Her face went white like he’d assaulted her though he hadn’t touched a hair on her head. She gave a reluctant nod. “You play hardball. Let’s just go talk to your parents. Then I’ll think… no, maybe you’re right, I’ll call my own parents afterward. I’m not afraid of them. I’m ready to move on, and forgive the past.”
“Then you’re better than me.” Wanting to return to Hoskell and ensure that his video surveillance of his aunt’s house was all he had left to do. However the people he hired were competent. So he didn’t argue, but she stood and so did he. “I’m having a hard time letting go, but it’s a start.”
She reached for his hand and squeezed it as she said, “Forgiving and moving on is what it takes for you to believe you’ll live and that we might grow old, together, then yeah.”
Keeping his family, including Sarah, safe were his upmost priorities. Sarah once again challenged him to live differently. He knew better than argue, as she was the one with the wicked tongue. But seriously, what would he do if he didn’t need to sacrifice himself?
Servants opened the door to the Bentley penthouse and Beau’s parents were dressed in blue and gold matching outfits. His mother, Ava, wore a jacket with paisley gold designs, a matching blue shirt and pants underneath. His father, Ali, the once and future king, also wore royal blue slacks and his gray hair was perfectly smoothed like he was ready to accept the throne.
Both were impeccable.
Sarah would never be anything like them. She wasn’t born to be fancy, but she hugged and kissed them with genuine affection. His father squeezed her hands and said, “Sarah.”
She curtsied like the servants had done to her. “Your Highness.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Don’t "Your Highness" me.”
She glanced behind her and saw that Beau walked with his mother into the living room. Smiling, she said, “Ali. Ava. It’s good to see you both again.”
Without a word to each other Ali and Ava sat together and immediately held hands between them.
She took a seat and Beau chose a chair next to her but the space between them wasn’t filled with hand-holding.
Sarah wasn’t sure what happened after this between them. It didn’t feel like a happily-ever-after. Inside she was afraid she'd be alone, again.
His mother glanced at her and then at her son. “I heard you and Beau were getting along now, but I sense there is trouble between the two of you?”
Then it wasn't just her over-active imagination. She too worried something was wrong. Beau probably didn’t love her. He'd thought he did because he'd wrongly assumed he would die in honor of his family, but now that he was alive, he was realizing what she’d always known about herself.
She was unlovable. It was her fate, and this condo with marble floors was more than she’d have ever afforded on her own which only made her body break out in sweat right now… well, she should have protected her heart.
Falling in love would be stupid.
She pushed her hair behind her ears. “Beau thinks he should return to Hoskell because he let your sister, Mariam, serve her punishment under house arrest rather than prison.”
Beau leaned forward and met his father’s gaze. “Dad, I want her to pay for what she’d done, but phone threats aren’t murder. And she’d die in prison. Sarah and I figured house arrest was more humane, but I’m worried the cameras and guards won’t be enough.”
Ali patted his wife’s hand like they'd already discussed Mariam--they probably had, and now presented a united front. “Her son tried to ruin our family, but we survived. I remember Mariam when she was a young girl, and she was easily influenced.”
Ava stared at her son as she said, “Being able to forgive is important, Beau. We don’t hold hate in our hearts.”
True words. Her grandfather had said something similar to her when she’d cried about her parents to him.
The memory hit her fast.
Beau shook his head and said, “I’m still afraid I made a mistake.”
Clearly they knew how to talk to each other as a family. The Bentleys weren’t dysfunctional. They were the dream team that trusted and depended on each other which was how fictional families worked in the books she'd read and the movies she'd seen.
Or she’d thought were fictional until she’d met them.
His father then added to what Ava had said, “We think you did the right thing.”
Beau scratched the back of his head like he did when he was thinking and asked, “How do you know?”
His father, Ali, exchanged a brief glance with his wife and then he explained to both of them, “Once, Mariam helped your mother prepare for our wedding. Growing up, my half-sister was always laughing and funny which was why this hurt. I haven’t seen her since we left home to raise you boys.”
The Bentleys had love. This wasn’t something she understood or knew how to deal with. She’d never had anything like the bond this family had. Her sister often flounced past her, barely giving her a glance, as she went to hug their parents.
Beau’s hands were balled into fists at his side while he asked, “So you’re okay just blaming her son.”
His father spoke like he knew Beau’s struggle. “He’s dead. You’re alive. Mariam has to live with a pain I never want to experience of losing her son. I’m more than okay with my sons living long after I die.”
And there it was. The Bentleys were perfect. She massaged Beau’s bicep and he relaxed next to her. Good. She’d never fit in with any of them. She was the opposite of perfect. She was glad that his father was talking sense into Beau even as Beau said, “But Dad, I was ready to die to protect our family.”
That was another reason to protect her heart. He didn’t love her. He only thought he had. Her own family had treated her like a leper and forced her to marry Beau to get money from her uncle Jensen. They proved that love existed for other people, but not her.
His father shrugged like his words weren’t huge to Beau. “I don’t know where you got that idea, son. Your mother and I want you to be happy.”
