17

Three weeks later, Monica was sitting in the breakfast room holding little Jason when Kiera walked in.

“He likes you.”

“And I like him.”

Kiera smiled as she down to eat. She was slowly becoming her old self again. The happy, carefree Kiera from what seemed like so long ago. She was bright and smiling and nothing seemed to wavier her mood. Monica looked up and from her position, saw the exchanged look between Jared and Olivia and wondered if Kiera noticed. Jared ended up walking in.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Jared.”

“Kiera, I have bad news, I’m afraid.”

“What is it?”

“Father has asked me back. A new mission. The king had order us.”

“So soon.”

“I know, but I am to escort you, Jason, and Olivia to London. The duke says you are to live in the Bradford Mansion.”

“Of course, he did.”

James came in the and stood behind Monica and took Jason from her.

“You are really going to leave with this little guy?”

“You guys could always come visit or us here.”

“That’s true.”

James handed Jason to Kiera and sat next to Monica. Jared turned to go pack and tell the duke they were ready soon.

James looked over at Kiera, but she spoke first.

“Thanks for letting us stay here. I was really in a bad place. Being here again has reminded me of a few things. I’m actually glad he has offered the mansion. Last time I was in my house, Dominic took me away and I was gone for those two years.”

“Are you going to be alright in London?”

“We should be. As I’ve heard it, I’ve already got party invites. I miss it.”

“I’m glad. Write me as much as you can, and I promise we will be down there at least once.”

“Promise, Mon?”

“Yes.”

James rolled his eyes as he knew Monica would promise a trip to London. He had to admit that this time he would look forward to it. He loved spending time with Jason and loved watching Monica with Jason and it gave him this crazy idea that he would definitely have to talk to her about. He wanted to adopt a child. Just because they couldn’t have a child naturally doesn’t mean they can’t have a child.

Later that day, Kiera, Jason, and Olivia were packed and ready to go.  Candice hated seeing them go, especially little Jason. She had grown so close to him. Kiera and Monica took the longest to say bye, even though they knew they would be seeing each other soon. James took Monica’s hand as everyone waved goodbye. Olivia, Jason, and Kiera rode in the carriage while Jared rode on horseback next to them. There were guards surrounding them to ensure no harm came to them.

Monica and James talked about the possibility of adopting a few weeks later and Monica loved the idea. While they were in London next month for Kiera’s party, they would also stop by the orphanage. Monica wanted to write and tell Kiera and Olivia but decided to wait until she saw them. Monica and James’ relationship improved greatly after that. James liked how much closer they were in bed. It still got to him that he was madly in love with a woman he never saw beyond his best friend. He loved this and only hoped Kiera and Garret could have it again. He couldn’t imagine what they were going through right now.

On the evening Monica and James were departing for London, Ben showed up. Ben was always courteous and polite and professional, but he was so dreamy. He had a boyish charm to him that no woman could resist, even Candice and Monica. He was ushered in and gave that killer smile.

“Ladies.”

He dipped his head and followed the butler into the study. James looked at Monica and then back to Ben.

“I’m still alive, in case you were wondering.”

“Oh, hush. He just handsome.”

“Very handsome.”

“Mother.”

“Can’t help it. He is a dream.”

“Especially in that uniform.”

James followed them to the parlor, as he right now needed a drink. Monica just looked at him.

“As soon as we know nothing is wrong, we will go.”

“We can go now.”

“James? Something could be wrong.”

“She’s right. Ben doesn’t make random house calls. He has been sent here. He is currently the general’s envoy to the king. He spends most of his time in the king’s court.”

“Good point. Must be why we haven’t really heard from him.”

“Only time he was away from the king was when Dominic took Kiera and went looking for her.”

“Yeah, he told the king family comes before duty.”

“As it should always be, which is why I am here.”

“What is it?”

“I came to collect payment for the king on Garret’s behalf. He has gotten reckless since his and Kiera’s break. Luckily it was one of Jared’s guys that got him. Sent him to the king and I was charged with throwing his too drunk miserable ass back on his ship and sending him off. King demands payment. He has killed too many and no for no reason. He’s gotten dangerous. I just hope he took my advice to go back to his island and stay there for a bit.”

“Thank you, Ben.”

“It’s nothing, Lady Candice. I must be off. A pleasure, Your grace.”

“And you, sergeant.”

Ben left hastily and Monica and James said their farewell. As they walked outside, they saw Ben mounting his horse with along with thirty or so men, some of them, the king’s men.

“Heading somewhere?”

“Going to London.”

“For my sister’s party?”

“Yes.”

“Would you mind taking a letter to her for me. Saves me from going to London before returning to the king.”

“Of course.”

Ben handed a letter to James and rode off. James and Monica climbed into the carriage and headed for London.

Kiera greeted them warmly and they both noticed how much happier she was. She was in a guest room that was next to Jason’s. To their surprise, she wasn’t in Garret’s room. Once they all sat down for supper, James handed her the letter.

“We saw Ben before we left. He asked me to give this to you.”

Keira got up and went into the study to read it alone. She loved getting letters from Ben.

