3

Meanwhile, at the Rydellshire estate, James was indeed having it out with Dale. With this brother, Dale had to tread lightly. He could threaten Garret, and nothing would happen, but the future duke, he would have problems. He could do almost nothing but take James’ lashing. Patrick and Daniel were present in the room as well.

“I will repeat myself. How did she get the bruise on her arm?”

“I gave it to her when the little bitch tried to run from me.”

This was responded with a closed fist to his jaw. Daniel’s heart soared seeing James defend her so strongly and finally doing what he wanted to do but couldn’t. Patrick stepped forward.

“Please, my lord, he may not have intended to do her harm.”

“No harm? She ran into my brother and fainted after he left. For all I know, she is still unconscious.”

“My lord, please.”

“If I ever hear you touching her or she has to run to me scared again, Dale, my brother putting a pistol in your face will be the least of your worries.”

“Please, my lord, I will do anything to make it up to you.”

“Next time you want to rush wedding plans, you come to me and ask. Until I am satisfied that Monica is ready, she will remain just engaged. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, my lord.”

They both left and James watched them disappear down the road. James turned back to Daniel.

“Thank you, James. Is she alright?”

“Garret found her. She is with my mother now. She is safe. I’ll have her home before dark.”

Daniel nodded his head and James headed home. His father caught him first once he got there.

“What happened?”

“Told him if this ever happened again, my brother putting a pistol in face will be the least of his worries and the next time they want to rush the wedding, they must come and ask me. If I am not satisfied, there will be no wedding.”

“How did it make you feel?”

“Good. I always hate it when people call me ‘My Lord,’ but having that scum forced to say it did something to me. It’s strange.”

“I’m proud of you, son. Now, why don’t you go and see her.”

James walked into the room and asked for a moment with Monica. She sat up with a questioning stare.

“What happened?”

“I told him he is not allowed to marry you without my say so and if he tried anything like that again, Garret’s gun in his face will be the least of his worries.”

“James, why would you do that?”

“You are my best friend, Mon. And if I’m being honest, I think I may have grown feelings for you.”

Monica just stared at him, making him rethink telling her. After a few minutes passed that she didn’t say anything, he began to get up and walk out.

“I feel the same, but I was afraid you might not talk to me again. Especially after today, I realized I had to keep my feelings hidden because I can’t afford to not have you in my life. Your family intimidates his and I was afraid for me if you really knew.”

He knelt next to her and took her hands in his.

“I will never walk out on you, especially if you feel you may be in danger.”

“My mother told me as much. She said you and I were too close for you to leave me on the edge.”

“Be with me, Monica.”

“James…I…I”

“Monica, you know it feels right. Why fight it?”

“Dale?”

“I’ll deal with him. As my wife, he will never be able to touch you.”

“He will still try. You don’t understand, James. I lived in fear of him for years.”

“And now, you no longer have to worry about that.”

“James…”

“Marry me, Monica. Be my Duchess. Share your life with me.”

She sat and pondered her options. Could marrying James free her from Dale? He wasn’t one to back down. She knew she loved James and wasn’t that enough. He faced Dale once already. She took a deep breath and looked James in the eye.

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes.”

He hugged her and kissed the back of her hand and left to find his father. She sat there and thought about her new future, but her thoughts were cut short by Olivia and Kiera.

“Kiera!”

“Hey Monica. Olivia told me what happened with Dale. Are you alright?”

“I’m better than alright.”

“I don’t follow?”

“James asked me to marry him.”

“What?”

“I’m getting married.”

“I’m going to get two sisters.”

“This is wonderful.”