“I love you too.”
“Ready?”
She nodded and forced a smile as Thane opened the door for her and waited for her to precede him inside.
“Mr. and Mrs. Allen,” Officer Smith said, and reached out his hand. “Thank you for coming.”
Sydney thought it was interesting how the majority of the people who met them assumed they were married in the traditional sense and that she’d taken Thane’s name.
It’s going to happen, baby... and I am wearing your ring even though it’s not “official.”
I know. It’s just funny.
He smiled.
“Right this way.” The officer led them to a large, bright conference room.
A slight and nervous-looking Asian woman sat with a stunning young lady who did not look well. But she did look as though she’d made a monumental effort to look better than she felt. Both of them stood as Sydney and Thane walked in the room, and Sydney gripped Thane’s hand again.
Deep breaths, love.
“This is Mei Wu and her daughter Beth,” Officer Smith said.
Beth reached out her hand with a gentle smile and Sydney reluctantly shook it.
“I’m so sorry we have to meet this way,” Beth said.
Sydney nodded and everyone took a seat as Officer Smith left the room.
“My mother doesn’t speak much English, so please don’t think her rude if she doesn’t answer you,” Beth said. “I’ll translate, but I’m having a difficult time with my breathing, so I might have to take some breaks.”
I want to be sick.
Thane squeezed her hand. I’ve got you, love.
“I’m not sure why you wanted to meet, to be honest,” Sydney said.
“That was my idea, actually,” Beth confessed. “I wanted to meet my sister. I think I was about seven when my parents split up, and I didn’t know about you until I was thirteen, so you’ve always fascinated me. I’m sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but if I could see our father just once more, I think I’d beat him with a pipe for what he did to us.”
“It does make me uncomfortable,” Sydney admitted. “Can I ask what’s wrong with you?”
Beth nodded. “Ovarian cancer. I just finished chemo about two weeks ago, so I’m in a little bit of trouble for traveling.”
“Then why did you?”
She sighed. “Because I wanted you to know that we are not these people. What my brother did is reprehensible. He has some mental health issues and for the most part, he’s great provided he’s on his meds, but we discovered he’d stopped taking them... right after he called to say he’d moved to London.” Her mother said something to her and Beth responded in Chinese and then frowned at her before facing Sydney again. “Sorry. My mother feels we should keep this private. What she seems to forget is that it’s already about as public as it can get and you deserve some answers.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Zach’s sick,” Beth continued. “Not that his illness excuses anything he’s done. We will support whatever the courts decide to do, but he’s not right. If he was, he would have never done this.” She blinked back tears. “I don’t really know who he is anymore. We’ve always been close, but this... this isn’t something I can push past right now.”
“I’m sorry, Beth,” Sydney whispered. Thane ran his thumb across her fingers.
“No. I am.” She nodded towards her mother. “And so is Mom. I know it’s just words, but if she’d known about you and your mom, she would have never married our father. She would have never even gotten involved with him.”
“I appreciate that.”
“We’ll do whatever we can to help,” Beth said. “I don’t really know how any of this works.”
“I don’t either,” Sydney said. “Does your mother know that Zach used her money to hire the man who killed my mom?”
“We found out this morning. A check bounced.”
“Oh,” Sydney whispered.
“I’m so sorry, Sydney.”
“You didn’t cause any of this, Beth. I don’t blame you.”
“I appreciate that.” Her mother said something again and Beth nodded. “I should really go back to the hotel and rest.”
“Of course,” Sydney said.
Officer Smith returned to the room and smiled. “We have the paperwork ready for you, Mrs. Allen.”
“Thank you.” Sydney rose to her feet and Thane followed.
“Don’t get up, lass,” Thane said when Beth moved to do so.
“I can’t imagine what I can do, but if there’s anything, will you please let me know?” Beth asked. “Officer Smith has my information.”
Sydney nodded and led Thane out of the room. She didn’t speak much as she read over and signed the charges against Zach, and she didn’t speak much as Thane took her home. By the time they walked into the apartment, she was emotionally shattered. “I’m going to lie down for a little bit.”
“Hey.” Thane pulled her against him. “You okay?”
She nodded. “I just need to process.”
“Okay, baby. You process. I’ll check on you in a little bit.”
“’K.” She pulled away and headed to their bedroom, stretching out on the bed and quickly falling asleep.
* * *
Thane checked in with Sydney every few minutes. He felt her lose her battle with sleep, so he knew he could relax for a little while at least. He decided to make a call.
“Sir?”
“Wallace, I need you to do some background on Mei Wu and her daughter Beth.”
“No problem.”
“As soon as possible, aye?”
“Aye, sir.”
“Thank you.” Thane hung up and set his phone on the counter. He felt Sydney’s fear and heard her scream a few seconds later, but he was already in their bedroom.
She was sitting up, breathing heavily until she caught sight of him and then she calmed. “Sorry.”
He slid onto the bed beside her and pulled her onto his chest. “Don’t apologize, love. It’s been a tough day.”
“You can say that again.” She kissed his chest. “I liked Beth.”
