Kerrelyn Sparks: Forbidden Nights with a Vampire

"You'll think of something." Phil escorted her to her brother.

His mouth twitched when he noticed her hair, then he looked at her face and frowned. "Do I know you? You look so familiar."

She blinked back her tears. "I–I—My name is Vanda."

His blue eyes widened. "I had a sister named Vanda. You look so much like her."

"She was…my grandmother."

Jozef stiffened suddenly and grabbed at his chest. Vanda gasped. Good Lord, she was going to kill him.

The elderly lady rushed over. "What's going on here?" She glared at Vanda. "Who are you?"

"I'm all right," Jozef insisted. "Gertie, you remember how I used to talk about my sister Vanda?"

"Yes, she was the one who raised you after your mom died. You said she died in the war."

Jozef looked at Vanda with tears in his eyes. "She lived! This is her granddaughter."

"Oh my!" Gertie grabbed Vanda's hand. "Bless you."

Jozef took Vanda's other hand. "How is she? Is she still with us?"

"She passed away," Vanda said quietly. "But she always talked about you. She loved you very much."

"I loved her, too." Jozef shook her hand. "This is the best present ever."

"Yes, it is." Vanda glanced at Phil and smiled. "Thank you."

Jozef laughed. "I like your purple hair. That's something my sister would have done."

Phil stepped forward. "Sir, my name is Phil Jones. It's an honor to meet you."

Jozef released Vanda's hand and shook hands with Phil. "Are you here with Vanda?"

"Yes, and since you're Vanda's oldest living male relative, I thought I would ask you for her hand in marriage."

Jozef blinked. "An old-fashioned sort, are you? I like that." He looked at Vanda and his blue eyes twinkled. "Do you love this man, Vanda?"

"Oh, yes." She stepped close to Phil and put her arms around him. "I love him very much."

Gertie clasped her hands together. "This is so sweet."

Jozef cleared his throat and gave Phil a stern look. "Do you have a job, young man?"

"Yes, sir. I'll take good care of her. I love her with all my heart."

Jozef chuckled. "Don't know what you need me for. You two go on and get hitched."

Vanda laughed. "We will. I promise."

Phil pulled a diamond ring from his pocket and slid it onto Vanda's finger. "To our great future together."

She slipped her arms around his neck as his mouth met hers in a long, lingering kiss.

"Oooh, Pawpaw," Emily whispered. "They're kissing."

Vanda heard her brother laugh, and her heart soared.

"How can I ever thank you for this, Phil?"

He gave her his wolfish grin. "We'll think of something."