“Don’t worry about it, darlin’. In time, Jed will come to love me like a son. No one resists my charm for long—you’re livin’ proof of it. The old coot will give in eventually.”
“He got your police file and went through each line item the last time we went to his house for Sunday supper.”
“He was simply bein’ thorough.”
“Dad said they’d never find your body if you hurt Brady or me.”
“I find those terms acceptable.” If Byron ever laid a hand on either of them, he deserved to be dragged out to the woodshed. “Now, see, what I’m takin’ from all these obstacles, is—”
“I’m discussing realities, not obstacles.”
“Lord Almighty, you weren’t lyin’ about terms and conditions.”
“I'm serious. People get married, and they never take the time to think it through. I only intend to do this once, so I want to do it the right way.”
“Back to my earlier point. What I noticed is, you aren’t saying ‘no.’”
Her eyes rounded. “Oops. I probably should’ve led with that—I’d love to say yes to your proposal.”
“Yet you still have concerns. Well, the matter of Brady is settled.” Byron glanced over to find her perched on the arm of the couch, watching them intently. “Assuming we get a prenup?” She nodded. “And your father comes around to the idea?”
“Yes.”
“Let me take care of the prenup now.” Byron grabbed a pen and a piece of paper from his desk and scribbled a few words, then signed and handed it to her.
Jane read it aloud. “What’s mine is yours.”
“Because that’s how marriage works.”
“And my father?”
“We’ll do some manly bondin’ together. Maybe a huntin’ trip.”
“You two alone in the woods with firearms? Not the best idea.”
“I’ll think of somethin’ else then. Can I have an answer, please?”
“Yes.” Jane wrapped her arms around him, and he squeezed her tight. “I accept your terms and conditions. Point of information—as your wife, the state can’t compel me to testify against you.”
“An added bonus. I’ll make a couple of promises to you. I’ll keep you safe, and I’ll always tell you the truth.”
“And I’ll try to keep you out of legal trouble. You already know I’ll never lie to you.”
“Countin’ on it, darlin’.” Byron kissed her. Jane would be at his side, his bellwether.
“Now can we talk about dresses?” Brady raced over to them and hugged their waists.
“Yes, sweet pea.”
Byron lifted the little girl up into his arms. He had everything he’d ever wanted right there in his arms, and he’d never, ever let them go.