Peter couldn’t recall a time in the last twenty-eight years when Cape Falls had been like this. The town’s people were always talking or doing something. Usually, when he came to town, the people loved to talk behind their hands, whispering. No one was doing anything. The grim expressions communicated more than anything.
“Everyone is so quiet,” Rose said, whispering.
“Let’s hope Gabriel got through to them.”
They entered the supermarket. Rose was pushing the trolley, and Peter held her h*ps as they walked together. He was doing his best to protect her from stares or gossip. He remembered a time when Laura had been in town, and their spiteful behaviour had been directed at her. Peter made sure to always be in the same place as she was. Dean had taken his place, which he was thankful for.
Tightening his grip on Rose’s hips, they made their way to the vegetables and fruit.
No one said a word as they made their way around the shop. Everyone was in their own world.
“This is so weird.”
“It’s good though.”
They were around the canned food section when one of the local women, Cassandra Marton, stopped them. She was in her early thirties and had married young. Peter knew she’d been one of the biggest gossipers. He made to pass around her, but Cassandra put a hand on the trolley stopping them.
“If you’re going to say something hateful, I suggest you move the f**k on,” Peter said. Years of having to put up with the town’s abuse had finally gotten to him. Rose was special. She was different and pure. She shouldn’t have to put up with negative crap at all. He would fight tooth and nail for her respect in this town. His respect, he didn’t give a crap about; Rose’s respect, however, he did.
Cassandra withdrew her hand. Several other customers had stopped to watch the scene.
“I’m not going to say anything,” Cassandra said. The other woman looked down at her shoes. “I heard what happened, and I heard about you and Rose. I wanted to stop and say that you guys look lovely together.” Cassandra paused. He saw her lick her lips, and her hands shook. Peter couldn’t recall a time a woman was so nervous. “You’ve turned into a fine man, Peter Miller.”
He was shocked when she held out her hand to shake. Peter stared at her hand wondering what the hell was going on.
“Is this some kind of trick?” he asked. He wouldn’t put it past them. The more he thought about the crap he’d put up with, the more it made him wonder why he’d not left Cape Falls.
“No trick at all. I’m disgusted with myself that it has taken this incident to make me open my eyes. The sheriff’s speech hit me hard. Things around here need to change. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. I can’t assure this is for everyone. This is for me. I’m showing you my friendship and support.” Cassandra’s eyes were bright with tears. “You will not get any trouble from me or my family. You’re welcome, and so is the club, Control. I’ve removed my name from all the petitions. It will be nice to see some change around here.”
Peter’s heart pounded. He stared at her hand, which was shaking. This is what he’d been wanting for a long time. Slowly, he took her hand in his and shook it.
There were a few murmurs around the market.
“I look forward to seeing more of you two.” Cassandra smiled and stepped around them. Rose glanced up at him.
“It’s a start,” he said.
They finished their shopping. A couple of the locals who’d stopped talking to him started to speak to him.
Safely in the space of his car, he drove out to Control. He typed in his security code, and they were allowed inside.
“What you’re about to see is completely private. You don’t talk about this place with anyone else,” Peter said, pulling up into the first available parking space.
“I’ve got no friends. Can I still tell you?” she asked, teasing.
Shaking his head, Peter went around to her side and helped her out.
Opening the door, he heard the commotion in the main bar room. Daisy was standing with one of the babies on her hip. William’s two boys were playing with a train set on the floor. This was not the BDSM part of the club, and William loved to have his children around him most of the time.
“Baby, it’s good news,” Daisy said.
“No, something is happening. This is not like the town at all. I’ve had three deliveries this morning, all without a hitch. Something is going on,” William said.
“What’s going on?” Peter asked, coming forward with Rose in his arms.
Daisy turned to them and smiled. “Peter, maybe you could talk some sense into him. He’s being difficult. And who is this lovely young woman?” Daisy asked.
Bringing Rose forward he introduced her to Daisy.
“Is she special to you?” Daisy asked, looking from Rose to him. There was a hesitant smile on her lips.
“She’s the woman I love.”
Daisy cried out, giggling. “Yes, I knew it.”
Before Peter knew it, Daisy had taken his woman and was introducing her to the children. Walking toward William, he waited for the other man to talk. “What’s going on?”
William turned to look at him. “The petition on my club has been withdrawn, and I’ve received three of my deliveries. I’ve also been sent some compensation for my troubles opening up the club. I don’t trust it.”
Peter smiled. “The town is changing.”
“No, a town doesn’t change this fast.” William was shaking his head.
Shrugging his shoulder, Peter glanced behind him. Rose had the other twin daughter on her lap. He watched for a few seconds as she played with the little boy.
“Cape Falls has never known an attack like this. Or if it has, the sheriff has never done what Gabriel did yesterday. You’ve got to trust it,” Peter said.
If the town was reaching out then they all needed to let down their guard and trust it.
“What are you trying to say? Trust them?”
“Not trust them but give them the benefit of the doubt.”
****
“Peter looks happy. I’ve never seen him so happy, not even when he was with Laura,” Daisy said.
Rose looked up at the red-haired woman. Daisy was so pretty, and the happiness glowed out of her. “Peter’s special. I love him with my whole heart,” Rose said.
“From the way he keeps watching you I’d say he loves you with his as well.”
Glancing up and toward Peter Rose saw that his gaze was on her. He didn’t turn away from her either. Her arms were wrapped around the baby on her lap.