“Do you really think I’d do that to her?”
“I find myself quite protective of her.”
“You’d better be.She’s already had more suffering than a person should have to endure in a lifetime.”
Trent nodded.“I’ll do my best to make sure the rest of it is as happy as it can be.”
Ash settled onto the sofa.“So tell me about this proposal of hers.”
* * *
Daisy had already hugged her three times by the time they settled onto the sofa with cups of tea.
“It’s strange being back here.It’s as if my mind doesn’t know how to feel.I was so afraid before.I almost feel it tugging at me again, even though there’s nothing to fear.”
Daisy placed her dishes on the table.“I haven’t been through what you have, but I understand what you mean.It took me a long time to be able to see a bathtub full of water and not panic.Even though logically, I knew I wouldn’t be forced into it, and if I did get in, it would be warm and comforting.”
“I will be forever grateful to you for getting me out of there.”
She waved it away.“I did nothing.I don’t even remember asking them to get you out.You, on the other hand, were so kind to me while I was there.But let’s not talk of those dark times.You are going to be married!”
“I am.”Her heart swelled thinking of Trent.“He’s such a good man.”
Daisy nodded.“He is.And there’s nothing better than being married to someone who loves you.There’s no doubt of that.You should have seen the look on his face as I led you away.”Daisy giggled.
Michael walked into the room, a smile on his face.“I heard you were here.”
She deposited her dishes on the table and hurried over to him.He held an arm out to his side, just as the men here always did, and she tucked herself against him.
“If you try hard enough, you might be able to get him to give you a real hug.I eventually got Ash to come around.”
Samantha looked up at him, then wrapped her arms around his chest.He chuckled and wrapped her in a tight embrace.“I’d heard you were doing well, but nothing could have prepared me for this.”
“Everyone keeps saying that, but it feels silly.”Although she knew they were right.Especially after coming back here.
“It’s not silly.”He stepped back and placed comforting hands on her shoulders.“You look happy.”
“I am happy.”
When Michael moved to the side, her brother was standing in the doorway.“Simon!”She threw herself into his arms.He’d always been there for her.
He held her tightly and rocked her from side to side.“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you.I was dealing with something.”
“You don’t always have to drop everything for me, Simon.”
“Of course I do.You’re my sister.And if I hadn’t been sure you’d already be in good, safe company, I would have been here.”
“Well, I need to get back,” Michael said.“If I don’t see you again before, I will see you at your wedding.”
She nodded.“Thank you.”
Daisy got up from the sofa.“Would you like me to pour you a cup?”
Simon shook his head.“No, thank you.I can manage it if I want one.”
She came over and bussed Samantha’s cheek.“I’ll see you tomorrow.Ella wants to make sure your gown is perfect.”
“My gown?”
