“Probably right. Sad to see something like that fall out of a family legacy, though. Imagine if Hallborough was lost to Hannah and Freddy.”

“That would be tragic. She loves that house, and it’s a perfect place to raise the kids.”

“This whole area is truly amazing. I’m so glad we walked this way and discovered this path today. It’s like finding a secret hiding place.” I pushed up on tiptoes to kiss him. “Thanks again for bringing me here. It’s really lovely being away with you.”

Ethan wrapped me up in his arms and kissed me just below my ear. “Yes it is,” he whispered.

We started back for Hallborough, Ethan’s arm around me loosely. I leaned my head on him, content to rely on the strength he offered. Suddenly something flashed through my brain. It was this image of us, as we were right here in the moment, Ethan’s big arm hanging off my shoulders, holding me close to him. I knew then that he would get his way in the end. He’d have everything he’d told me he wanted. Me moving in with him, the engagement announcement, and probably even the marriage.

My. God.

Ethan really was an ace at playing his hand.

5

"That’s the third time you’ve yawned. Are you going to make it back to the house, or do I need to carry you before you collapse?”

“Oh, right,” she scoffed. “We both know why I’m so tired today.” She gave me a sassy smirk that made me want to do naughty things to those pretty lips of hers.

Well, yeah, you kept her up half the night f**king, what do you expect her to be? I wanted to smile at the remembrance, though. My girl never turned me down, even when I was the freakiest. I’m a lucky, lucky man for sure. But then that’s not news and it hasn’t been for a while now.

“Sorry, baby. You’ll be happy to hear I enjoyed every single minute of keeping you awake.” I reached down and gave a squeeze to her lovely bum and watched her jump.

“You are crazy!” she yelped, shoving me off her.

“Crazy for you,” I said, wrapping my arm back around her and bringing her in close to me. “We’re almost there anyway. I hope Fred and the boys are home so you can meet them.”

“I can’t wait,” she said, trying to stifle another yawn.

“That’s it! I’m putting you to bed for a nap when we get back!”

She laughed at me. “That’s not a bad idea. I’m starting to love naps.”

The sounds of male voices and the smell of fresh bread met us at the door when we arrived. That and Zara’s older monkey brothers rushing me in a chaotic blast of shouting.

“The lads! God, you’ve gotten huge, Jordon. And, Colin, how many dates have you been on this week?”

They both ignored me and stared at Brynne. I think I was witness to a love-at-first-sight moment from Jordon while Colin just turned red in the face. “Lads, this is Brynne Bennett, my . . . girlfriend.” I grinned at her. “Brynne, the rest of my sister’s spawn—I mean, my nephews, Jordon and Colin Greymont.”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Bennett.” Jordan stuck out his hand.

Colin looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “You really do have a girlfriend now,” he said in awe.

Brynne took Jordan’s hand and gave him a killer smile. “I see you’ve taken some lessons from your Uncle Ethan or maybe even your grandpa,” she told him after he plunked a kiss on her hand. “Nice form you’ve got, Jordan.” She winked at him and then turned to Colin next. “You don’t have to kiss my hand, Colin, but it’s very nice to meet you too.”

Colin nodded, his red face getting even redder. “A pleasure,” he muttered with a quick shake.

“And that handsome bloke over there fathered the spawn—I mean, all these children mobbing me.” Little Zara had come up and attached herself to my side like glue so as not to be left out. “Freddy Greymont, my brother-in-law, brilliant country doctor, love of my sister’s life, and to blame for all of this.” I held up my palms.

Fred came forward to greet Brynne and flashed me a look that meant he’d want details later, man to man. “Brynne, it is my great pleasure to finally meet you in person. We’ve heard so much about you.” Freddy narrowed his eyes at me. “Nearly all of it from Hannah’s dad, mind you; Ethan tells me nothing.” He turned up the charm for Brynne, something he was good at, being a doctor and all.

“Thank you for this weekend at your lovely home. It’s really been perfect so far,” Brynne said to him. “You have a beautiful family.” The poor bloke was probably in shock seeing me with someone. I’d known Freddy for more than fifteen years, and I don’t remember ever introducing a girlfriend to him. So I supposed I could count on some form of interrogation coming from him. Here was another one who knew a lot of my secrets, but not all. Maybe I should talk to Fred about the dreams and nightmares. But I just can’t. I quickly shut down that unpleasant thought and watched Brynne charm my family into devoted fans instead.

“That bread smells so wonderful, Hannah.” Brynne walked over and checked out the fresh loaves on the kitchen counter. “I haven’t baked bread in a long time. That was fun this morning.”

“It was for me too,” Hannah said. “Would you like some? I was just getting ready to do an early tea for Freddy and the kids. Fresh bread and homemade strawberry jam.”

“It sounds divine, but a shower is calling my name after that long run and walk back here.” She tried to hold in another yawn, but it was impossible. She covered her mouth with a graceful hand and murmured, “I really apologize. I don’t know why I’m so tired. Must be all the fresh air making me sleepy.”

I caught the smirking little glance between my sister and Freddy as we started to leave. I just shook my head at them both and followed Brynne back upstairs. I’m sure they started laughing at me the second we were out of the room. Fun times with family sticking their noses into every private detail of my life now, I thought. I guess you’d better get used to it.

Brynne headed for the shower, and I checked my mobile for messages. My assistant, Frances, had promised to forward anything potentially pressing, but I was pleased to see it was minor stuff that could wait. Right now I needed to get clean and Brynne was naked in the shower.

“You’re well aware there’s a water shortage in England, right?” I asked as I stepped in behind her, all slick with body wash and hot water, and making me crazed as usual.