Harry forgot the rest of the room. Forgot the ball, forgot the valet, forgot everything except the woman who as kissing him. It had been hard for him to accept it as well, the idea of falling in love so quickly. He hadn't expected it, hadn't sought it. Certainly hadn't wanted it, not on the heels of Maggie and Susan.
But he knew what this was. Once he'd been told the truth, the depth of their feelings, Harry knew it wasn't something he could deny. He'd pushed Susan away, held her at arm's length - he wasn't about to make that mistake again.
His arms went around her, pressing her closer. The kiss deepened, flooding with the intensity of their emotion. He kissed her, tasted her lips, felt their silky texture. When it was over, between breaths, he said the words he'd once waited too long to say. Magic words or not, they were still powerful.