The Vampire's Mail Order Bride(78)

Elenora’s victorious expression faded. “You wouldn’t dare keep those grandbabies from me.”

Delaney smiled, but was careful not to overdo it. She didn’t want to make an enemy of the woman, just put her firmly in check. “I certainly wouldn’t want to, but for their protection and the happiness of their father, I will do whatever necessary. And if you think I wouldn’t, that’s only because you don’t know me well enough yet.”

Several long seconds passed. Elenora swallowed but said nothing. Emotions clouded her eyes. Delaney felt a little guilt seeing Hugh’s grandmother coming to grips with this harsh new reality, but this was about protecting Hugh. Just like he’d protected her.

Finally, Elenora composed herself and spoke. “I had no idea you were so ruthless. Our original deal is done. There will be no financing for the candy shop. No backing from me whatsoever. But I will abide by your wishes. You can tell Hugh I will never again bring up the amulet. Alice won’t do anything to void it, either.”

“But I will expect to be an active part of those grandbabies’ lives.” She sniffed. “When they arrive.” She fussed at her blouse, smoothing the silk that was already perfectly smooth. “Which I hope is not too long from now.”

Delaney smiled. “I would much rather we be friends than enemies, Mrs. Ellingham. Especially since we’re going to be family for a long, long time.”

Elenora picked her head up. “I would like that too. You’re a far better match for Hugh than I could have ever chosen.”

“Thank you. Turns out blondes really aren’t his type after all.”

Elenora relaxed and a genuine smile lit her face. “Please, call me Elenora. Or Didi, like the boys do.”

“Thank you, Elenora.” That the woman could refer to her nearly four-hundred-year-old grandsons as boys made Delaney grin. “So you were a duchess, huh? What was that like?”

“My dear, I am still a duchess. And when you marry Hugh, you’ll become a Lady, although obviously we don’t use those titles anymore. Shame, that. Ah, well.” She lifted her hand as though signaling the start of something and began walking toward the door. “Now, about this wedding…”





Hugh stood safely within the shadows of the house and stared out the French doors into the garden. The sun had begun to set, painting everything in broad strokes of gold and orange. A subtle melancholy lingered in his bones, but it would pass just as it had centuries ago when he’d said goodbye to the sun the first time.

Merrow had taken the amulet and the cash to Willa, at first balking at being Hugh’s messenger until Hugh had explained just how much money he was sending her and the significance of the amulet. What was the point of keeping the secret now? The amulet would be destroyed in the creation of Delaney’s ring, and the sheriff certainly wasn’t going to use the knowledge against Julian or Sebastian. Not with his loyalty to the town.

Elenora’s days of manipulating him were over.

Hugh smiled, at peace with his decision, despite the magnitude of it. Using the amulet in the production of Delaney’s ring was full circle in a way. The very thing that had forced him into allowing Delaney into his life would be the very thing that might keep her in it.

He’d know three days after giving her the ring.

Three days to get the ring, three days to turn her. It was sobering to think he might have less than a week left with the woman he loved.

The kitchen door opened, and Delaney’s and Stanhill’s voices carried into the living room. Their laughter was infectious. He smiled and went to see what all the hubbub was about. He leaned against the kitchen door jamb. “What have you two been up to?”

Delaney grinned and threw her arms around him. “Just taking care of some family business.”

He kissed her. “I have no idea what that means.”

“She set Didi straight is what she did.” Stanhill preened like a proud hen.

Hugh cocked a brow. This was all very interesting. “I still have no idea what that means.” He shifted his attention back to Delaney. “What did you do?”

Stanhill answered before Delaney had a chance to. “She threatened her proper, that’s what she did.”

“She who? Who got threatened? Delaney, you answer. Stanhill, pipe down.”

Delaney laughed. “I just explained to your grandmother that things were progressing between us in such a way that…if she ever wanted to see her grandbabies, she’d never use the amulet to force you to do anything again.” She shrugged one shoulder. “That’s all.”

Hugh let her go and sank into one of the kitchen chairs. Grandbabies. He tried to smile. “You’re an amazing woman. Courageous to take on a granddame like Didi.”