Page 59 of Ladybird

“Nay, it’s my sister.”

“I thought you said your sister was dead.”

“She is. But I’ve been hearing Mary’s condescending voice in my head for years now, telling me I can’t do anything right and that I am no good.”

“That’s not true, Hunter.”

“I could never seem to please my older sister. I think she hated me, mainly because I was a bastard from another father.”

“Oh, I am so sorry, Hunter. I had no idea that you were hearing demons in your head.” She stroked his cheek gently. “You need to push those nasty voices away. They are only going to ruin your life as well as drive you crazy.”

“I know you’re right. But it isn’t easy.”

“Then, let me help you try.” She kissed him deeply and ran her hands through his hair.

Hunter could see where this was going. “Regina, I can’t take you to bed again.”

“What?” She looked so disappointed.

“Not before I ask you something very important.”

“What is it, Hunter?”

He got down in front of her on one knee, taking her hands in his. “I know I don’t have much to offer, sweetheart, and I feel crazy for even considering this. I can give you my protection and my love, if that is enough for you.”

“Hunter? Why are you kneeling?”

“I think I’m in love with you, Ladybird. I would like nothing more than if you would marry me and be my wife.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Regina knelt down and looked him in the eye. “Hunter, I don’t want you to ever feel like you are not as good as anyone else. You are a good man, so don’t forget that. Any woman would be lucky to be your wife.”

“But?” He held his breath while he waited for her answer. That nasty voice in his head started to return to put doubt in the fact he was doing the right thing. Then he pushed the voice out of his mind, focusing on the wonderful woman before him, drinking in the love that was emanating from her.

“No buts. Yes, I would be honored to be your wife, Hunter Chase. I know we will always be happy together.”

“Oh, Regina.” He pulled her into a hug, his heart opening like it never had before. He’d found a woman who accepted him, forgave him and loved him all at the same time. It was a dream for a man like him and he honestly wasn’t sure he was really awake. “I promise to be the best husband I can be.”

“I promise to be the best wife I can be. Now, kiss me, Hunter. This is way too much talking.”

He did kiss her. Then he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, placing her down softly upon the lush mattress. They both knew what they wanted and no one would ever stop them because they wouldn’t let that happen. They made love atop the bed, sharing their passion and love for each other and this time not holding back their cries of release. For a short wonderful while all their troubles had disappeared.

“Regina, I would love to stay right here in bed with you for a week, but I have a thief to catch right now.” He kissed her on the nose and then got up and started to dress.

“Yes, and a falcon to find, don’t forget.” Regina got up and dressed as well. “Hunter, I am so scared that I’ll never see Lightning again.”

“Don’t be. I promise you that I will find her and she will be just fine. Let me find my boots and I’ll get my head back into my work.”

“Mayhap they’re in here,” she said, walking over and flipping open the trunk.

“Regina, no!” It was too late to stop her.

“What’s this?” She picked up the crossbow.When she did, the hawk brooch fell to the floor at her feet. “It’s Sage’s brooch.” She put down the crossbow and picked up the pin. “Hunter, I don’t understand. What are these things doing here?”

“I don’t really know, and that’s the truth,” he told her, finding his boots and putting them on. “I have just discovered them a few minutes ago, not unlike you. Regina, I have an awful suspicion that Luke might be the thief.”