AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Let me check on Katherine quickly.”After easing into the bedroom we shared and finding her asleep, I joined her mother at the kitchen table.
“K and I spoke earlier.She doesn’t want to leave.”
“Leave?”
“The ranch.Texas.”
I was curious about two things.First, why my wife hadn’t discussed this with me.Second, how much of this was being driven by her mother.“I’ll talk it over with her.”
“She’s afraid to tell you.”
My brow furrowed.Afraid?I’d never given Katherine any cause to fear me or my reaction to something.She and I had a relationship built on mutual respect.I hadn’t made a single decision that affected our lives together without discussing it with her and vice versa.
“As I said, I’ll discuss this with my wife.”While I tried to temper my tone, I was more abrupt than I intended to be.“My apologies.Please understand I’m not angry with you or with Katherine.There is a lot for us to discuss as a family.”
When she nodded but didn’t say anything else, I returned to the bedroom.I got ready for sleep as quietly as I could, then joined Katherine.When I did, she rolled her body, rested her head above my heart, and wrapped her arm around my waist.
“Apologies, I didn’t wish to wake you.”
“I’ve been dozing on and off.”
She weaved her fingers in the hair covering my chest.“What’s wrong?”she asked.
“Nothing that can’t wait until morning,” I said, knowing better than to lie to her.She picked up on even the slightest fib.
“Tell me now, Archer.”
I turned my body so we were facing each other.“I’ve just spoken with your mum.She informed me you want to remain in Texas.”
She nodded.
“Why on earth would you be afraid to discuss this with me?”
“Our life is in England.Your job.Our home.”
I shook my head.“Our life is about beingtogether.Wherever that may be.Nothing else matters, my darling.”
Her eyes filled with tears, but she was smiling.“It means running the ranch.My mother isn’t capable.”
“Understood.”
“Are you certain?”
“I’ll ring Riv in the morning.”Sir Ranald Caird, code name Rivet, was my boss at SIS.I knew him to be a family man and anticipated he’d understand why I had to resign from MI5.I wasn’t proven wrong.
“If, at any time, you wish to return to the fold, so to speak, you will be welcomed with open arms,” he said.
The following day, I began a new life, that of a rancher.
10
GEORGE
Pinch and Iris were still head-to-head when we returned.They’d moved to the other side of the room and were speaking in hushed tones, assumably intended to keep the conversation private.
“Nem,” said Ares, approaching us.When I excused myself from their conversation and took the open seat beside Wren, she looked in Iris’ direction and scowled.
“Evidently, you’re aware of previous interactions,” I whispered.
