Page 52 of The Rogue’s Runaway Bride (Rogue of Her Own #3)

T he lass needs ye now .

As Jon prepared to walk away from his home—perhaps for quite some time—Finn’s words played in his thoughts. He’d certainly spent many weeks and months away, but this time was different. For once, he was seeking something far more enduring and valuable than any business venture might produce.

This time, he would build a life with the woman he loved.

Bustling about like a mother hen, Mrs. Gilroy dangled his boxing gloves over his traveling case. “Shall I pack these?”

He shook his head. “I cannot imagine I’ll have need for them on the ship.”

No, he had far more pleasant pursuits in mind.

“I’ve packed yer black bowler,” she went on. “And one of yer flat-brimmed caps.”

“Thank you. If I find myself in need of more hats, New York has no shortage of haberdashers.” Touched by how the old woman fussed over him, he smiled to himself.

“Oh, and there’s one more thing, Mrs. Gilroy.

You can expect Mr. Bennett to pay a call this evening.

He will need the folio I’ve left on the desk in my study. ”

“I’ll be sure he gets it.”

“Thank you. He will be taking over the negotiation on the contracts.”

“Ye trust him to work out the details in yer stead?”

Jon nodded. “Bennett has earned this promotion.”

The old woman glanced around, sniffling a bit. “My, it is going to be awfully quiet around here, isn’t it?”

“For the time being, perhaps,” he agreed. “But I’d think you would enjoy the peace.”

As her thin shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug, a sheen of tears brimmed in her eyes. “A while ago, I might’ve danced a jig at the prospect of an uncluttered house. But now... now it will truly feel empty.”

“You won’t be alone for long,” he said, feeling a decidedly unexpected reluctance at the thought of leaving behind the woman who’d been his housekeeper for nearly a decade.

“Macie will appreciate your help as she readies her home for her child. Once the baby arrives, she will truly require your assistance.”

“It will be pleasant to be near a babe again.” She sniffled. “And I’ll assist her with the wee lass. Perhaps I will even teach Carrie to make my lemon cake. It was always Macie’s favorite.”

“And one of mine as well.” He regarded her for a long moment. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you these last months. I do appreciate all you’ve done.”

Were his eyes deceiving him, or had the old woman actually blushed? “Ye’re a good man, like yer father.”

“Thank you. That is high praise, indeed.”

“And if I may speak my mind, ye’re a lucky man to have had this second chance with Miss Belle.

She’s a good woman, she is. She never puts on airs, and no matter what, she was eager to help.

It’s hard to believe she’s one of those dollar princesses.

” Mrs. Gilroy planted her hands on her hips. “If ye ask me, she’s a true gem.”

“I agree,” Jon said with a smile.

“Treasure her,” Mrs. Gilroy regarded him with a solemn expression. “Just as yer father has treasured yer mum all these years. If ye do that, ye will have a happy life.”

“Believe me, I will. The question is: will she want to spend her life with me?”

“She’ll give ye the answer ye’re looking for. The lass loves ye. I’ve seen it in her eyes.”

“By thunder, I hope you’re right.”

“Ye know I am,” Mrs. Gilroy said, her smile fading as the door chimes interrupted the moment. “I should get that.”

“No need to trouble yourself,” he said. “I’m expecting Macie and Finn. I’ll see them in.”

*

“Jon, I am so very excited for you.” Perched on an overstuffed chair in the sitting room, his sister peered over the cup of tea in her hand and regarded him for a long moment. “I knew the day would come when you’d finally meet your match.”

“Is that so?” He met Macie’s warm gaze.

“She’s perfect for you,” Macie said without a single note of doubt. “Belle makes you smile—a genuine smile, at that. A rare thing, indeed.”

“Now to hope she’ll still have your dolt of a brother.”

“Ye might need to do some convincing,” Finn spoke up. He sent Macie a speaking glance. “A perhaps a bit of groveling. I know something about that myself.”

Mrs. Gilroy brought in a tray of scones. “I know how much ye like them, Miss Macie.”

“Why, thank you,” Macie said, taking a pastry from the tray. “So very thoughtful.”

“I’ll prepare a few for ye to take home. The wee lass has a fondness for them.”

“Oh, she’ll be delighted.” Macie met Mrs. Gilroy’s careworn features. “She misses you.”

“Ah, and I miss her, too. Her giggles could make Scrooge himself smile,” Mrs. Gilroy replied. “I’d best put on another pot of tea. It won’t be long before ye’ll be wanting another cup.”

As Mrs. Gilroy headed back to the kitchen, Jon cleared his throat. The conversation he needed to have might well be difficult. But he had to follow his gut. And his heart.

