Chapter 167
Nora's POV
That afternoon, I arrived at RiverView Community to find Lucas on the living room floor, controller in hand. He looked up when I walked in.
"Nora! Finally! I thought you were going to keep hiding—" He caught my warning look and pivoted smoothly. "—how busy you've been."
Uncle Gareth emerged from his study, gardening magazine in hand. "Nora! Your aunt's making your favorite roast chicken."
I found Marianne in the kitchen, arranging vegetables in a roasting pan. She pulled me into a warm hug.
"Let me look at you." She stepped back, studying my face. "You look well. Work's been good?"
"It's been busy, but yeah. Good." I hesitated. "Actually, would it be okay if Julian came for dinner tonight?"
Marianne's eyes widened with delight. "Of course! I've been wanting to meet him properly." Then her expression turned serious. "But you should know, your uncle and I are going to interrogate him thoroughly."
I laughed nervously. "I figured."
---
At six p.m., the doorbell rang.
Marianne wiped her hands and headed for the door. Gareth positioned himself in the living room, radiating paternal authority.
Julian stood on the porch in a charcoal blazer and white shirt, holding an elegant gift bag.
"Good evening, Mrs. Grey. I'm Julian Sterling. Thank you for having me."
Marianne recovered quickly from her initial shock at his sheer presence. "Good evening, Julian. Please, come in."
He handed her the bag. "A small token. I hope you'll enjoy them."
She pulled out a bottle of vintage French wine and Swiss chocolates—easily worth thousands. "This is too much—"
"It's the least I could do." His smile was genuine. "After all, you raised Nora to be the incredible woman she is."
Marianne softened immediately.
Gareth stepped forward, extending his hand. "Julian. I'm Gareth. Welcome."
They shook, two men sizing each other up. Gareth saw confidence tempered with genuine respect. Julian saw a protective father figure who wouldn't be easily won over.
Julian's eyes returned to me, as if I were the only person in the room.
---
Over dinner—herb-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, Caesar salad, warm garlic bread—the interrogation began.
Gareth set down his fork. "Julian, you're a Federal Inspector. That must involve a lot of travel."
"It does," Julian acknowledged. "But I make sure to come back to Nora whenever I can."
Not "back to Silverton." Back to me. They noticed.
"What does your family think about Nora?" Marianne asked carefully. "Given that she's... from a different background."
Julian didn't flinch. "My family comes from a world where marriages are strategic transactions. Political gains, financial alliances—that's how they operate."
Marianne's expression grew complicated.
"But I don't live in that world anymore." His voice turned steel. "I left my family at eighteen. Joined the military. Earned my position through service, not family connections. They don't control me, and they never will."
He turned to me, and his expression softened completely. "Nora isn't a strategic choice. She's not a political asset. She's the woman I love. That's all that matters."
Gareth studied him for a long moment. "Words are easy. How do I know you won't cave when your family applies pressure? Nora's been through that before."
The reference to Kyle hung in the air.
Julian's hand found mine under the table. "I'm not Kyle Vaughn. I don't need my family's money or approval. If they ever try to interfere, I'll cut them off without hesitation."
Marianne stared. "You'd really do that? Give up your family for her?"
"If it comes to that, yes." His tone was absolute. "But it won't. Because they know better than to cross me."
The cold finality in his voice silenced the room.
Marianne's eyes glistened. "Julian, Nora's been through so much. Her father and mother..." Her throat tightened. "She can't afford to be let down again."
Julian's grip on my hand tightened. "Mrs. Grey, I'm not here to waste Nora's time. I'm here because she makes me feel like I've finally found home. I know she's been hurt. I know she's learned to expect conditions on love. But I'm going to spend the rest of my life proving she's wrong."
A tear slipped down Marianne's cheek. "You better mean that. Because if you hurt her, I don't care what position you hold—I'll make you regret it."
"I understand," Julian said quietly. "And I give you my word."
---
Lucas broke the tension. "So... does this mean you guys are officially official? Like, social media official?"
I laughed despite myself. "We don't need that to make it real, Lucas."
Gareth cleared his throat. "One last question. What are your intentions with Nora? Are you planning to marry her, or is this just..."
My pulse skyrocketed.
Julian didn't hesitate. "Sir, if it were up to me, I'd marry Nora tomorrow."
Marianne gasped.
"But," he continued, "I respect that she needs time. I'm not going to rush her into anything." He looked at me, eyes soft. "I'll wait as long as she needs. She's worth it."
My vision blurred with tears.
Julian brushed them away gently. "Don't cry. I'm not going anywhere."
Gareth stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to the family, Julian."
Julian shook it firmly. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
---
At nine, we said our goodbyes. Marianne pulled me aside.
"He's a good man, Nora. I'm glad you found him."
"Thank you," I whispered.
She turned to Julian. "Take care of her."
"I will," he promised. "Always."
Gareth clapped his shoulder. "If you ever need anything—advice, support, whatever—reach out. You're family now."
Julian's eyes flickered with genuine emotion. "That means more than you know."
Lucas waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Julian! Bring Nora back more often! And maybe your cool car next time!"
Julian laughed. "I will."
---
In the car, I let out a long breath. "Thank God that's over. I was terrified."
Julian glanced at me, amused. "You were nervous? I thought you were going to pass out when your uncle asked about my intentions."
"That's because you said you'd marry me tomorrow!" I swatted his arm. "Do you have any idea how terrifying that was?"
"I meant it." His voice was serious. "Every word."
My heart hammered.
"But I also meant what I said about waiting," he added gently. "We'll take this at your pace."
I stared out the window, overwhelmed. Then, quietly: "Julian."
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
The car pulled over.
Julian turned to face me, eyes searching mine. Then he cupped my face and kissed me—slow, deep, reverent.
When he finally pulled back, he pressed his forehead to mine. "I love you too, baby. More than you'll ever know."