Page 69 of Beneath the Flames
“I understand that you are burdened by the feeling that there are things you must atone for because of your involvement with Greg Holloway.”
Mary’s bottom lip trembled. Sounding as if she was about to break down, she answered, “Yes, I am drowning in guilt…”
“And you feel a responsibility toward that motherless child.”
“I do…” she choked out.
“I feel it as well, Miss Wilson.”
Mary looked up at him in surprise.
Marquis held out his hand to Celestia, who was standing in the doorway. She walked to him, a look of tenderness and devotion on her face. Taking her hand, Marquis turned to Mary. “Celestia and I have spoken at great lengths about the child. I want you to know that we are interested in petitioning to adopt him.”
Mary immediately buried her face in her hands, sobsof relief filling the room.
He continued, “You were vital in helping us care for Kaylee when Mr. Wallace traveled to Russia. If you are agreeable, we would like you to help us with this child as well. I know he will benefit from you being a part of his life as he grows up.”
Mary looked up from her hands, mouthing tearfully to both of them,Thank you.
“There is one stipulation, however,” Marquis informed her.
Grabbing the tissues that Brie had dug from her purse and handed to her, Mary asked cautiously, “What?”
“This child can act as your redemption. But it is imperative that you let go of the guilt you carry.”
Mary nodded as she dabbed her eyes and sniffled.
“Miss Wilson,” Marquis stated firmly.
The moment Mary met his commanding gaze, her hand froze in the act of wiping away her tears.
“You cannot bury the guilt,” he insisted. “Youmustlet it go.”
“I don’t think I can,” she whimpered, her face contorting with grief.
“It serves no purpose to hold onto it. In fact, it will negatively affect the child you wish to help if you cannot let it go.” He reached over and placed his hand on hers. “Do you understand that?”
Mary closed her eyes, asking in a hushed voice riddled with pain, “What if I can’t, Marquis…?”
“Look at me,” he stated with compassion, squeezing her hand.
When Mary opened her eyes, Marquis confessed, “I also feel responsible for every person who suffered. Therefore, you and I will hold each other accountable.”
His eyes softened when he added, “You see, Miss Wilson, this child is my redemption, too.”
Ultimate Role Play
Brie was so engrossed in watching the footage she’d recently shot of Master Nosh that she didn’t hear Sir come up behind her until he cleared his throat.
She smiled, turning in her office chair to face him. “Is there anything you need, Sir?”
“Yes,” he answered, handing her a black envelope stamped with decorative gold filigree. “This is for you,” he stated formally, handing it to her.
She grinned as she turned the envelope over to open it.
“Uh-uh,” he cautioned her. “You cannot open it yet.”
“Oh!” Covering her mouth with excitement, she set it down on her desk. “I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me what this is about?”