“You said the youngest son usually served in the military to protect his family.”
“That was hundreds of years ago and only said because we were reading a history book.” Ali’s face paled. “I never thought you took that story so personally.”
She knew his family loved him, unconditionally. Beau was fine, and she would be alone.
Her skin buzzed.
No one knew her like this. No one would stop her if she took a bullet. No one would miss her once she was gone.
Beau shook his head and said, “I don’t know what I’m going to do next.”
His family knew how to talk to him in a way she didn't and she hoped they would keep him safe. “He wanted to return to Hoskell though he has no reason.”
Beau glanced at her and then turned back toward his parents. “I want to ensure I didn’t make a mistake.”
Sarah needed them to convince him to let whatever bothered him go because he deserved to be happy. “I think we should stay here, with you and the rest of the family, to find out if you won back your throne.”
His mother perked up like she understood everything now as she said, “It will be strange if you go back by yourself. We want you here, Beau. At least until after the vote.”
Beau didn’t say anything.
Silence crackled in the air like a fire in the fireplace. She swallowed and broke the spell as she said, “Ali, Hoskell was one of the prettiest places I ever saw. I wasn’t expecting that palace. I think you have a good chance to win.”
A servant brought them tea. They waited and then Ava poured. Once the servant was gone, Ali asked, “Why do you think so?”
His family was her focus and his father was more like the father she’d always wanted in life. She scooted closer and patted Ali's wrinkled hand. “I could tell people were happy to work for you and I think that says a lot. They kept referring to us as royals though we weren’t, and the crowds all sounded happy to see Bea
u.”
His mother beamed at her and then said, “Your wife’s right Beau. Stay home. We’ll watch together and then, as a family, make a statement. I want the entire family together.”
His shoulders slumped like he accepted he'd lost the argument but then he stood and held out his hand for her to take. “Let’s go home, Sarah.”
She squeezed his father’s hand fast and then stood to join him. “Already?”
His brown eyes had a glimmer in them that made her ache as he said, “You and I need to talk.”
Yes, they did. Somehow now that the threat was over, she needed to free him. He’d be better off without her so she had to tell him goodbye. He deserved to find happiness and he’d do it faster if she took off.
His mother walked them to the door as she said, “Good night Ali. Ava.”
His mother hugged her. “Good night. I hope you are happy together.”
Happiness happened once she stood up for herself and faced her parents and her past, head on. Then she’d never see them again. Being around Beau and the Bentleys had taught her about love and selflessness. He deserved a woman who was whole and she had baggage.
Until she solved her own issues with her past, she’d never be able to fully live in the present. If she was to even try to measure up she had make sure her past did not affect her future. If she couldn’t let it go, how good of a wife could she be to Beau?
Sarah walked with him through the beautiful halls, past security, and returned to their condo together.
As soon as the door opened, she saw how his lips were pursed. She took off her shoes and left them near the door as was their custom. “Beau, what’s wrong?”
He pressed his hand on her back. “Call your parents.”
So he saw that she wasn’t whole. She nodded at him but said, “It’s late.”
He gently made a circle while he massaged her back like he needed to fix her, when it was the opposite. She needed to fix herself. “Just finish this so we can move on.”
Her parents weren’t the only issue. Not fully. Every member of her family had hurt her, and if she was to learn to forgive, she’d have to stare them in the face. But she'd said she would do it, so she shrugged. “Fine.”
He walked with her and handed over her phone she’d left in the condo. She ignored how her heart beat faster as they both sat down on the couch. Sarah called. On the second ring they answered and she said, “Mom. Dad.”
Her mother’s tears immediately flowed.
Sarah’s entire body grew goosebumps as she waited for what had happened now.
Her mother managed to explain through her tears, “Bianca’s husband beat her and cheated on her.”
Hadn't she warned them that Aaron was no good? And yet she’d been tossed out of the family entirely because her sister had wanted him.
She’d been told she was used goods and worthless. Her free hand formed a fist as she tried to muster up the same compassion and emotions for her sister that she’d had for Mariam. The older woman who'd tried to kill the Bentleys had apologized and shown remorse.
Her family never would. A rift grew in her heart as she stared at her bare feet and said, “How horrible.”
Then her father took the phone and asked, “Can you take her in?”
Bianca? Seriously? If she came to the Bentleys her sister would want this life, too.
Perhaps that wasn’t nice, but her brows shot up as she asked, “Excuse me?”
Her father said, “You’ve always been the strong one.”
This wasn’t how she'd expected this conversation to go. In her wish, her parents would say, I love you and I’m sorry. But that would never be. She hugged her waist. “Isn’t she there with you?”
“Not exactly. She’s at a shelter.”
A shelter? Bianca was many things and Sarah half-wanted to punch her in the face and half-wanted to hug her and protect her at the same time. She glanced up at the ceiling like somehow what to do would hit her on the head.
Maybe she should see Bianca first and find out what had happened. Then she'd tackle the issue of her parents. She’d see her family again. Every one of them. “Okay. Give me the address of where she's at and I’ll keep her safe.”
