Page 62 of Her Remarkable Protector

“I didn’t have time to find a proper crib for Laramie,” Marianne says, motioning toward a corner where an antique oak box has been turned into a makeshift bed. A small mattress fits perfectly inside, and there’s a quilt draped over the side. “I remembered this box and thought… well, it might do for now.”

“It’s perfect, Marianne,” I say, genuinely touched. Honestly, it’s the most creative baby bed I’ve ever seen—and the kind of thing that’ll have Laramie sleeping better than I will tonight.

Marianne smiles, though she lets out a mock sigh. “If only Chase had told me earlier, I would’ve prepared more.”

“This is more than enough,” I assure her, settling Laramie down in the box. Laramie seems to approve, cooing as she stretches out against the mattress.

“Well, Chase, darling,” Marianne says, turning to her son, “I could use your help with something. The hot water’s been hit or miss, and I’d hate for Honor to get a cold shower.”

“Got it. I’ll take a look.” Chase rolls up his sleeves like it’s no big deal.

As soon as he steps out, Marianne turns to me, her expression softening. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen him. I don’t know what you said to him, but I’m glad you’re here. Both of you. And Laramie.”

Before I can respond, she pulls me into a hug, warm and firm. It’s comforting, but my thoughts spin wildly. Did Chase say something to her—something that gave her the wrong idea?

“Um, Marianne,” I start hesitantly, “Chase and I are just… friends.”

She pulls back, her smile knowing. “Oh, I know. And don’t worry—I also know Laramie isn’t his.”

“Good,” I say awkwardly, unsure how else to respond.

“It’s just,” she continues, her tone quieter now, “he’s never brought a girl here before. Not once. So, forgive me if I’m a little… curious.”

I manage a small smile, but my cheeks are definitely heating up.

Marianne’s gaze shifts to Laramie, her expression softening even further. “He’s our only child, you know. Between you and me, I always wanted a girl. My husband, well, he got his way with Chase, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything, but…” She trails off, her head ducking slightly.

“It’s okay,” I say gently. “You don’t have to explain.”

Marianne hesitates for a moment, then sighs. “Chase had a… complicated relationship with his father. They loved each other, truly, but it didn’t always come out the right way. They grew apart when Chase was a teenager. He made choices—ones he’s not proud of.”

One of them must’ve been joining the Stoneborn Circle. The thought drifts into my mind unbidden, but I don’t say it out loud.

She looks at me, her voice quieter now. “He’s not perfect, but he knows how to love.”

“I’m no different, Marianne,” I admit.

She nods, her eyes kind, before Chase steps back into the room. “All fixed,” he announces, brushing his hands off on his jeans. “A couple of pipe joints were loose, and there was a small leak, but nothing major.”

“Thank you, love,” Marianne says, walking over to him. She gives him a kiss on the cheek, then turns back to me. “I’ll leave you two to it. If you need anything, just call.”

She steps out, leaving the cottage feeling quieter, but not empty. Chase casts a quick look my way, and for a moment, I think about what Marianne said—about the kind of man he is beneath what I see.

24

HONOR

I sink into the chair near the fireplace as Chase crouches to light the logs. The crackle of the kindling fills the silence. The cottage feels safe. Warm in a way that wraps around me, tempting me to lower my guard. And that terrifies me.

“You okay?” Chase asks, settling into the chair beside mine. His arm almost moves to reach for me, but he stops short.

Am I okay? Fear coils in my chest, but it’s not the kind I’m used to. This isn’t the fear of Damon or the Circle or even of ghosts in the shadows.

Since when fear paralyzes me? Because of a man no less?

I swallow hard and meet his gaze, and in an instant, I see it—layers I never wanted to acknowledge. Chase isn’t just a convenient ally or a piece in my plan. He’s not just an object in my series of boxes. He’s more than that. And the realization floors me.

He had his reasons for joining the Circle, reasons I don’t condone. But with everything he’s done for me—for Laramie—can I hold on to my grudge?

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