Lucy Monroe - Willing

“I love you, too, Daniel. The man you are, not a man you think you have to be to make me happy.”

“I don’t want to raise my daughters to be soldiers. I don’t want my sons to feel that’s their only alternative in life. I’ve been a mercenary for a long time, and I’m ready to give you the normal life you want.”

She cupped his face, her heart in her eyes. “Life with you will be normal for me.”

“I’ve already talked to your dad. He’s ready to shut the school down. He doesn’t want to rebuild.”

“But what will he do?” Her dad didn’t know anything but being a soldier.

“He’s going to move to his house in Nevada and get to know that woman on the plane. They’ve talked on the phone every day since we’ve been here. She knows more about you than I do. She runs a garden nursery, and your dad has developed a sudden interest in plants and how to grow them.”

It was too much to take in all at once, but the idea that her dad might have found something to live for besides training other soldiers was a nice one.

She smiled. “He’s not going to get blown up growing flowers.”

“I talked to Wolf and Hotwire. I want to do more than design high-level security alternatives. We could work together on some projects, but our businesses would be separate. They think I could make it as an architect.”

She knew that like her, he probably had enough money in savings to last a lifetime, but they’d both make lousy lounge lizards. “I know you can.”

“So, will you take a chance on me?”

“You were so against marriage, so sure you didn’t want kids and all you ever did want was to be a soldier. Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes.” He kissed her, his mouth warm and possessive on hers. “I needed that. Look, Josette, I spent most of my life afraid that underneath all the self-discipline I was a man just like my father. But then I realized that the self-discipline was what made me different.”

“But you’re nothing like your dad. Even when you had a temper, you didn’t take it out on people smaller than you.”

“You’re right, but I’d spent so much of my life being told I was the image of him, I had this belief deep down that meant more than just physical appearance.”

“But—”

He kissed her again. Quick and hard. “Shh…I know. I’m not like him, and I will never hurt you or our children. I’ve spent too many years learning to control myself, but when that little boy shot you, I knew.”

“Because you realized you loved me?”

“Because even though he had hurt the person I loved most in the world, and I was so furious I could have spit nails, I didn’t want to hurt him. I didn’t want to take my anger out on him.”

“Oh, Daniel…”

“He’s starting trauma counseling, did his mom tell you?”

“Yes.”

“Anyway, if I didn’t hit that kid, I’ll never hit one of my own.”

“According to his mom, you were really careful with him.”

“He was just a little child, doing what he thought his daddy would want him to.”

“His daddy probably did.”

Daniel shrugged. “His mom doesn’t, and she’s the one that’s going to be raising him for the next few years. His dad is one of the society’s members who is facing a long prison sentence.”

“She’s got to be hurting so much right now.”

“She married the wrong man.”

“And now she’s paying for it.”

“Like my mom did, but, Josette, I’m not the wrong man for you.”

She curled her arms around his neck and moved until her lips were brushing his. “I know that, Daniel. I’ve known that since the night you made me your woman. You were so gentle, so careful not to hurt me and to make it special. I’ve been in love with you a long time, Daniel, but that night it became irrevocable.”

“It took me forever to realize what I felt was love.”

“I wasn’t that quick on the uptake myself.”

“At least you said it.”

“So did you.”

“But I waited so long, you had a hard time believing me.”

“I believe you now.”

“I love you, Josette.” Then his lips molded hers in a kiss that sealed the words in her heart forever.

They were married four weeks later. Josie finally got to meet Daniel’s sergeant major, and she understood why her new husband respected the older man so much. Claire was her single attendant, wearing the first dress Josie had ever seen her in and her grandmother’s locket.

Hotwire had found it in a drawer in the office and brought it back to her.

Her dad brought his new wife with him. He’d married the woman he met on the plane a scant week after his return to Nevada. He’d told Josie he was too old to waste time like Daniel had. She’d laughed, unable to believe the difference in her father since he started training plants instead of soldiers.

But the difference in her own life was even more phenomenal. Daniel had asked her if she wanted to run the business side of his new venture into personal home design, and she had agreed. She was going to finish her degree remotely, and she and Daniel had decided to start a family right away.

She’d thought that staying with Daniel would mean giving up her dreams, but instead he was making each and every one of them come true. She’d given him a new name in the language of his people—Dream Maker, because Angry Warrior did not fit him any longer.

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A short time later, Julius and Amanda dismounted before the house and were met at the door by a young manservant.

“The Marquis of Darley and Lady Bloodworth,” Julius said. “Come to see Lord and Lady Grafton.”

“I’ll see if my lord and lady are in.”

“No need. We’re old friends,” Julius had no intention of being turned away. He gestured the man forward.

The servant had no choice, of course, as Julius well knew.

Moments later, the flunkey opened the drawing room door and announced their names.

Lady Grafton looked up from penning a letter and went pale.

Taking note of their hostess’ stunned look, Amanda quickly said, “I thought I’d take the opportunity to call on you, Lady Grafton.” Advancing into the drawing room with a warm smile, she added, “My family has a race box in Newmarket. I believe you know the marquis.” She glanced at Julius who had followed her in. “I hope we’re not intruding.”

“No—that is…my husband is at the stables. I’ll have him summoned.” Elspeth turned to her maid as she rose to meet her guests, high color having replaced her pallor. “Sophie, have Lord Grafton called in.”

“No need to interrupt his lordship,” Amanda smoothly interposed. “We won’t stay long. We were out for a ride and found ourselves near your house.”

“I’m sure Lord Grafton would like to see you,” Elspeth countered, signaling her maid to fetch the earl. She couldn’t chance he’d find out later that she’d had guests without his permission. “Would you like tea?” It was impossible not to observe the social graces, although she found herself hoping her visitors might refuse.

“That would be lovely,” Amanda replied with a smile.

“Sophie, tea as well,” Elspeth ordered, trying to avoid eye contact with the marquis. She could feel her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Or excitement. Or something else entirely.

“What a lovely view,” Amanda exclaimed, walking over to the row of windows overlooking a bucolic vista of green fields and grazing horses. “Do you have a favorite mount you like to ride?”

Whether intentionally or unwittingly, Amanda’s words incited an outrageously lewd image. Struggling to displace her wholly inappropriate thoughts, Elspeth found herself at a loss for words.