Page 61 of Her Remarkable Protector

Chase opens the passenger door for me with a grin that borders on cocky. “After you.”

I eye the car suspiciously. “Okay, are you a secret billionaire or something?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Not even close. I mean, I won’t lie—I grew up with means. Dad was a developer, built some impressive stuff back in his day. But I swear, I’m not some spoiled rich kid. Or adult.”

As if to prove his point, he steps aside to reveal the backseat setup. There, in perfect precision, is a specialized cot for Laramie, complete with safety straps and cushions. He must’ve planned this ahead of time.

“All right,” I say, sliding into the car. “You’re winning me over.”

Chase shuts my door with a chuckle, clearly satisfied.

As we leave the airport behind, Chase drives us away from the bustle of the city and into the woods. Trees close in around us, their shadows flickering across the windshield. Laramie lies in her cot next to me, wide-eyed at the scenery rushing past.

Chase glances at us through the rearview mirror. “Enjoying the view back there?”

I shrug, though I can’t resist a smirk. “I just didn’t want to sit up front and give you any ideas.”

He laughs, his voice rich with amusement. “What kind of ideas would those be, Honor?”

“You know…” I wave a hand vaguely. “The ones where you start thinking we’re some kind of suburban family. I sit in the back to make sure we’re clear on the boundaries.”

“Oh, sure. Nothing says ‘boundaries’ like making me feel like your chauffeur.”

I can’t help laughing. “Well, you’re a pretty good one. I’ll give you that.”

The forest thickens as we wind deeper into it, and then the trees part to reveal something straight out of a dream. The estate comes into view, nestled among the greenery like it’s been waiting for us all along.

“Your mother lives here?” I blow out a slow breath, staring at the sprawling property. It’s big, sure, but it’s not ostentatious. There’s a charm to it, an elegance that blends seamlessly with the surroundings.

“She does,” Chase says, pulling the car to a stop. “Come on, let’s meet her.”

We step out, and I’m immediately struck by the air of quiet peace around the place. It’s nothing like I imagined—not cold or imposing, but warm and alive, as though it holds decades of stories within its walls.

Chase leads me to the front door, which swings open before we can knock. Marianne Samson steps out, petite and graceful, with a smile that instantly disarms me.

“Chase,” she says, enveloping him in a hug before her gaze shifts to me. “And you must be Honor.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I manage, still trying to reconcile how this powerhouse of a man came from someone so small and delicate.

“And this,” she says, excitement bubbling beneath her controlled tone, “must be Laramie.” She kneels slightly. Her nurturing expression glows as she takes in the baby.

“She is,” I say, handing Laramie over. “Here, hold her.”

Marianne takes Laramie in her arms, her expression alight with a grandmotherly glow. “Oh, my. She’s beautiful. What a darling little girl.”

Laramie coos, clearly delighted by the attention, and Marianne’s smile grows even warmer.

I watch them together. I hadn’t expected her to be so… welcoming. So genuine.

Marianne glances up at me, her eyes twinkling. Then she looks down at Laramie. “Who wouldn’t fall in love with this sweet face?”

For a moment, I just stand there, taking it all in—the kindness in Marianne’s eyes, the way Chase watches his mother with quiet affection, the calm around this place. It’s not what I expected.

It’s better.

Marianne leads us down a short path to a cottage tucked away from the main house. It’s quaint and charming, with ivy curling up the walls and a little porch that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Inside, it’s just as cozy—wood-paneled walls, a thick braided rug on the floor, and a fireplace that’s already stacked with logs. It’s fall, so the chill in the air makes it feel even more inviting.

“Thanks, Mom!” Chase says, dropping the bag of baby supplies near the small sitting area.

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