The Right Bride: Book Three: The Hunted Series

by Jennifer Ryan

“Yes, Knight. I will leave it to my child.”

  “That’s my princess.”

  “What is it, George, I’m dying to know.” Shelly found the whole promise and gift to be too intriguing to keep her mouth shut.

  “Are you sure, Cameron? This is big. It’s very important to me you understand the promise must be kept. The item I’m giving to you will transfer to your ownership prior to your getting married. In fact, within days.”

  “I understand what you’re saying.” He knew exactly what George was telling him. Ownership of whatever it was would occur before his marriage to Shelly. If they divorced, she’d have no claim to it.

  “The thing I am giving to you, well half anyway, is this house and the property it sits on. The contents of the house will go to the person who owns the other half. Many things will be distributed to my children at that person’s discretion.”

  “George, you’re giving me the house. Why? What about your children?”

  “It’s my house and this is what I want. Emma should have a backyard to play in. It’s dark now, but I’ve had a playhouse and play yard set up in the back for her already.”

  He took Emma’s hand. “You have swings and a slide. The playhouse was Marti’s idea. It’s a pirate ship with all kinds of toys. One day, if you have a brother or sister, you can play pirate with them. Marti made sure it had everything a little girl needed to play pretend.”

  “Oh my gosh, Knight. My very own pirate ship, swings, and a slide. It’s all for me?”

  “Yes, Princess. It’s all for you.”

  “She’ll still be able to attend her school,” he said to Cameron. “When she’s bigger, a bus will pick her up and take her.

  “The penthouse is nice, but I want you and your family to have a home. This is a home without a family. It’s time to fill it with love and laughter again. I want that family to be yours, Cameron.”

  Cameron didn’t know what to say. “Will the other owner be one of your children?”

  “No. The house is split into two sections, as you know. It’s large enough for two families. The east wing will be yours. You’ll have the master suite and two additional rooms, one of which will be Emma’s, of course.

  “The west wing will be for the other owner. You’ll share the common space down here.”

  “George, it’s too much. This house and the property are worth a fortune. Your children aren’t going to be happy about this.”

  “It isn’t their house. It’s mine. They will be well taken care of after I’m dead. Don’t worry about them. They’re greedy monsters who only come to see if I’m dead and find out when they can collect.

  “Unfortunately, they’ve been causing some problems for Marti. I regret she was put in this position, and I’m going to make things worse for her after my death.”

  “What kind of problems are they causing Marti?” Cameron had given her enough pain and grief. She didn’t need George’s family harming her too.

  “Stupid things really. They believe she’s influencing me. And, well, they think she’s going to inherit it all because she’s my mistress.”

  “What’s a mistress?” Emma asked, searching all their faces.

  Everyone ignored Emma’s question.

  Cameron looked fit to kill at the thought of Marti being George’s mistress. She couldn’t be. He’d made it seem like she was, but it couldn’t be true. George was dying; he couldn’t possibly be sleeping with Marti.

  “Cameron, you look like you swallowed a lemon. For God’s sake, boy, Walter is just trying to find an excuse to cause trouble and make sure the will goes in his favor. The Jag really annoyed him.”

  “It was a lovely gift you gave Marti. I’m sure she deserved it.” Shelly was sure she had earned every penny the Jag cost. On her knees, no doubt. She wasn’t buying it Marti lived with the old man because they were old family friends. No way. Marti was in it for as much as she could get.

  “It was a gift for someone who understands the value of being true to your word and not expecting something because of who you know, or who you were born to. She’s unique in a way that surprises me more each day.”

  He smiled thinking of Marti. She’d been a true friend. He regretted things were going to get very difficult for her soon. He hoped his carefully laid plans would make everything work out in the end.

  “Now, I think my next request will please Shelly. I know you are planning a small ceremony at the penthouse. I’d like you to have the ceremony here at your new home. I know it’s a lot to ask you to contact everyone and change the address, but it would really please me to know the wedding was held here.”

