Page 57 of Fairy Tale Husband

He didn’t look worried. “And what would those be?”

“If you don’t give me the children, I’ll take Wynne to court.”

“On what grounds?”

“I think my concern for the safety of the children should do the trick. Since arriving in Texas, they’ve been forced to stay in a run-down shack when they could have been housed here. They’ve attempted to ride the most dangerous horse in several counties. And they’ve come within a breath of being bitten by one of the deadliest snakes in the country.” She tilted her head to one side. “Have I overlooked anything?”

Panic appeared in Wynne’s eyes. “How did you find out about that?”

Jake didn’t need to ask. “Randolph! The son of a b—”

“Yes, Mr. Hondo?” Mrs. Marsh prompted with a cold smile. “You were about to say?”

He gritted his teeth. “Never mind.”

“I’ll be sure to add your vulgarity to my list of concerns. Assuming I can find the room. It’s a very long list.” She switched her attention to Wynne. “I’m here to offer you a choice. You can turn the children over to me now and I’ll allow you to continue seeing them. Or you can force me to endure the cost and annoyance of a court hearing. In which case I’ll make sure you never see the boys again.”

“That’s not a choice,” Jake snapped. “It’s a threat.”

“Actually, Mr. Hondo, it’s a promise. One I intend to keep.” She gathered up her purse. “I believe that concludes our business. I’ll give you some time to discuss my offer, not that there’s anything to discuss. When you reach your decision, contact me at the Bluebonnet Inn. Dreadful name, but pleasant enough accommodations considering I’m in Texas.”

“Don’t you want to see your nephews before you leave?” Jake questioned with heavy irony.

“No need. I’ll see them soon enough. Iplan to have them home with me by Thanksgiving.” She stood. “Please don’t get up. Ican find my own way.”

“And do me out of the pleasure of showing you the door?” Jake snarled as he gained his feet. “I wouldn’t hear of it.”

She drew back. “Are you threatening me with physical harm?”

“I don’t threaten, either, Mrs. Marsh. Like you, Ionly make promises.”

Her composure shaken, she backed toward the door. “Is that how you broke your hand? In a brawl? My list gets longer by the second. And my concern for my nephews grows along with it.”

Predictably, Wynne leapt to his defense. “If you think he’d ever do anything to harm them, you’re sadly mistaken. He’s the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man in the world.”

A reluctant grin snagged Jake’s mouth. “Give it up, elf. Even I have trouble swallowing that one.”

“As would anyone who’s met him,” added Mrs. Marsh. “I look forward to your call.”

Gathering the shreds of her dignity, she marched from the room. Amoment later the front door banged close, signaling her departure.

The boys crept silently up the steps to theirroom.

“Come on, Chick. I’ve got a plan,” Buster said with grim resolve. “She can’t take us away if she can’t find us. So we’ll just hide out until she goes away or finds some other kids to be nice to or something.”

Chick whispered a question.

“Yeah, Iguess they will be worried.” He brightened. “We’ll leave them a note. But we won’t tell them where we’ll be. That way nobody can make us go with Aunt Marsh if she wins the fight.”

“What are we going to do?” Wynne asked, struggling to keep the panic from her voice.

“For now, we wait.”

“But what about her threats?”

Jake shrugged. “Even if she takes us to court, Idoubt she’d win. For one thing, we’re still together, despite local gossip.”

Wynne frowned. But for how long? Too bad she didn’t have the nerve to ask. “What about her other complaints—you know, about Mad Dog and the snake?”

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