Marcus's POV
The kiss caught me completely off guard—quick, fierce, and gone before I could even respond. She turned and walked back toward the house without a word, leaving me standing there like an idiot, the ghost of her touch still burning on my lips.
Elizabeth approached with a warm smile, taking my hand. "Marcus, you must be exhausted. Come inside."
"Lucky you're back now," she continued, guiding me toward the entrance. "If you'd just been flying in from Europe, you would have missed Annie altogether. Why must you young people always spring surprises?
A little warning would have been nice." Her gentle scolding carried nothing but affection. "William has been worried sick about you too. But you're home now, that's what matters."
The familiar guilt twisted in my chest.
She was right—I should have given them some warning. But seeing Anna's face just now had been worth every second of suspense.