                                                            Little sister,

This time on what has happened in court, a young lady fawned over me, but I could tell she was an unmarried virgin. You know I prefer widows. I had lunch with the king, gracious man when he’s not being the king. The prince and I have been competing on how many ladies we can get to follow us in a single evening. He won this last time, only because he announced he would be taking a wife; cheater. I love our letters back in forth and was worried sick about you for a while. Glad to know your spirits are back up. I promise to come visit when I can, but you know how busy I am kept, with real work too. I love you.

                                                                                                Ben

She smiled and folded the letter. She walked back into the dinning hall and sat down. Monica saw the grin on her face and asked.

“Is everything alright?”

“Of course. Ben likes to send me these letters telling me of everything happening in court. He is such rake up there. He and the prince compete all of the time.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Sounds nice.”

“He says it is, but sometimes I wish he could tell me in person.”

“You miss him?”

“Yeah. I see Jared more than my father, but I see my father more than I see Ben.”

“I’m sure it’ll be alright. Now tell us of this party.”

Kiera started to tell of the party they would throw in the ballroom. It would be a grand party and all the nobles were invited. They were all excited for this party, knowing each one of them needed it. Monica talked to Kiera about the adoption idea and she thought it was wonderful. She knew they would make great parents. She could tell by watching them with Jason.

The ball ended being a huge success. Monica and James danced almost all night. Olivia was dancing, but never too long with one person. They noticed all her suitors backing off and thought it strange until Monica remember Jared. Kiera was asked to dance all night and she was about wore out when everyone went home. She said goodnight to all her guests and then her housemates. She went up and crashed. Olivia followed soon after and then Monica. James loved seeing this carefree side Monica and thought about staying in London more than they did.

Two days later, Monica was upset that every orphanage place turned them away. Now, all she wanted to do was go home. Kiera didn’t blame her and hoped she felt better in the coming days. Monica promised to write, and James said farewell to Kiera and his sister.

Monica was wondering around the house one-day James stood in a suit by the back door. She walked up to him with a puzzled look.

“What’s the occasion?”

“Our anniversary. There’s a dress up stairs for you. I’ll be waiting.”

She was so taken aback. After what had happened two months ago, she had been in her own world that she had completely forgotten. She went and changed and thought herself lucky. She went and joined him downstairs and they climbed into an open carriage. He took them to the gazebo and lunch had been prepared for them.

“Oh James. This is perfect.”

“I thought you might like it.”

As they ate and talked and laughed, she felt like she did before. When everyone was here as friends and of course, her wedding day. As their date was coming to an end as the sun was setting, they heard a disturbing sound.

“It’s about time you two left the house. Was wondering if you ever would.”

“Dale.”

“Hello, beautiful.”

“What do you want?”

“James, now you surprise me. You should know what I want by now.”

“Dale, get out of here.”

“I’m hurt. I finally have the perfect opportunity to rid myself of both of you at once and you want me to leave. Do you have any idea how long I’ve been planning this?”

“Planning what?”

“An explosion.”

They both paled as they noticed the wiring running under the gazebo and into the field. James grabbed her hand and she started to shake.

“Don’t move.”

“Monica?”

“James?”

“I love you.”

Before she could get it out, the entire thing went up in a huge explosion. Daniel and John both heard it and ran for them. What they saw, made both men hit their knees. Their children laid dead, hand in hand in a pile of rubble. A few of Dale’s thugs were wounded and captured. John would answer out of them. Candice wrote a letter to Olivia. John wrote one to Garret and hoped it reached him in time.

Olivia got the letter and broke down in a heap on the floor. Kiera took it and read it and became a mess with her. They rode for the estate the next day. They all grieved and mourned. On the day of the funeral, many people showed up to honor James and Monica. They were laid to rest, with Daniel’s permission, side by side in the family tomb. Kiera was taken aside and told about what John said to Garret and that if he didn’t accept, Jason would be the next duke. She waited for Garret, knowing how close he and his brother were, but he never showed. She and Olivia took Jason back to London

Two weeks later, Garret showed up at his father’s house. His father greeted him and took to the tomb. He said his goodbyes t his brother and his wife. His father took him upstairs and began to talk about the title. Garret stopped him.

“Tell me who killed my brother.”

“Garret…”

“Who was it?”

“Dale, but before you get any ideas, no one has seen him since the attack.”

“I’ll find him.”

With that, Garret left to find Dale. After three days, he and his crew found him in a tavern three towns over. Dale paled at seeing Garret. He looked every inch the pirate people feared, and he had his crew with him.

“Dale! It’s been too long.”

“Garret, I didn’t realize…”

“Father wrote to me to tell me my poor brother and his wife had fallen tragic to an accident. Guess my surprise when I hear you murdered them.”

“Garret, please.”

“Too late for that.”

Garret walked right up to him and put a dagger through his heart and let his slump to the floor. Once he was down, he looked up at Garret with pleading eyes. Garret pulled out a pistol and shot him between his eyes. He threw some money on the bar and he and his men left.

Garret returned to his father and told him his brother had been avenged. He signed the papers, became the duke and rode for Kiera.