“I’d like to talk to the two of you... about Carrie.”

Finn reached for Macie’s hand as she sat up straighter on the loveseat. “Is something wrong?” she said.

“No. Nothing is wrong,” Jon said. “I’m quite sure Carrie is very happy. But I feel... I feel your dolt of a brother has made another blunder.”

“A blunder?” Macie repeated thoughtfully, even as he spotted what looked like understanding in her eyes.

“There was a time, not very long ago, when I did not have the slightest notion of how to be a father to the girl. But now, I see—”

“You see the truth, don’t you?” Macie said, her voice quiet, yet direct. “You’ve been a fine brother to me. And you will be an even better father.”

His sister’s words caught him by surprise. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

Macie’s gentle smile warmed his heart. “Could you ever doubt it?”

“That means the world to me,” he replied truthfully, then strategically cleared his throat. “I know Carrie has a wonderful life with the two of you... she is loved and content. I would never do anything to interfere with her happiness.”

“The young lass is happy,” Finn said. “With one exception.”

Macie met his eyes. “Jon, she misses you terribly.”

“There’s no denying it,” Finn agreed. “The child has a bond with ye... and Belle... that should not be broken.”

“Quite so,” Macie agreed. “Are you aware that Belle spoke to me about spending time with Carrie when she’s in the city?”

“She did mention something of the sort,” Jon said. “She’s developed a true fondness for Carrie.”

“Such a true fondness that she’s decided to become a frequent visitor to London,” Macie pointed out. “She misses her time with the girl. That much is abundantly clear.”

“Bloody hell, I miss the little moppet, too.” Jon glanced at the framed photograph his sister had given him.

She’d captured an image of Carrie clutching her atrocious-yet-beloved ragdoll.

The child’s eyes were wide with wonder as she’d looked into the camera’s lens.

“If anyone had ever told me I’d miss the sight of ugly dolls and blasted mudpies, I’d have thought them quite mad. ”

Finn’s forehead creased. “Mudpies?”

“I’ll explain later,” Macie said with a little chuckle.

“The house is so blasted quiet now. It seems empty without her little songs and laughter.” Jon raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t know an eloquent way to say what’s on my mind, so I’ll just speak the truth. I would like another chance to be a father... to Carrie.”

“You’re sure of this?” Finn said, even as Macie’s smile lit her face.

“I’ve given this a great deal of thought, and I have no doubt,” he said. “Belle loves Carrie, just as I do.” He considered his next words carefully. “If Belle and I are to start our life together, I want Carrie to be a part of it.”

“The two of you will be so good together... you’ll be marvelous parents.” Macie clapped her hands together in excitement, even as her husband seemed to give Jon’s words more consideration. “Finn and I adore Carrie, but I know she will be so very happy with you... as her father.”

Finn lowered his gaze, seeming to study the patterns on the rug beneath his feet. When he looked up, the set of his jaw betrayed his train of thought. “It might be best to keep this notion from the girl until everything is settled between you and Belle.”

“I’ve hurt Belle. I know that better than anyone.” Jon met the concern in his friend’s eyes. “There’s no guarantee that she will forgive me... that she will accept my proposal. But I know this—I want to be a father to Carrie. No matter what.”

“The girl will be delighted to have you as her Papa.” A slight sheen brightened Macie’s eyes. “And Belle... well, after speaking to her, I’d wager my last shilling she’s wild for you.”

“By thunder, I shall be the luckiest man in London if that is true,” Jon said as the chimes at the front door sounded again.

“You’re expecting someone?” Macie asked.

“Mr. Bennett is due to stop by, but not until later in the day.”

He stood to greet the unexpected visitor, but Mrs. Gilroy had already met Mrs. Johnstone at the door.

Offering brisk greetings, Mrs. Johnstone bustled in. “Good afternoon. I do hate to interrupt, but I’ve come with news ye need to hear.”

“What’s happened?” he said, searching her expression.

“Nothing’s wrong, but there has been a change in plans. I did not speak to her myself, but Ellie has informed me that Belle has decided to leave considerably earlier than we’d expected. She is already on her way to the station.

Bloody hell. “She’s leaving tonight?”

Mrs. Johnstone nodded. “She has booked passage to Southampton. The train is scheduled to depart at six o’clock.” Her features taut with concern, she retrieved an envelope from her handbag. “I do realize ye’ve only an hour to reach the station. It may not be feasible.”

He shrugged. “I shall depart on the six o’clock train as well.”

“Very good. I was hoping ye would say that.” Mrs. Johnstone’s mouth pulled into a faint smile as she handed him the envelope. “I’ve taken the liberty of purchasing yer ticket.”