  “Oh, George, what a lovely idea. Cameron, what do you think? We could let everyone know about the change in location without any trouble at all. It’s just a few phone calls. That’s all. The house and gardens are so lovely. We’ll start our marriage right here at our new home.”

  Cameron didn’t care. He just wanted to give his children a family. “It’s fine with me. The location doesn’t matter. I think it’s a great idea.”

  “Perfect,” said George.

  “Now, for my second request. I’d like for all of you to move into the house the day after my death. I’ve already set up the movers and a few other small surprises. It will give you a few days to settle in before the wedding. I’d like your word, Cameron. The day after my death. It’s important. I don’t want the house to be empty after I’m gone.”

  “But George, we’re talking about a week. You’ll still be here for the wedding.”

  Cameron didn’t want to think of George dying before the wedding, or any time soon. He wanted to hope he’d make it longer.

  His hope was for George and himself, because as long as George was alive, Marti was in his house. She wouldn’t go back on her promise to him. She wouldn’t.

  George shook his head. He didn’t want to say any more about his death in front of Emma. She looked sad already, disappointed with Marti’s absence at dinner this evening.

  “It’s what I want. Indulge an old man with a promise, Cameron, for my last request. This house will be yours and then Emma’s. I want to know you are here and the house isn’t empty for even a day.”

  “I for one think it’s sentimental and wonderful. The house has meant so much to you and you want to know a real family is living here. Cameron, you can’t say no.”

  Shelly couldn’t wait. She’d love to move into the big, castle-like mansion. She’d have it all tied up with a bow, her very own castle with her rich prince. What more could a girl ask for?

  “Yes, you see. Even Shelly is excited. She can move in with you before the wedding. Not all the rooms are furnished in the east wing. I’m sure one of the rooms in the west wing will suit Shelly until after the ceremony.”

  “Perfect,” she beamed. Whatever it took to solidify her place with Cameron.

  So what if she had to stay in the guest room. In a matter of days, she’d be in the master suite with Cameron. The rest of her life would be spent living here with servants and she’d have luncheons and dinner parties. It was going to be grand.

  “Emma, what do you think? Would you like to move in here? You were very small when we moved into the penthouse. It’s the only home you’ve ever known. This will mean a lot of changes for you.” Cameron wouldn’t make the promise without Emma’s consent.

  “Will we get to go back and see Aunt Elizabeth and everyone else? I don’t want to move if I don’t get to see them.”

  “Yes, honey. I’ll keep the penthouse, and we’ll stay there sometimes. You’ll see everyone as often as you like. I still work for Aunt Jenna and Aunt Elizabeth feeds me every day. We’ll still have them all in our lives. I promise you. You won’t lose them too.”

  He meant in addition to her home, but what he really thought was she’d still have them after Marti was gone.

  Her eyes reflected her understanding. She was already missing Marti.

  “It’s settled. You’ll move in and be married here.”

 
; “Agreed,” said Cameron. “So long as the other owner doesn’t object. This is going to be difficult to figure out until I know who the other owner is and if we’ll be able to live under the same roof. I need to know Emma and the baby will like this person and get along with them.”

  “You have no worries there. I have a feeling it will all work out in the end. I know you very well, Cameron. I wouldn’t have arranged this if I thought it wasn’t good for you and Emma. Nothing is more important to me than the two of you. No offense, Shelly. They’ve been in my life a long time.”

  “No problem, George. I know how special you are to them as well.” She did know, and the old man could leave her out of his good thoughts, so long as she got the house, the prince, and the wealth.

  “So, as long as we’re agreed, there’s a surprise for Emma upstairs.”

  “Really? For me?”

  “Yes. Cameron, I have your promises to all we’ve discussed?”

  “Yes.” Cameron couldn’t deny George after everything he’d done for him. He wouldn’t have the life he had now without him. He wouldn’t have met Marti without George. It appeared George was making sure his life from then on would be taken care of as well.

  “Okay, since everyone is finished eating, Cameron, would you take Emma upstairs to Marti? She’s the one who put the surprise together for Emma. She’s been working on it for me for two days straight. The girl has barely slept.