“I did too.”
“I did not like her mother.”
Thane chuckled. “You’re entitled to feel that way, love. She was the woman who stole your dad.”
“I don’t know if I can believe she didn’t know.”
“Well, I can’t imagine you can know. Only she and your dad really know what happened.”
“Do you think I’m a bitch for not liking her?”
He lifted her chin. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to like her. You met with her. You treated her with respect. No one can expect any more than that from you.”
“My mom would,” she whispered.
“I don’t know that she would, love.”
“I just don’t want her to be disappointed in me. I don’t know where my allegiance is supposed to lie.”
Thane gave her a gentle squeeze. “Your allegiance lies with you and me now, love, and I’ve got you. I was so proud of you today. You were calm and sweet, and you didn’t jump to any conclusions. You let Beth have her say, which was gracious of you.”
“She doesn’t look well, honey.”
“I know.”
“I think we need to help her.”
He smiled. “I know that too.”
“You already called Wallace.”
“I already called Wallace.”
“Man, I love you.”
He laughed. “Love you too, baby.”
“Can we go home now?”
“Aye, love, we can go home. How long do you need to plan a ceremony?”
“A week.”
He lifted her chin again. “Are you serious?”
“Yep. We’ll get Elspie on it and it’ll be done in two days.”
“You’re probably right about that.”
Sydney giggled. “One week.”
“Aye, lass, one week.”
He kissed her ge
ntly. “I’m starving. How about you?”
She sat up and straddled his hips. “Yes, but not for food.”
“Let’s feed you then.”
“Good plan.” She leaned down and kissed him, and Thane fed her until she was stuffed.
SYDNEY STOOD IN front of the full-length mirror in the bedroom she shared with Thane and studied herself in the brand-new wedding gown he’d insisted on buying her. He had a small obsession with dressing her in lace she’d discovered, and this gown didn’t disappoint. The entire bodice was lace, embellished with tiny pearls and beading, and the cap sleeves were removable. A draped skirt flared out the back into a sweep train that could be pinned up to avoid tripping.
“You look amazing,” Lucy said as she joined Sydney at the mirror.
“So, do you.”
Any bruises Lucy had left on her body were covered by her bridesmaid dress, and the ones on her face were light enough now to hide with makeup, so she looked like herself again.
“I have something for you from Thane.” Lucy handed her a velvet box.
What did you do?
Nothing less than you did, sweetheart. Thank you for the flask.
Sydney grinned. Thought you might need one to calm your nerves.
Cheeky.
She opened the box to find the most exquisite necklace. A simple, but elegant white gold chain with a teardrop diamond that matched her earrings perfectly. Honey, it’s beautiful. Thank you.
I love you, sweetheart. I’ll see you in a few minutes.
I love you too.
“Ohmigod, Syd, it’s gorgeous.”
“Help me put it on, will you?”
Lucy grinned and helped her with the clasp while Sydney made sure her elaborate “do” didn’t get messed up. The stylist had suggested she sweep it into a side bun on the left side of her neck and, rather than a veil, she wore a lace flower embellished just like her dress. It was the perfect accessory to a perfect gown.
Elspie and Lucy were Sydney’s attendants and Elspie joined them with a gift from her parents. “This was Mum’s mum’s mum’s,” Elspie said with a giggle and handed her a beautifully carved wooden box. “Us girls all got something from Mummy on our wedding day, and this is yours. I haven’t seen it, so will you please open it right now?”
Sydney laughed. “You’re so impatient.”
“Aye, love, I am. Now open it.”
She did, and the three of them put their heads together and let out a collective, “Ahh.”
Inside sat an intricate silver bracelet that appeared to have been handmade.
“Och, lassie,” Elspie said, excitedly. “It’s Great-granny’s bracelet. Her mate, um, husband hand-forged it before they sailed from Iceland. He gave it to her after their first son was born.”
Sydney gasped. “It’s stunning.”
“Aye, ’tis. And it’s almost a thousand years old.”
“I thought you said it was your great-granny’s,” Lucy said.
“Give or take a few greats,” Elspie improvised.
“Oh, wow,” Lucy said. “You’ve saved things that old?”
“Aye.” Elspie smiled as Sydney slipped it on her wrist. “It sits nicely next to the one Thane gave you, eh?”
Sydney blinked back tears. “It’s perfect.”
“No crying, cuz,” Lucy ordered even as she dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “None. Stop right now.”
The ladies laughed and then Clara poked her head in. “How’s my favorite niece?”
“I’m great, Auntie.”
“Your man’s ready for you, love.”
Sydney nodded and followed her family downstairs and to the doors that opened onto their back garden. Her uncle waited by the door, and despite his tension with Aunt Clara (they were working it out), he was the man who loved her like a father. She couldn’t have imagined anyone else walking her down the aisle.
He kissed her cheek and smiled. “You look beautiful, love.”
“Thanks, Uncle Cary.”
“Ready?”
She nodded, took her flowers from her aunt, and looped her hand through his arm. Niall led Aunt Clara to her seat and then it was time.
