“And you don’t believe him?”
“I do believe him.That’s the trouble.”
“You don’t love him in return?”
“If only that were the case, it would be easy.”She looked into Benson’s eyes.“I can’t give him children.You’ve seen him with Maggie.He needs to be a father, and if I take that from him, he’ll resent me for it one day.”
“He already is a father.Maggie may technically be his sister, but he’s every bit a father to her.”
“But what about children of his own, of his blood?”
Benson shrugged.“That’s never guaranteed, no matter who he marries.Besides, he’s never shown a lot of interest in any of that.Have you asked him about it?”
She nodded.“He says it doesn’t matter.”
“Do you not trust him to know his own mind?”
“But what if hechangeshis mind?”
“He may be young in years, but he has the wherewithal and the wisdom of someone twice his age.And if I may say so without being impertinent, it’s obvious he cares for you, deeply.As does our young Maggie.”
“A woman on the train platform said we’re a beautiful family.”Tears filled her eyes.“But what if I’m not deserving of them?”
Benson placed his dishes on the table and moved closer so he could take her hand.“You’re not the one who makes that decision.They are.And they very clearly think you are deserving.”He squeezed her hand.“For what it’s worth, I care about you too.I’ll be overjoyed if you decide to stay.”
And with that phrase, suddenly, her choice was clear.Not only would leaving break her heart, but it would break theirs too, because they did love her.
ChapterTwenty
Trent’s breath was labored as he swung his leg over the saddle and jumped down to the ground.He’d needed to move some air through his lungs, so he’d given the horse its head on the way back from checking in with Mrs.Elmhurst, and he had not disappointed.Probably needed a good run, too.He rubbed his muzzle affectionately before handing the reins to a groom.
Brennan had gotten back just before him and groaned as he sat down in the shade on the side of the stables.
“You too, huh?”Trent asked as he joined him.“I’m surprised Ash didn’t take you with him this morning.”
Brennan shook his head.“Not yet.”
“Any idea when he’s planning for you to go back?”
“Are you trying to get rid of me now?”
“God no.If it were up to me, you’d stay.”
“I’d be half tempted to.The air is clean up here, and it smells good.And you’re not so bad, either.But my family is in London, and I need to get back to them.”
“Are you married?”
Brennan chuckled.“No woman of sound mind would marry me.But I have four younger sisters and my mother.Ash promised they’d be safe while I was away.”
Trent whistled.“Four?You must be one of the saints Allister was talking about.”
Brennan scoffed.“Have you bumped your head?There’s not a single saintly thing about me.”
“Well, I’m sure they’ll be glad to have you back.But I will miss you.You’ve made my life so much easier.”
“It doesn’t need to be any harder when I leave.If you need more help, hire it.”
“I will.”He groaned again as he got to his feet.“I need to go in and get cleaned up so I’m presentable for dinner.I’ve dallied too long and I’m going to be late if I don’t hurry.”
