4

James sat with his father until his father was finished with his work. Once he was, he looked up at his son.

“Forgive me, son. What is it you need?”

“I want you to break the engagement between Monica and Dale.”

“Son, I know you worry for her, but I just can’t…”

“I asked her to marry me and she accepted.”

“Then, I can break it. Is this what you want?”

“Yes, father.”

“Then consider it done.”

“Thank you, father.”

James walked out and saw Jared.

“Jared, my friend, I didn’t think to be expecting you.”

“You weren’t. Someone has threatened father’s life. He has sent Kiera to stay so she may be out of harm’s way.”

“Is it serious?”

“They attempted to kill his two weeks ago. Kiera was having lunch with him when they found the would-be assassin.”

“Why didn’t he strike?”

“He couldn’t stop staring at her. Father fears she may a target.”

“Kidnapping?”

“Yes.”

“Does she know?”

“Of course. She refused to go, worried sick about him. Ben promised to stay be fathers’ side and to let us know when it was safe again.”

“If Garret finds out…”

“If I find out what?”

“That men are trying to kidnap me because they think me too beautiful. They wish to kill my father but wouldn’t with me there.”

“No one is taking you as long as I draw breath.”

“Which is why father sent us here to live with you for a while.”

“Kiera and Jared will be our guests for a few months. Shawn fears even London would not be safe.”

“I won’t leave her side, then.”

“Shawn figured as much, Garret, given your devotion to her and your temper. He knew he could count on her being safe as long as she is here.”

Monica came out with Olivia and stood for some time talking about arrangements for Kiera and Jared. James looked to his father to speak, but Monica spoke first.

“As much as I would love stay and catch up and celebrate, it’s getting late and I must return home.”

“Nonsense, Monica. Stay here tonight as our guest. I will have a room made up for you.”

“Oh, please, your grace, that is not necessary.”

“Just John, my dear. You will be my daughter-in-law.”

“Of course. Home is not far.”

“Still, stay and have dinner. I will have a message delivered to your father.”

“Father do not mention any plans. I wish to tell him myself.”

“As you wish, my son.”

After dinner, James and Monica sat and talked. Jared walked outside, making sure no one was lurking in the bushes. Olivia and her mother were in the parlor and John sat in his study. After a while, James went and joined his father. Monica walked upstairs and stopped when she saw Olivia sitting on the floor.

“Olivia?”

“Isn’t he just the most handsome man you have ever seen?”

“Jared?”

“Yes.”

“Olivia?”

“I’ll go soon, but just a few more minutes.”

“Alright.”

Monica smiled and walked on she tuned to look back but stopped in front of Kiera’s door at the sound of voices. She listened in and heard Garret and Kiera talking.

“Garret, you are talking nonsense.”

“Not at all. If people hunt you, even after we marry, we travel. No one can touch you if we never stay in one place too long.”

“Garret, but my father?”

“Do you think the General will be opposed to keeping you safe?”

“No, but I worry about him.”

“I know.”

“If these men succeed?”

“No one will touch you. Do you remember what I once said?”

“Of course?”

“I love you Kiera and I will never let anything happen to you. Always remember, by my side is where you belong. No matter where we are, what we are doing, or what anyone says. You belong with me.”

“I love you, Garret and hope you are right.”

“Of course, I am. I swear, no harm will ever come to you.”

Monica smiled as she walked down the hall. She envied their relationship. Garret was like any other young man of wealth his age, except no other woman could turn his head. Kiera and Garret truly belonged together and anyone who said otherwise, did not know them. She smiled when she heard Garret come out of the room a few minutes later. He loved her enough to respect that they would wait until marriage. She had no doubt that they wanted to. She hoped she and James would have something similar. If they did, she knew she would always be happy.