear his moans of need.

  “Careful, goddess girl.”

  “Where’s the fun in that?”

  Rafe laughed. “I’ve unleashed a monster.”

  “If by that you mean what I am holding in my hands, then you’re right.”

  He dragged his fingers through her hair at her temple and pressed on the side of her head. When she finished teasing him and actually sucked on his cock, the pressure increased. She glanced up. Rafe’s eyes were closed, his mouth slightly ajar, and his breaths were coming out faster and faster.

  Wanting to really turn him on, she grabbed his hard shaft and pumped her fist up and down while she cupped his balls.

  A moment later, Rafe lifted her to her feet and picked her up. “We need to take this to the bed.”

  She grinned. “You won’t get any argument from me.”

  He pulled down the quilt and placed her gently on the cool sheets. “Now, it’s my turn to get you excited.”

  “Trust me when I say I’m ready.”

  He actually scowled at her. “I don’t want to rush this. This is our big moment.”

  Primrose was thrilled that Rafe understood that this would alter both of their lives forever. “I’ll try to go slow, but no promises,” she said.

  “How do we know when we’ve mated?” he asked.

  “When my light glows so much it encompasses both of us. Then it will be done.”

  He stroked her face as he crawled on top of her. “I want to become one with you.”

  That was such a sweet sentiment. “That makes two of us.”

  She reached up and kissed him, arching her back to feel more of her skin on his. Instead of the desperation that usually pervaded their lovemaking, this kiss was slow and sensual. Every tongue twist was new and full of discovery.

  Rafe’s lips broke away from hers, only to drag them down to her chin and then to her neck, leaving a trail of adoration.

  “Did I tell you I fell in love with you, Rosie, the moment we watched the snow fall together at the lodge that night?”

  Her heart nearly stopped. He hadn’t even glanced over to see who she was. “You love me?”

  He looked at her and grinned. “I do. Not only did you unlock my heart, you allowed me to throw away the key. I’ll be forever yours.”

  Rafe dipped his chin and lowered his mouth to enjoy her breasts. He twirled one nipple while he licked the other, sending waves of euphoria through her. All she could reach were his shoulders and upper back, but she adored touching his strong flexing muscles. With each suck, her need escalated, forcing her to lift her hips for more contact. Her body’s glow increased with each lick of his tongue, until she’d reached her limit.

  “I need you now.”

  Rafe rose to his knees, flipped her over, and lifted her to her knees and elbows. The idea of him mounting her set her body on fire. There was something about this dominating position that made her glow intensify even more.

  Rafe leaned over her and reached around to cup her breasts. His callused palms almost tickled as he lightly dragged them across the sensitive tips. He then grabbed his cock and placed it at her entrance.

  “Rosie.” His whisper ignited her.

  When he slid into her, her slick juices made the passage easy. He pressed her breasts together as he drove to the end. Lust flared. Passion ignited. “Yes!”

  It wasn’t just her glow that was changing and enlarging. Primrose also seemed to be undergoing some kind of metamorphosis. Love bloomed as she lowered her head, thrilling to his touch. While she wanted to touch him back, she was too overwhelmed with the glorious feeling of almost transcending her body.

  “Rosie, Rosie,” he chanted.

  Rafe hammered into her, each time taking her closer to the brink of ecstasy. He lowered his chest to her back and kissed her neck. Tears welled up at their imminent mating. His fingers caressed her nipples, and then he pinched them hard, causing her glow to explode around them.

  “I love you,” she called out as her orgasm unleashed wave after wave of erotic sensations.

  “It is done.”

  She wasn’t sure if those words came from her or Fate, but she was more content than she ever had been in her life. Rafe grunted once and then came hard. It was almost as if her glow had cocooned him, frozen him in time for a moment.

  His hands slipped around her waist, as he pressed his forehead to the back of her head. “The realm just shifted, didn’t it?” he asked.

  Rafe sounded sincere. “I think so.”

  Primrose dropped onto her stomach, stretching her legs behind her. Rafe rolled off of her, and then gathered her into his arms. “Did you just take me to where goddesses live? I was transported somewhere amazing.”

  She loved his innocence and his willingness to open his heart to her. It was what made Rafe Tremont the right mate for her.

  “Maybe. I do know something big happened.”

  “Yeah, something very big,” he said with a smile.

  One week later

  Rafe and Primrose had spent every night with Marianna, catching up and filling in some holes in her memory. It was possible she’d never remember everything, but Primrose was delighted that Rafe was now this free and happy.

  “Do you think your sister really will move to Edendale?” Primrose asked after they said their final goodbye.