Vinia looked at Ezra. "How do you know him?"
"I've been to their kingdom many times. We do a lot of trade with the Sacred Gardens."
Colton pointed to the front door. "Out. I want you out of here. Get off our ranch."
"No!" Sarah slammed her palms on the table. "Listen to me, dammit. I didn't go searching for Luke. I didn't even know he existed until our souls found each other completely by accident. He is my mate, and if he leaves, so do I. This family has been through a lot in the name of mates, and I expect the same courtesy that each of you have received." She looked at Vinia. "And you, of all people, should understand blaming the wrong person."
"What my father did was wrong," Luke said. "I don't remember the day it happened, but I've heard stories. Your husband, and father, was wrongfully accused. I have often questioned that, especially in the last year or so. My father was a proud, stubborn man, who didn't like dealing with the grey areas of life. But he's gone now, and I intend to make the whole situation right."
"Why did you send me that message stating that we were just having guilty consciences about the very thing we were accused of stealing?"
"I didn't." Luke's voice went quieter. "But you all should know that my father was poisoned. My sister is attempting to figure out how, but she thinks that her husband may have been poisoned also. And my grandmother believes that my mother was. I came here now to warn Sarah," he laid his hand on her belly, "and subsequently my daughter, and all of you to be careful. I don't know who answered your message. My father was already dead, and I never saw it."
"I'll give you the idol to take back with you," Vinia informed him. "We have no need for it, and we want it back where it rightfully belongs."
Joey stood up. "My family was involved in the theft of the idol, but I never had any knowledge of it. Is it possible that somehow the theft and the poisonings are connected?"
"You're the see'er," Luke replied. "Until last night, I had never heard of such a person."
"I can see your dragon." Joey let out a nervous giggle. "It's weird sitting in this room right now because there are only a couple of us who don't have two images in my head."
A low laughter rumbled across the room. Luke directed himself at Vinia. "I want Sarah to come back with me to the Sacred Gardens. And I want to invite all of you back. You are welcome in your home for a visit or a lifetime. I'll be sure to put out the royal proclamation that completely exonerates your husband and your family."
Vinia looked at her daughter. "Are you going back with him?"
Sarah's heart cracked at the deep sadness she read in her mother's eyes. "I don't know, Mama. I want to, but I don't want to leave all of you."
Drake caught her attention. "Why don't you go visit before you make up your mind? You don't have to make it a permanent thing straight out of the box."
She could read the fear in his eyes that she was going to leave. She and Drake had always had each other, and she couldn't bear leaving him. "That sounds like a perfect plan."
"I wouldn't mind seeing the gardens," Joey added. "I haven't started the rodeo here yet, so I have some free time to visit."
"So do I," piped in Danielle. Ellie also nodded.
Vinia sat back down. "Then it sounds like a family vacation is in order. But who's going to stay behind and tend to the ranch?"
Ezra raised his hand. "We're here anyhow. We'd be happy to care for everything while you're gone."
"Thank you for that," Vinia responded. She glanced at Luke. "I'll let you know what I decide."
Sarah went around and gave her mother a hug before she addressed the table. "Now you can see why I kept Luke a secret. I'm sad that his father had to pass away before this could all come to light."
"It's for the best, Sarah," Luke corrected. "My father never would have changed his decision back then." He glanced at the others. "My father was a very difficult man. I will miss him, but the truth doesn't change."
Sarah watched as his words absorbed into her family. She could almost feel an ease in the tension as everyone went back to their plates. She snuck a glance at Colton, who surprisingly winked at her. As she retook her own seat, Luke leaned over and kissed her cheek.
The rest of breakfast went well, and Sarah couldn't help but shake her head at the fact that half the room was royalty, with two kings, and that almost all of them were dragons. When they were done eating, Vinia shooed them out. "Go. Show him your home."
They took a leisurely stroll through the barns, with Luke stopping to address each horse. "Beautiful animals."
"Do you want to ride one? We can go on a trail ride."
He caressed her belly. "I don't want you on a horse."
She threw her head back and laughed. "You're sweet, but you realize I'm still a dragon, right? I'm a little tougher than just an ordinary woman."
He pulled her close. "You are anything but ordinary."
