Page 38 of The Rented Bride

Cassie started. “Me?”

“Yes ma’am.”

God help her.

Trent faced her and looked meaningfully at the hand that held the ring. Damn him, he knew she couldn’t refuse. Cassie started forward and slipped the ring on when she fell in behind Doris as they left. Cassie followed her through the labyrinth of hallways then stairs with Trent close behind. Why was she rushing to James’ side? He wasn’t her grandfather, and the sooner she ended this charade the sooner she could get back to Miami, back to her normal, uncomplicated, debt-filled life.

The door stood ajar. Doris pushed it open and Cassie hurried inside.

She slowed as she approached the bed. Dark circles ringed James’ eyes and his lips and cheeks had lost their color. He blended in with the pale linen pillowcase.

“Cassie, my sweet girl. Did you tell my grandson of our plans?”

Plans? What was he talking about? Go with it, girl, she told herself.

Cassie smiled as she halted. “I haven’t had the chance. Trent has been busy making plans of his own.”

Trent approached and rested his hand on her shoulder. “Tell me about these plans.”

“Scotland is beautiful this time of year,” James said. “The perfect place for a honeymoon.”

Her heart lurched. She hadn’t given a second thought to his suggestion that she and Trent honeymoon in Scotland.

“Scotland is cold and windy this time of year,” Trent said gently.

The old man’s eyes twinkled. “Exactly. Perfect for staying in and—”

“Granddad,” Trent admonished. “Cassie and I are too busy for a honeymoon.”

James patted Cassie’s hand. “I suppose I’ll have to be content with the wedding, then.”

“Perhaps you should rest,” she said. “The wedding can wait until you’re feeling better.”

“Promise?” His eyes slid closed for a moment. When he opened them, his gaze met hers. There was such sadness, yet something more.

Cassie didn’t have the heart to say anything except, “I promise.”

Trent gently squeezed her shoulder. “Get some rest, Grandfather.”

He nodded. “In the morning, will you have breakfast with me, Cassie?”

She smiled and nodded. Since her flight didn’t leave until late afternoon, she could spend one last night in Brettonwood.

She turned and Trent’s hand heated her flesh where it rested on her lower back as he escorted her from the room. In the hall, he pulled the door shut, then cupped her elbow and hurried her to the steps, where he stopped.

“Thank you,” he said.

“I’m not going to marry you.”

He chuckled. “You can’t say no to him any more than I can.”

She glanced down the hall at the door. Trent was right. She simply hadn’t been able to break his heart. He looked so frail. How long could he last?

Cassie swallowed. “Even if I did agree, I’m sorry, but you have to know that there’s a chance he won’t be here long enough to see us married. A wedding takes weeks to plan.”

“Anyone that means anything to me or my grandfather was here tonight. We can have a small service tomorrow.”

“You call three hundred people a small service?” she asked.