Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
He leaned back, casually plucking a piece of lint off his sleeve. “You know, Kenji, the Double Bishop Sacrifice was first played in Amsterdam in 1889. I’ve been reading up on it since our game the other day.”
Cora, Nan, and I exchanged glances, waiting to see where this went.
Ed smiled, humor and steel clashing in those eyes that reminded me so much of his son’s. “Any man who pulls that move against his father-in-law—real or imagined—in his very first match is someone who doesn’t know fear. I have no doubt whatsoever that you’ll sort this. You and Everett. And we’ll do whatever it takes to help.”
I blew out a shaky breath. “Thank you. Thank you all so much. But Landry and I didn’t actually get married in Majestic over Christmas, as much as I wish we had. Even if Jamie corroborates our story, it’s only a matter of time before someone looks for a marriage certificate. You can’t just invent a wedding. You need witnesses, a license, a marriage certificate signed by a—”
I froze.
I did know a justice of the peace in Majestic, not to mention a small-town sheriff who owed me a favor and four upstanding citizens, plus their spouses and friends, who’d make unimpeachable witnesses. I was sure they’d agree if it meant helping Landry.
If I was being honest, I knew they’d do it for me, too.
“I’ve got to go,” I blurted, dropping a kiss on Ed’s cheek. “I need to fly home.”
“Home?” Nan stood. “Kenji, let the crisis management team—”
I shook my head. “Not now. I’ll explain it all later, but I need to set things in motion myself first.” I grabbed her hand and squeezed lightly. “Let me do this for him, please,” I begged softly. “It’s what I’m good at.”
“But don’t you want to wait for Landry? Troubles are lighter if you carry them together,” she urged.
“I know. And we will.” I hugged her before stepping back. “I’m counting on it.”
I grabbed my passport, laptop, and coat and was already at the door before I remembered something crucial.
“Someone needs to warn Landry what’s happening before he leaves Downing Street.” I met Cora’s eyes. “His phone will be shut off, and I’m afraid he’s going to walk out into a paparazzi firestorm. Tell him not to say anything.”
Her brow furrowed, but she nodded.
On the way to the airport, my heart ached with thoughts of Landry. He didn’t deserve the barrage of media inquiries this was going to bring and the potential derailment of his burgeoning political career. I shot him a quick text, knowing it might be hours before he was able to check his messages.
I’m so sorry. I’ll fix this. Come home as soon as you can.
It wasn’t until I was in the Brotherhood’s plane, winging my way west, that I looked down at the burnished gold ring on my finger.
Landry had told me a sentimental story about it but not its name. Not its full significance.
For the first time since he’d given it to me, I slid it off and examined it.
The three thin bands shifted apart, separating the two clasped hands and revealing a hammered metal heart nestled safely inside.
Along the inside edge of one of the bands was an inscription.
My beloved.
My breath caught. Landry had sized this ring for me back in December. When I’d still been trying to fortify the wall around my heart, he’d been determined to give me his.
Any lingering doubts about my plan melted away as I slid the ring back on my finger.
My husband needed my help.
And I couldn’t fix this alone.
I set up my laptop and placed a video call to the Brotherhood.
When the first call connected, Bash squinted at his phone. He was shirtless and sleepy-eyed. “Why are you calling so early?” He squinted harder. “Are you on the plane?”
“Yeah. I need you to wake everyone up and put me on the big screen for a strategy meeting. And ask Way to get the sheriff there, too.”
“Foster? What for?” He rubbed his cheek and yawned. “Where’s Landry?”
“Back in England. He’s okay, just… in the middle of something. Gather everyone, please.”
Bash nodded immediately, used to following my lead, only hesitating when his husband’s curly mop entered the frame.
“You guys okay?” Rowe asked, voice still thick with sleep.
I nodded. “We will be.”
I disconnected so they could get some caffeine and regroup.
Fifteen minutes later, they called me back.
In that short time, the Brotherhood—apart from Landry—had all gathered around Dev and Tully’s big table in their pajamas and sweats. Even Lellie was there, curled up in Dev’s lap with her chubby hand clutching the faded equestrian logo of his old hoodie.
Seeing everyone there made my heart swell with warmth, as if love itself had gathered in that room. I couldn’t wait to join them in person once this was handled.