Page 96 of The Rented Bride

“He wants you to come closer.”

Cassie looked at Annie, and stared, paralyzed with fear. Words wouldn’t form. She couldn’t think. Couldn’t move. Compassion softened Annie’s face and she hurried to Cassie.

Annie laid a hand on her shoulder. “Come on, it’s all right. He wants to talk to you.”

Cassie shook her head. No. No. No. If she stopped time right now, James wouldn’t….

Annie smiled gently and whispered, “You can do this...for both of them.”

Cassie swallowed and nodded, but was still grateful when Annie wrapped an arm around her shoulder and started walking toward the bed. She willed her tears into submission but when they reached the bed Cassie was sure her knees would give out.

“Trent,” James said in a voice so quiet Cassie recognized nothing of the man that, only a few days ago, had seemed so strong, “let Cassie sit beside me.”

Trent hesitated, then rose and Annie gently urged her down onto the bed. James lifted a hand that trembled so badly it made her want to cry harder. With a mighty effort, she forced calm and clasped his hand between her palms.

“I’m so sorry we were away,” she blurted.

He smiled gently. “Never apologize for living life, sweets.”

Tears trickled onto her cheeks. “But—”

He squeezed her hand with surprising strength. “No buts. I’ve lived an amazing life. I’m ready.” His gaze softened. “I’m tired.”

“I wish we had more time.”

“Aye, so do I. Can you promise an old man one thing?”

She nodded. “Anything.”

“Take care of Trent. He’s stubborn, so you might have to flip him over your shoulder every now and again.”

She couldn’t help a laugh. “I wish I’d stayed, instead of going to Miami,” Cassie said. “I know,” she quickly added when he opened his mouth to reply, “no apologies for living life. But I wanted to be here, with you.” She wanted to know him better.

He smiled, clearly pleased. “You were. Just like I’ll always be here for you. Our loved ones never truly leave us. So you won’t be getting rid of me so easily. I’ll watch over you.”

She laughed again, this time through tears. “So are you telling me you’re going to turn Brettonwood into a haunted castle?”

“No, lass. You’re going to turn it into a home.” His eyes shifted to Trent then back to her. “Hold tight to him, Cassie. He’s a good man. And he loves you.” She blinked, and James laughed a rusty laugh. “Do ye think I don’t know my grandson well enough to know when he’s in love?”

Cassie could feel Trent’s stare. She couldn’t turn around, couldn’t bear to see the truth for herself. James was wrong. Very wrong. Just the wishes and hopes of an old man on his deathbed.

“You don’t have to worry. I’ll take care of him.” How could she not give him the words he needed?

“It takes only a moment to know when you’re in love,” he said.

His body was failing, but she detected the same sharp intellect behind the fading light in his eyes.

He squeezed her fingers. “I thought the story of how you and Trent met was very creative.”

Her heart thudded. He knows.

James motioned with his free hand for Trent to come closer.

Trent knelt on one knee beside the bed.

“I know what you did for me,” James said.

“Grandfather—”