Page 124 of Bad Seed

He slid a hand across her shoulder. “Not to worry. Jason and I have already discussed that.”

Harley paused, startled by the news. “Really? When did all that happen?”

“Within the ten seconds it took for us to walk from the car up to the porch.”

Harley grinned. “Did you scare him good?”

“I scared him enough,” Brendan said. “We don’t bring discord into our mother’s house. She already escaped that life. This place is her sanctuary.”

Harley hugged him. “Thank you.”

“I’m always here for you, tough stuff. Never forget it.”

***

By the time the meal was over, Harley’s parents were certain that their daughter’s welfare was in good hands. They were impressed with the people and their chosen lifestyle, and were beginning to understand the draw of anonymity. Even Wolfgang Outen, a billionaire countless times over, found comfort here.

They were quiet on the drive back into Jubilee, just sitting in the back seat of Brendan’s car and listening to him and Harley talking and laughing together. Hearing the fire in her voice and the quiet caution in his.

They’re suited, Judith thought.

When Brendan pulled up at the front entrance to the inn to let them out, Judith finally spoke up.

“Thank you both for the most wonderful evening I’ve spent in years. Brendan, your family is lovely. Harley, I honor your wisdom in all things. You are a better woman than me. And when you two decide to tie the knot, unless you plan to elope, let me know. I want to hear you say the words ‘I do.’”

“Of course we’ll let you know what we decide, butit won’t be any time in the near future. We have plans. And why do you need to hear me say, ‘I do’?”

“Because not once in your entire life have you ever said, ‘I do,’ or ‘I will,’ without prefacing it with an ‘if,’ or a ‘when,’ or a ‘why,’” Judith said.

Brendan burst out laughing.

Harley blushed.

And even Jason was grinning as they got out of the car.

“Safe travels,” Harley called out as they were on their way inside.

They turned and waved, then entered the lobby.

Harley reached across the seat and took Brendan’s hand. “Let’s go home.”

He eyed the dark circles beneath her eyes and the pain on her face. “You hurt, don’t you, darlin’? You did too much and worried too much while they were here. Home it is.”

As soon as they got home, Harley showered, took her meds, and crawled in bed. Brendan tucked her in and then kissed the side of her cheek.

“Sleep well, darlin’. I won’t be long.”

She snuggled down beneath the covers, listening as he moved around the room getting undressed, and heard him when he slipped into the bathroom. She heard the shower come on and then nothing.

She was sleeping, and then dreaming.

Becoming Harley Jo Pope, wife of Brendan James Pope and of a house yet to be built, and babies yet to beborn, and then in the dream, he was in bed beside her, pulling her close. Keeping her safe. Keeping her warm.

***

When Brendan came out of the bathroom, all he could see was the top of her head on her pillow and covers pulled up to her ears.

Mine, he thought, and then turned off the last of the lights and slipped into bed beside her, curled up behind her, and put his arm across her waist.

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