Sarah got the information and without another word hung up the phone. She wished she was a better person who didn’t resent this situation her family had put her in. She wished she didn’t hate them, and as she met Beau’s eyes she knew without a doubt that he would never understand.
He grew up with love. His family stuck to each other's side and watched each other’s back. Until she’d come here, she’d thought that was a fantasy.
But now she knew better.
He squeezed her upper arm gently like he wanted to offer support as he asked, “What’s going on?”
If only she knew how to explain herself, but she lowered her lashes to avoid his direct gaze as her cheeks heated. She’d demanded he’d forgive and inside her own gut twisted as she realized she needed to do the same. She wasn’t sure she could be as forgiving. “Beau. I should have called earlier.”
He kissed her forehead, again supporting her. “What’s wrong?”
Her skin burned. If only she could explain her mixed-up feelings but he wouldn't like what was in her heart. He deserved someone better, someone worthy. She would fix her family and her position in it. “Aaron. He beat my sister. She’s in a shelter.”
Without asking for details he quickly said, “I’ll get security to bring her here.”
Sarah wasn’t sure she wanted Bianca in her home. Maybe that made her a bad person but this was her family, and her choice. Was she being stubborn? “That will probably be faster than me driving to Illinois.”
She glanced up and saw how his eyes narrowed showing that slight wrinkle in the corner as he asked, “You were going to drive?”
His ability to read her wasn’t good when she wanted privacy. She’d have to fix this on her own. She let hands fall and relax at her sides as she said, “I just think if she comes here, right now, when your family is still reeling from the horrible arrests and everything that happened…you need time and she’ll upset the healing because she only ever thinks about herself.”
Beau hugged her like he knew she needed support as he said, “Nothing changes the fact that I love you. If you want us to put your sister somewhere else, just tell me where and what you want to do.”
His words were like daggers to her heart. She loved him, Wow. The words hit like a big rig truck just hit her straight on. Her heart should be full of forgiveness but she was stuck. And if she couldn’t get over her past, she didn’t deserve a future. Sarah held his gaze as he let her go. Her body was warm from his touch. “And you’ll listen to my wishes?”
“Yes,” he said without question.
Her body ached for him though she couldn’t explain that she didn’t deserve his love. The walls around her heart seemed to close in on themselves. “And you won’t change your mind afterward?”
Again he gave her a look of concern but this time he didn’t move. “Have I ever given you reason to think that?”
“No.” The younger version of herself who was still bitter and cold took over. She scooted back. “My sister is beautiful.”
His eyebrows quirked up like he hadn’t thought about her sister at all in that way, but then he hadn’t met Bianca before. Her parents, her first kiss, her first lover--everyone always preferred Bianca over her. Beau frowned and stood. “I don’t care what she looks like physically. I just want to see you happy.”
He offered his hand for her to join him and she accepted it, not because she needed his assistance but because she needed to be with him. Maybe if he held her tight, she’d feel differently. “I don’t know if I can trust you entirely. Not if you’re not happy to be with me.”
“Sarah…” he said and was going to say something else. “I’m happy…”
She cringed and glanced away. Right now she couldn’t hear any criticism. She had memories of her parents telli
ng her to be more like Bianca playing in her head as she kissed him, hoping to drown out the noise. As the kiss ended, she said, “Beau, let’s just go to bed. I want you and we’re finally alone. We should be ripping each other’s clothes off.”
He winked and walked with her to the bedroom, closing the door.
Beau's mind was finally at peace. Everything was perfect. He had a great woman who had finally realized his love for her was real. She’d begged for intimacy last night. And she’d been right back in Hoskell. Forgiveness was good.
Now as the night sky was full, he quickly showered while she slept. He was wide awake despite the late night and full moon outside.
The water reinvigorated his spirit. If she wasn’t sleeping, he might even sing and he never sang in the shower, or anywhere. But he had a song in his heart tonight.
He changed into jeans and headed back toward the bed, assuming his wife was still asleep, but she was already dressed in a black skirt and white silk button down short sleeve which he preferred to the drab clothes of the nun he’d married.
He turned the light on as neither of them slept. “Sarah, I’m going to call security about your sister.”
She reached for his wrist as her eyes widened. “I… don’t.”
Earlier she’d said her sister was in danger. He’d meant to call right then, as he wouldn't want any family member of his in a shelter and not protected from a psycho ex. He turned toward her, holding his phone. “I thought you wanted to help Bianca.”
Sarah lifted her chin. “I want to face her and my parents.”
Good. Yes. She needed to face them and see that forgiveness was something in her heart. She’d asked for it with his aunt who'd tried to kill them. Now it was her turn to forgive her parents. It was what she'd taught him. Once she came to peace with her past, maybe she’d be truly happy.
He really hoped so. He reached for his pants as he said, “So I’ll get security and the plane fueled. We can go together.”
Sarah held onto his wrist a little tighter and shook her head. “No.”
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