“Why?”
“Because I wanted to. Do not question my reasons when it comes to you, Prudence.”
She sighed rubbing her temples.
“It is already hard for me to be with you. I know you’re rich, but you buying houses for me is hard to deal with.”
“Don’t, Prudence. This was for you. The money doesn’t bother me. I want you, baby. Not a bank balance. You complete me.”
Prue smiled, being won over by his kind words. “You always know what to say.”
“Have fun with your sister, and I’ll see you later.”
“What if your friends don’t like me?” she asked, knowing her own friends didn’t like him.
“Then I get you all to myself.”
She laughed. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Miss you already. Send me a text to let me know you got there safely.”
“I will.”
Flicking her phone shut, Prue walked out of her door and began the long walk to her sister’s house.
She knew Veronica would be in. Her daughter was in school while her son was too young. Knocking on the door she waited for her sister to answer. Veronica had Thomas on her hip as she answered the door.
“Prue. Look, Thomas, your Aunty has finally decided to pay us a visit.”
Prue chuckled, taking the bouncing baby out of her sister’s arms. “Wow, he weighs a ton.”
“He’s growing into a strapping lad like his father. Come in. I’ve got the kettle on. It is freezing outside, and I bet you could murder a coffee.”
“I’ll take a tea if I can.”
“No problem. I couldn’t stomach coffee when I got pregnant.”
Prue followed her sister down to her kitchen. Thomas stayed on her lap for some time; but boredom got to him, and he was fighting to get down.
Veronica put him in his high chair as she made a drink.
“How have you been?” Prue asked.
“Fine. I had Mom and Dad ‘round the other week. They wanted to know how you were doing. I told them you’re doing fine.”
She nodded her head, accepting the cup from her sister. “I’m doing great, more than great.”
“I recognise that cross. Where did you get it?” Veronica asked, taking the seat beside her and pulling Thomas back into her lap.
Guilt assailed Prue. What should she say?
“Do you love James?” Prue asked her sister. She saw Veronica pause with baby Thomas on her lap. Prue knew if the answer was yes then her world was going to be turned upside down. She was in love with James and had been since the first moment she met him. There was no one like him. The way he took her and made her feel so much was addictive. Prue knew her life was with him.
“I’ve been wondering that myself. He was different from what I was used to. There is something about the way he can command a room by his presence alone.” Veronica smiled. “No, I never loved James. I thought I did. He was just a bit of excitement before I met Daniel.”
Prue took a deep breath and closed her eyes hoping her sister wouldn’t hate her. “I’m in love with James.” She’d been practising the words for several weeks, and in the end she’d blurted them out. Prue whacked her hand against her forehead.
She took a peek at her sister seeing what her reaction was. Veronica was smiling at her son on her lap.
“Say something,” Prue said.
“What do you want me to say, Prue? I knew you were in love with him five years ago. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He loves you as well.”
Prue shook her head. They hadn’t talked about love. “How do you know he loves me?”
“I’m guessing that cross is his.”
She fingered the silver cross around her neck. “Yes, he’s told me to always wear it.”
“He wouldn’t give anyone his necklace, Prue. He loves it, and that is his stamp of ownership.”
“You know about his connections,” Prue said, keeping as much to herself as possible.
“I know enough about him, Prue. Do you know enough?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then all I ask is that you be careful. James is a good man, but there has been a lot of danger around him lately. Please, take care of yourself.”
Prue nodded her head. “You’re not angry with me?”
“Never. You’re in love, and I can appreciate that. I know we have no control over who we love.”
“I love you, Veronica.” Prue hugged her sister as Thomas glared at her. She chuckled at her nephew.
For the rest of her visit Veronica showed her pictures of trips away. Prue hugged Thomas and enjoyed every second she spent with her sister.
On the way out, Veronica reminded her she’d need to take James to meet their parents.
Prue groaned.
“I’ll warn them, but they’re going to have a talk with you.”
She nodded her head. “I better go and get ready. James is taking me out tonight. Love you, sis, and see you soon.”
****
James glanced down at the ring he’d bought. He knew he’d gone overboard. They’d been together for three days, and he now owned a wedding ring. Closing the box he placed the ring on the desk in front of him. He knew she was the one. There was no need to fight his feelings. She was what he wanted more than life itself.
The times they were apart were hard to get through. Even now he was itching to call her and to see how she was getting on with her sister.
Give her time. You’ll have her for the rest of your life.
There was a knock at his door.
“Come in,” he said.
Veronica walked in, rolling a pushchair as she approached. She looked like she’d been running.
“I never expected to see you here,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think it was important.
“What could be so important?” James asked.
“Prue came to see me. You’re in love with her.”
He didn’t say anything. James waited for her to finish talking.
“You’re not arguing with me?”
“I have nothing to say. My feelings for Prudence do not affect you. She is my world and if you’ve hurt her—” She held her hand up stopping him.
“I’ve given her my blessing. I know you were never in love with me, James. I didn’t love you either. She is more than happy with you, and I can’t argue with love.”
“Why are you here?” he asked.
“I know you’re not safe. That story coming out last year was evidence of that, James. I love my sister. Please, don’t do anything to hurt her.”