Brenda Jackson - A Man's Promise

And he knew she meant it. Carson was ten years younger than Shep and a divorcée who had ended her marriage to an abusive husband and fought hard to become her own woman by putting herself through college and law school. She wasn’t afraid of hard work, fighting for what she believed in or standing up for those she loved. He felt honored to be in that number.

Although they had been involved now for close to four years, she seemed okay with dating a man locked up behind prison walls with fifteen more years to go before he would be freed. She often mentioned the chance of a parole, but because of the way his sentence had been handed down, he had to make at least eighteen of the thirty years before any idea of parole could be entertained.

Shep also knew Ambrose always allowed them more private time than strictly permitted, thus giving them the opportunity to engage in conjugal visits if they so desired. But as tempted as he’d been to do so, Shep hadn’t taken advantage of that. Carson deserved more than a quickie based on lust. He intended to make sure she got what she deserved, even if it meant that they both had to wait another three years to get it. She’d always told him she would wait because she loved him. And he knew with every bone in his body that he loved her.

He hadn’t told his sons about her and figured one day he would get around to doing so. He and Carson had talked about it and both decided to keep the relationship between them quiet until they decided the time was right to share it. His life was pretty much an open book, and he preferred having Carson as the one part of his life he could keep private. She was everything he could possibly want, and he knew she was everything in a woman he’d never truly had.

Even when he thought he’d loved Sylvia, it hadn’t felt like this. And he had stopped loving his wife a year or two after Dalton was born—when he’d found out about her first affair. By the time she’d died there had been many others. But he had remained with her for the sake of his sons.

“When Ambrose called, he sounded serious,” Carson said, breaking into his thoughts. “What is it, Sheppard?”

Her comment once again reminded him of why he had summoned her. He took her hand in his and led her over to the table where the two of them could sit down. “This came in through my email account,” he said, pulling out the paper he’d printed and handing it to her.

She scanned it quickly and then glanced up at him. “I can have it checked out, but I’m sure you know, chances are the IP address is probably from a public computer, one found in the library or someplace of that nature.”

He nodded. “I know.”

“And I assume you’re going to take this person’s threat seriously?”

“What else can I do, Carson?”

She didn’t say anything for a moment before reaching over and placing her hand over his. “You can let your sons know what’s going on, Shep. Let them know about this threat so they can be mindful and watchful. They are adults, and you can’t protect them forever.”

Shep drew in a sharp breath. “I know, but right now, they are all I have. A part of me almost died inside when I heard what happened to Jace.”

“And you still think Vidal Duncan might have had something to do with your wife’s murder?”

“Hell, the thought crossed my mind when I first heard about it. He’d had an affair with my son’s wife, so why shouldn’t I believe he was having an affair with mine? But after talking to Jace about everything Vidal said while he held Jace at gunpoint, I’m not so sure. Jace is convinced the two incidents aren’t connected, and if that’s true, then the person who killed Sylvia is still out there.”

“That’s why I want to push for a new investigation and—”

“No, Carson. I can’t risk it if it means I could lose my sons.”

Carson didn’t say anything. “So what do you want me to do, Shep?”

“Hire someone to watch my sons.”

“Without them knowing?”

“Yes. That means the person has to be good. My sons are sharp, and I don’t want them to suspect anything.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Yes, and I want you to arrange everything for me. Will you do that?”

A smile touched her lips and she leaned over and placed a light kiss on his. “Like I always say, Sheppard Granger. For you, anything.”

Ten

The next morning, Caden came down for breakfast to find Dalton helping himself to a generous amount of bacon and eggs. He glanced to where Jace was sitting and, speaking loudly enough for Dalton to hear, said, “I thought he didn’t live here anymore?”

Jace chuckled. “I thought so, too. However, he seems to find his way back whenever he feels entitled to a free meal.”

“Why should you guys gain all the weight?” Dalton asked. “Besides, I know how to take it off easily.”

Caden figured it had to be some way that was sexual. “So what time did everyone finally go to bed last night?” he asked, grabbing a glass of juice and a bowl of fruit. When he’d retired about ten, Jace, Shana, Dalton and Hannah were still up talking.

“I left around midnight,” Dalton said, sitting down beside Jace and across the table from Caden. “I thought about spending the night when Hannah mentioned she would be preparing a huge meal for breakfast this morning, but then I heard you playing that damned saxophone and figured the best thing to do was haul ass if I wanted to get any sleep.”

Caden took a sip of his orange juice and ignored Dalton’s comment. He hadn’t been able to sleep, and whenever that happened, he would take out his sax and play it for a while. Hannah and Jace never complained, and as far as he was concerned, Dalton didn’t count since he’d moved into his own place last month.

“So, Jace, have you and Shana set a date yet for your wedding?” Caden asked his brother.

Jace smiled. “I’m leaving all that up to her, but I don’t think she wants a huge wedding with the white gown, bridesmaids and a ton of guests and stuff.”

“Hell, I hope not,” Dalton said, chewing on a piece of bacon. “The moment she walks down the aisle, everyone is going to know she’s knocked up. Shit, a pregnant bride is almost as bad as a pregnant nun.”

Caden looked over at Jace. “Just ignore him.”

Jace smiled. “I do. All the time.”

“I hate being talked about,” Dalton said.

“Then keep your damned mouth closed,” Caden suggested.

Dalton had opened his mouth to say something when Hannah stuck her head in the door and said, “Don’t forget your lunch on the way out, Dalton.”

“Thanks, Hannah. I won’t.” Dalton smiled when he saw his two brothers glaring at him. “What?”

“You asked Hannah to fix your lunch?” Jace asked, barely holding back his anger.

“No, she volunteered, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by saying she didn’t have to.”

“Yeah, I bet,” Caden said, sipping his juice. He looked at his watch. “I think I’ll head into the office.”

“What’s the rush?” Dalton asked, looking at his own watch.

“I have a meeting this morning with Shelton Fields. I want to see what his products and design department is all about.”

“When you find out, let me know,” Dalton said, chuckling.

“And what’s on your agenda today?” Jace asked Dalton. He knew his brother got bored easily and he wanted to make sure that didn’t happen. A bored Dalton somehow became a womanizing Dalton, and that was the last thing they needed.

Dalton shrugged. “I have a meeting with the guys in the security department. They want to make sure I’m familiar with all the new security gadgets on the market.”

“Heaven help us all,” Caden muttered, rising to his feet.