CHAPTER 12
LUNA
The last few days have been a whirlwind. Between making sure the shelter was covered, supervising renovations, and planning a wedding, everything blurred together. Frank hired people to cover my shifts, insisting it was ridiculous for me to work my last two weeks, but I still made a point to see him every day.
And then there is Cole.
Leo and I have officially moved into his house. He’s encouraged me to make any changes, but I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
Cole joins me in the kitchen. “We have to interview drivers for you this week, too.” He shrugs. “Or we can wait until next week after the wedding.”
I scrunch my nose up. “Driver? I don’t need a driver. I can take the bus anywhere I need to go.”
He shakes his head and then pulls me to his lap as he sits down at the dining room table. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, do you?”
I loop my arms around his neck. “I think we’ve been through this. I want this, Cole.”
He nods. “I know, but being the wife of a Kingston means that some of the things you normally do aren’t possible anymore.”
I tense. “Like what?”
He shrugs. “Well, ride the bus for one. Luna…” He searches for the words. “The Kingstons have adversaries. And you’re a Kingston now. You can’t go places without protection.”
I know what he’s saying is true, and maybe it should scare me a little bit, but it doesn’t. “Okay, a driver. What else?”
He shrugs. “You’re always going to have a shadow. I know it sucks, but you need to be aware that you’re not safe now. There is always someone that thinks they can take what belongs to the Kingstons. But the people we hire will protect you with their lives.”
I squirm in his lap. “Are you trying to scare me, Cole?”
He shakes his head. “No, of course not, but I do want you to know the reality of it all.”
I nod. “I get it.”
The front doorbell rings. “That must be your mom.”
He sighs and leans his head against mine. “I’m ready for this wedding, Luna. I need it done.”
I’m not sure what to make of his words. I know this week has been a lot. The doorbell rings again, and Cole groans. “Paul is my mom’s driver, and he is not patient at all.”
I kiss him on the mouth briefly and then stand up. “I’ll see you back here this afternoon.”
He looks almost reluctant to let me go but nods. “Yeah, have fun, Luna.”
He kisses me again, and then I grab my purse off the counter, and we walk toward the front door.
Cole opens the door and nods at the driver. “Paul.”
He gestures to the car. “Eleanor is waiting for you, ma’am.”
I smile at him. “Thanks, Paul. See you later, Cole.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to say “I love you,” but I don’t. I walk toward the car and slide in next to Eleanor.
She’s smiling and happy. “Well, are you ready for this? I have it all lined up. We’ve had to consolidate a little to get it all in. First, we’re going to get massages. Then hair and nails. Then this afternoon, we’re going to the Wedding Boutique for a dress.”
I nod. I’m a little uncomfortable with the amount of money that has been spent already on this wedding, but Cole has begged me not to worry about it.
Eleanor pulls out a check list. “I saw that you and Cole did the cake testing. Did you love it?”
I pat my belly. “Yes, I think I gained ten pounds.”