Sydney kept her eyes on Thane as she walked down the aisle and forced herself not to cry even though he was. They might already be technically married, but the day was still just as special and as they said their vows again, she sent up a silent prayer of thanks.
Thane had brought light into the darkest part of her life, and she couldn’t have been more grateful. She was safe in the peace that their life together would be more than she could ever hope for.
“You may now kiss your bride.”
Sydney grinned and raised her head as Thane stroked her cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Their kiss sealed their vows and his love healed her pain. Life was finally perfect.
Three years later...
SYDNEY CRADLED HER one-year-old son, Coinneach, to her chest as he tried to fight sleep. “You’re just like your Mama, huh?”
She rocked him as she walked down the hall to the nursery and settled him in his crib. He tried to fuss, but she laid her hand on his chest and smiled. “No, baby. It’s time for you to sleep. Sleep now, little man.”
Sydney had perfected Thane’s ability to “suggest,” and she giggled quietly as Coinneach’s hands fell to the side and his eyes closed.
I’ve created a monster.
Oh my word, honey, this is the best power ever.
Not the telekinesis?
Sydney slid the blanket over her son using said power and bit her lip. Okay, maybe it’s the telekinesis.
Thane’s chuckle sounded in her mind. I’m almost home. You best have my supper on the table, wench.
She sneaked out of Coinneach’s room and pulled the door closed. You’re hilarious, mister movie star.
She arrived downstairs just as Thane walked through the front door, pulling her into his arms and lifting her off her feet before she’d even stepped off the last stair.
“Och, love, I’ve missed you.”
Sydney giggled, sliding her fingers through his hair. “It’s been two hours.”
“Aye, lass. Two long hours.”
He lowered her to her feet and laid his hand on her belly. “How’s our wee girl?”
“Right now she’s doing cartwheels because she knows her daddy’s close.”
“Are you tired?” He frowned. “You should rest, love. I wish you’d let me hire someone to help.”
“Thane,” she admonished. “I’m two months away from delivery. I’m fine. Beth arrives in six weeks and with Elspie and your mom here every day, I’m flush with help.”
Samantha had informed Sydney that because she shared a blood bond with Beth, she’d have the ability to heal her now that she was Cauld Ane. Sydney had met with Beth once more before she left for the States and Beth had let her know a few weeks later that the cancer had disappeared. It had been a medical mystery as far as the doctors were concerned.
Beth and Sydney had forged a tentative bond at first, one that had gradually grown into a sweet friendship that the sisters found to be greatly satisfying. They didn’t talk about their moms or the sadness they had both suffered because of their father.
Zach had been sentenced to life without parole for the murder, plus twenty years for the kidnapping of Lucy. He’d been extradited to the United States, which meant his mother could visit. No one could rejoice in it, but it was at least some form of closure.
The man who’d killed Sydney’s mother had never woken up from his coma, dying a few weeks after Zach’s trial. Another sad end to a sad situation.
Thane wrapped his arm around Sydney’s waist. “Well, come and put yer feet up now and I’ll make supper.”
“And fill me in on the council meeting?”
He smiled. “Aye, love. I’ll fill you in on the council meeting.”
Sydney folded herself onto the large suede sectional in the great room and
watched Thane move around their kitchen as though he was born in it. “Why aren’t you a celebrity chef?”
He laughed, setting steaks on the counter. “We’re supposed to be lowering our profile, love, not starting new careers that will add to the fame.”
“Oh, right. Stupid immortality, it screws everything up.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” he countered. “I quite like the fact I’m going to see you every morning for the next several hundred years.”
“Or thousand.”
“Aye, lass. That would be better.” He pulled open the fridge and brought a bottled water to Sydney. “Hydrate, please.”
“Aye, bossy,” she retorted.
He leaned down and kissed her gently. “More and more practice as the years go on, baby, remember that.”
She grinned. “You never let me forget it.”
“Well, that’s true.” He headed back to the kitchen and started his masterpiece.
“So, what was the final decision?” she prompted as she checked to make sure the baby monitor was on, setting it back on the table next to the sofa.
“We’re all going underground for a bit. Everyone in Fallen Crown was ready to anyway, now that Ollie’s found his mate, so we’re all settled. I don’t think we’re going to make a big deal about it to the media. My people have told the press I’m focused on my family right now, but if I want to do another movie in the future I can. It’s not unprecedented that someone who’s in their “fifties” can’t still be an action hero.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Well, provided you age like Jason Statham, not John Travolta.”
Thane laughed. “Sure, we’ll go with that.”
“What will we tell my family? Lucy’s going to notice if I don’t age.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, eh?”
“Okay,” Sydney said. “So, what are we going to do with ourselves?”
“We’re going to raise our children, run our charities, travel. Anything we want to.”
She sighed. “It all sounds too good to be true.”
“Does it?”
“Yep. Little bit.”
“Don’t fret, my wee worrier, our children will keep us plenty busy, especially considering you’re going to give me six more.”
She choked on her water. “You want me to have eight?”
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