Page 456 of Master of My Life

Chase nodded. “She’s ready.”

“I’m sure she is.” Richard studied his face, as he did every time they saw each other. “How are

you doing?”

Chase blew out a breath. “Okay. Kronos helped with the initial pain, but hell if I don’t still miss

him every day.”

Richard nodded. “He was a good man.”

“The best.”

“And Sabrina?”

“I still hear her crying sometimes, but it’s less often now.” Chase shook his head. “It sucks. It’s

getting easier, but it still sucks.”

“Hi, Chase. Hi, Richard.”

Chase turned to see Lia walking toward them. “Hi, Lia.”

Richard kissed her cheek. “How are you doing?”

Lia smiled brightly. “Very good. The girls are quick learners and making progress.” Richard had

recruited Lia to help Patrick teach the slaves in his Manor skills so they could be free out in the

world. A few had left already, but there were many more still in training. Lia and Patrick had been

working tirelessly to help the girls be able to survive on their own.

“You’re a brilliant teacher.”

“It helps to understand where they’re coming from. At least a little.”

Richard nodded and glanced down at her hand. “And I see you may have some news?”

Chase’s eyes widened when he saw the diamond ring on her left hand. “He asked you?”

Lia grinned and bounced up and down on her feet. “Just now when I was visiting backstage.”

Chase grabbed her and hugged her hard. “I’m so happy for you and Jayson.”

“Thanks.” She grinned again and gave a little shrug. “I wouldn’t be here without you two. I owe

you my life.”

The lights flickered and Lia went to join Jayson’s family inside the theater. He nodded to Richard

and they headed inside.

Sabrina sat on the floor, legs spread out to her sides, leaning forward. It had been a long summer and

fall, but winter had returned, and with it, the opportunity to dance in The Nutcracker again.

She glanced at the empty couch and sighed. She missed Ethan terribly. Every time she came in

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