Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Millionaire's Bride : Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

IanThey ate breakfast slowly, savoring the ease of each other’s company. How long had it been since he’d stopped and enjoyed anything he was doing? Now, everything he did with Sara by his side was exciting.“What’s on the agenda today, boss?” Ian asked.Sara brushed her long brown hair behind her shoulder and pointed toward the living room. “I thought I’d put the second coat on the living room walls. What about you?”“I think I can finish up the kitchen cabinets today, and then I plan to install a security system.”Sara’s eyebrows rose. “You think we need that?”Ian leaned his elbows on the table. “I think I’m not taking any chances when it comes to you. I didn’t know the risks before. Now that I do, I’d sleep better at night if you had a security system.”Sara shrugged and picked up her plate as she stood. “Suit yourself. I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Plus, a security system feels like an extension of your never-ending protection.” She gifted him that smile that brought hi

Ian had thrown together a bag of clothes and necessities before they left his house, locking it up tight since he wasn’t sure when he’d be back.Mr. Garrison’s house only had one bathroom, but thankfully, Ian had quickly remodeled the parts needing attention first. The new flooring was crisp and clean, he’d replaced the shower head, and he’d even installed a new toilet.Sara showered first, while Ian put some of his things away in his new bedroom.When she was young, knowing Ian was close-by had instilled calmness in her. Now, she felt safe, but her emotions and senses were hyperaware of the handsome man in the next room.My fiancé, she thought. He’s my fiancé. He wants to marry me.It still seemed surreal. Sara hadn’t ever dated anyone seriously enough to matter. She’d gone on dates with a few boys in college, but there hadn’t been hope for a future. How could she have told them she’d be living her life looking over her shoulder? Who would be willing to marry her and start a family k

IanThe next few weeks passed in a blur of exhaustion. They were both eager to finish renovating the house and move on to the next chapter of their lives together. The sooner they tidied up Mr. Garrison’s old house, the sooner he’d be kissing his bride and riding off into the sunset with her.As excited as he was to be starting a lifelong relationship with Sara, the things they still had left to do weighed on them both. He needed to get his house on the market, and that might take a while. Not to mention, he still hadn’t told any of his friends or family about his plans to leave with Sara.A few of those conversations would be tough. His parents hadn’t ever tried to strap him down, and they would understand why he had to go once he told them about Sara. Leaving his nieces and nephews would be hard, and his other friends had kids too. He wouldn’t be here when Jake and Natalie’s baby was born.All those kids would grow up and forget him. He wouldn’t be a regular part of their lives the

Sara jumped from her seat at the kitchen table when she heard gravel crunching beneath tires. Hanging over the sink, she spotted a black Tahoe parking beside her car. It was Brian. She dumped the meager sandwich she’d been eating into the trash as she ran to the door.Brian was stepping out of the truck. The sun was setting, but there was still ample light spilling into the clearing around the house. What if it wasn’t Brian? He was much bigger than she remembered him being in high school, but she shoved the doubt to the side when she saw his face. She’d know that smile anywhere.He bounded to the door to meet her. “Hey, Lizzy!” His excitement was short-lived as he remembered her name change. “Sorry, old habits.” He turned to scan the area as he stepped to the door she held open for him.“Don’t worry about it. Get in here. Nobody followed you?”“Nope. I’ve got stealth like a cheetah.”Sara chuckled. “I’ve missed you. It’s good to see you haven’t changed.”“That’s me. Old reliable.” Bri

Sara listened to Brian playing the guitar as he neared the end of another song. With her head resting back on the couch and her eyes closed, she had almost calmed herself enough to forget about the threat she still faced. Brian stilled the strings. “Another?” “Sure. Keep playing as long as you want. I love your songs.” She’d picked up her Bible once tonight, but her mind was racing too fast to concentrate on the words. Instead, she found she could pray silently while Brian sang. In the quiet stretch of space before Brian began the next song, she heard footsteps. The faint rustle came from the front of the house. Raising her head and turning toward the door in the kitchen, she whispered, “Is that Ian?” Brian had stilled, and he was watching the door too. “I don’t think so,” he whispered back. “He’d be more deliberate.” Sara turned to Brian, hoping he could communicate with her quietly enough to form a quick plan. Brian raised a finger to his lips and rested the guitar on the floo