  “Anyway, if she isn’t in her room, knock on the other door. Emma knows which one. She spends every waking moment with me or in her rooms working.

  “Cameron, you’ll want to see Emma’s surprise. It’s quite extraordinary. More than I hoped it would be, or asked of Marti.

  “Shelly, if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to you while they go up. It’ll only take a few minutes, a chance for us to get to know each other a little better.”

  “I’d like that, George. You’ve been so generous. I’ll see Emma’s surprise in a little while.”

  She would too. She wanted to know what the great Marti had been up to for two days, so George could surprise Emma. She bet whatever it was, it was expensive.

  Chapter Thirty

  * * *

  THE KNOCK AT the door dragged her out of her head and work. She took off her smock and studied the canvas and the pictures she used as a reference. She had to admit it was a good likeness. A few more hours of work and she’d have it finished.

  “Is that you, Sugar Bug?” Marti stretched her back before covering the canvas.

  “Yes. Daddy, too.”

  “I’ll be right there.” She went through the connecting door into her bedroom. She kept the door in the hallway locked, so no one came in that way. She liked her privacy and didn’t want Cameron to see the project she was working on for him.

  She stepped out into the hallway from her bedroom and stared down the hall at Emma. She held out her arms and said, “Come here, Sugar Bug. Oh, how I’ve missed you.”

  Emma ran to her. Marti scooped her up and hugged her fiercely.

  “You saw me a couple of days ago.”

  “Way too long to go without you. How’s school?”

  “Fine. I can write my letters in lower case now.”

  “Excellent. Pretty soon you’ll be able to write me letters.”

  “Are you going somewhere?” Cameron couldn’t help but ask. He needed to know where she was always. He wondered if she’d be willing to check in with him once a week and tell him what she was doing and where she was. Irrational, but he wanted to know at any time he could find her.

  “Eventually,” was all she said. “How are you, Cameron?”

  “Fine. Just fine.” He wasn’t fine without her. He’d never be fine again.

  “You look tired, Marti.” They were heading down the hall toward the east wing. He didn’t know where she was taking them. “George said you’ve been up the last two nights finishing Emma’s surprise.”

  “I have been. Wait till you see it, Sugar Bug. I hope you like it. George had some men come and build something for you. It’s wonderful.”

  “I can’t wait to see it.”

  Marti walked ahead of him. She lost her balance and almost dropped Emma. The hallway seemed to sway. Cameron grabbed her from behind, his big, warm hands clamped on her waist.

  “Are you okay?” He held her hips and took the small step to her, pressing his body to hers. His throbbing cock pressed into the cleft of her bottom. She felt so good snug against his aching body. It had been too long since he’d felt her against him, since he’d touched her.

  Disappointment lanced through him when she stepped away and continued onto the next door.

  “I’m fine. Just tired. I haven’t been feeling well. It’s nothing. Probably just a touch of whatever Emma had.”

  She made it to the door and put Emma down. When she stood back up the hallway swayed again. Cameron’s arms came around her and he pulled her back to his chest again. God, he felt good.

  He leaned down and whispered into her ear. “What’s the matter with you, sweetheart?”

  “Nothing. I’m fine,” she said over her shoulder. He was too close. If she turned just an inch, her mouth would brush his. She wanted to kiss him, but knew it would only lead to more pain.

  “You’re pale and dizzy. You’re not just tired. Are you ill?”

  “Don’t worry about me. Worry about your pregnant fiancé. I can take care of myself.”

  She knew exactly what was wrong. Her period was a week late and she was pregnant with Cameron’s baby. At least she was ninety-nine percent sure. She’d bought a pregnancy test kit, several actually, and was going to take it, but she was afraid it would say yes. Hell, she was afraid it would say no. She was getting used to the idea. That’s all.

  What would it matter anyway? He’d chosen Shelly time and again. Shelly was supposedly pregnant with his baby. He repeatedly said he wanted to make a life with her.

