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Braden frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you were getting married?” Logan incredulously replied. “Did you really think I was going to bother you with this on your wedding day?”
“Yes, actually.”
“Don’t be daft.”
When Braden started to object, Logan held up a hand. “My men are guarding the orphanage, and still keeping watch on the Hanging Judge. Nothing will happen that we don’t know about, I promise.”
Braden scrubbed a frustrated hand over his head. “There are children in harm’s way. Samantha is not the patient sort when it comes to that.”
“You’ll just have to keep her in check, because we don’t have enough proof yet to take to the law. I need to nail down a few more details before I feel confident accusing Haxton of outright fraud. His family is both well regarded and well established in the financial community.”
“Then maybe it’s time you and I made a little sortie down to the Hanging Judge. Just to see what we can see.”
“And maybe that’s a bad idea,” his brother retorted. “They know you, remember? You can’t be seen. You need to trust me on that.”
Braden grimaced. “I do trust you, but it’s damn hard waiting around for something to happen. What do you suggest I do in the meantime?”
“Go home to your wife. And, by the way, whyareyou working on the day after your wedding? Seriously, Braden, that’s just . . . odd.”
“I think you mean sad,” he ruefully replied.
“You said it, not me.” His brother sat, calmly waiting, and clearly expecting an answer.
Braden sighed. “We had a rather difficult discussion last night.”
“Oh, what fun for a wedding night. What was it about?”
“Annalise.”
Logan snorted. “Och, lad.”
“I know, but it had to be done.”
“Samantha probably thinks you’re still in love with her.”
Braden held up his hands. “In my defense, she brought up Roger Penwith first. All this has happened too quickly for her. I don’t think she really sees me as her husband. More a friend and companion in arms at this point.”
“Spending all your time at work isn’t going to do much to change that opinion.” Logan clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve got to woo her, lad, and do it properly.”
“It’s hard to concentrate on wooing when one is also trying to solve a murder and various criminal schemes.”
“Look, you’re not alone in this. You’ve got me and you’ve got my men. Something will break fairly soon. In the meantime, discuss what you must with Samantha. Then, for the love of God, have some fun.”
Braden eyed his brother. As always, Logan made a great deal of sense.
“All right, oh wise one,” he said. “Any suggestions for the fun part?”
“Definitely. Show Samantha that you’re a true family man,” Logan said. “Take her and Felicity for an outing and bring Pippa and Joseph with you. Make her part of your family. From what I can tell, Samantha is a woman who longs for family. The lassie needs to belong, so show her that shedoesbelong—to you.”
“You know, for such a big lummox, you’re actually quite smart,” Braden replied with a wry smile.
Logan snorted. “Smart enough to know that my wife will have my head if I don’t get myself home soon. And you have a wife waiting for you, too. Show her that you’re worth the wait.”
CHAPTER25
Despite Samantha’s dodge, Donny still caught her a glancing blow on the shoulder. “Och, sorry, my lady. Didna mean to give ye such a hit.”
