AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My stomach falls. “Big game. As in…?”
“Elephants. Giraffes. Oh, and a leopard, but that was just by luck.”
“Luck,” I echo. “I’m sure none of the animals thought it was luck on their end.”
He laughs. “True. Have comfort in two things. One, their deaths fed many people. Two, they died humanely.”
John says, “Our family has always liked to hunt. I’d imagine your father has similar interests since he was a foot soldier for Midas.”
“My father didn’t hunt.”
“Oh, but I beg to differ. His game was just different from the ones we hunt.” He pushes his plate aside. “Now, let us take the ride around Central Park.”
I force a smile on my lips and stand. Maybe I’m judging them too harshly. Besides, this is a means to an end. Once I marry John, that means I’ll never have to see Kieran again.
* * *
Several hours later, we’re back at the hotel where we first met. John winces as he gets out of the car, holding onto Clayton’s arm for support.
“Well, Ms. Triton, I hope that you have found me to be agreeable.”
“I have, Mr. Greystoke.”
“With your permission, I’d like to ask Van der Zee for your hand in marriage.”
My eyebrows lift.
“Is something wrong, dear?”
“No, I just wasn’t aware that I had a say.”
“Well, Van der Zee might not care, but I want the woman who marries me to be a willing participant.”
“How refreshing.” I take in a deep breath. “John, I’d be honored to be your wife.”
“I’ll reach out to Van der Zee in the morning. Once everything is signed, I see no point in waiting to get married. Tell me, dear, do you want a big wedding?”
I’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding on a beach somewhere, or maybe even on a ship on the ocean. But in those dreams, I was marrying the man I loved.
“No,” I answer. “A small wedding is what I’d like.”
“Would City Hall be acceptable?”
“Yes.”
He smiles. “See, we’re already making choices as a couple.”
Clayton says, “Easy, old man. Don’t scare her away before the paperwork is signed.”
John snorts as his phone rings. “Excuse me. I need to take this.”
He moves several feet from us, speaking in low tones.
I say to Clayton, “I don’t scare easily, and your father seems lovely.”
His gaze rakes over me, making me feel like he’s undressing me with his eyes. “Good. Now, tell me. Will I be expected to call you stepmother?”
“Oh, goodness, no. Ari is fine.”