  He hadn’t even considered he might have gotten her pregnant too. It’s not like she’d been prepared to make love to him. She’d woken up to him on top of her and she loved him so much she couldn’t resist him. She’d wanted him and damn the consequences.

  The consequence was the sweetest gift. The one thing from Cameron she’d take with her when she left.

  “I am worried about you. Please, if there’s something you need, let me help.”

  “I don’t need help. I need some sleep. I’m just fine on my own.”

  He released her and rubbed the back of his neck. She was pushing him away and he hated it.

  “Okay, Sugar Bug. Are you ready for the best surprise ever?”

  “Are you dying? George is dying. My mother died. Is that why everyone is telling me you’re leaving?”

  Marti kneeled in front of Emma and took her shoulders in her hands. “You know I would never lie to you. I am not dying. I’m just fine. Do you believe me?”

  Emma nodded yes.

  “A lot of changes are happening in your life. Knight is dying and there is nothing we can do to make him better. It’s a part of life, people sometimes get sick and die.”

  “Like my mom and Knight?”

  “Yes, like them. I promise you, when it’s time for me to leave, I will make sure you can always reach me. I may not be with you here, but you’ll always be able to call me.”

  “You promise,” she said, wanting it so badly.

  “I promise you.” She kissed her on the forehead to seal the bargain. “Now, how about your surprise?”

  Emma nodded and turned to the door.

  “Cameron, cover her eyes.”

  Cameron put his hand over Emma’s eyes and glanced at her questioningly.

  “You’re going to love this. Even I’m nervous, and I’m the one who did it. Are you peeking, Emma?”

  “No. Daddy has big hands.”

  “Yes, he does.” Marti remembered every place on her body those big hands had touched and caressed. She didn’t look at him. She couldn’t. Her whole body echoed
with the remembered sensation of their one morning together.

  The blush rising up her neck and face told him what she was thinking. He was remembering too. The feel of Marti’s skin, the soft fullness of her breasts in his palms, the hot, wet, slick core of her sliding over his hard cock. Oh yes, he remembered it all.

  She opened the door and stepped inside, grabbing her camera, which she’d left on and ready inside the room.

  She glanced at Cameron, saw the surprise and shock on his face. He scanned the room and turned to her.

  “You did this?” Choked up, all his emotions lodged in his throat. The room was spectacular. He couldn’t believe she’d done all this in two days.

  Smiling, she told herself it didn’t matter what Cameron thought. It only mattered what Emma thought. But it did matter what Cameron thought. It mattered a lot.

  She put the camera up to her eye. “Okay, Emma. You can look.”

  As Cameron removed his hand and Emma stood stunned with a huge smile on her face, Marti snapped the picture to remember the moment.

  “Oh my God. It’s a princess’s room. Just like in the medieval books you read to me. It’s just like the room in Tina’s Travels where she goes to England and visits the castles.”

  “This is Princess Emma’s room.” She indicated with a sweep of her hand, drawing Emma’s attention to the wall behind her.

  Princess Emma was hand-painted above the door, along with a vine of climbing roses trailing down the sides of the heavy wood doorframe. The entire room looked like stone block walls. Throughout the room, trailing vines of ivy and climbing roses in shades of pink.

  Everywhere you looked on the walls there was something to discover. A bird and nest tucked in the vine and a fairy sitting on a toadstool. Dragonflies and butterflies fluttered among the flowers. A crowned frog hid in a hollowed-out tree stump.

  The windows had roller shades. When pulled down, they looked like forests beyond a stone wall. Gauzy pink drapes would flow in the wind when the windows were open.

  The hardwood floors bloomed with roses and pansies in pink and lavender carpet cutouts.

  The dark wood armoire with double doors hid a TV and DVD player with every movie Emma liked. A wooden chest sat at the foot of the bed. Inside Marti had stashed costumes for Emma to dress up and have tea parties, or be a pirate, or princess, or whatever she dreamed up. A matching dresser stood against one wall with oil lamps converted to electric lights. A matching pair on either side of the bed sat on the marble topped nightstands.