Her father nodded. “I’m told your house is safer than Fort Knox.”
Galen turned toward her father and again acted like they were working together. “My family has more than a few enemies. My father alone caused more trouble than any man should in life, so we take security extremely seriously.”
Her dad said, “Your father is why I hesitate with giving my full blessing on your wedding, son.”
Natalie’s breath caught in her throat. Galen’s father had never met her, as he was dead, but from what she heard and read, he was horrible. Galen certainly acted like he wanted nothing to do with him and at work once confided when they found their sister alive, that his father was the devil himself.
Galen sat straight and stiff in his chair. “I’m nothing like him. Neither are my brothers.”
Oh goodness. She needed to move. Now. She heard her heartbeat, but finally broke her silence. “Dad, Galen is a stand-up guy who says what he means and goes after what he wants. He reminds me of you a little.”
Her father pulled his attention from Galen to her, shaking his head. “Natalie.”
No. She hopped off the thin hospital bed and stood near her father, taking Galen’s hand. “It’s true, Dad. And I love Galen. I want you to be happy for us.”
Galen kept his lips pressed together, his expression anguished as he waited for her dad’s reaction.
“I see.” Dad didn’t let her down, rising to hug her. “Then I’m happy, if my girl is happy.”
“Good,” her mom said. “All I want is Natalie’s happiness too.”
The door unlocked, and Galen and her father crossed the room to talk quietly with the security guard. Natalie heard Galen ask, “Any news?”
Her mother whispered, “He’s very handsome, sweetie.”
She went and sat next to her mom again, careful not to jostle her frail body. “I know, Mom. And that’s only part of his charm.” They shared a smile.
Galen and her dad returned and Galen said, “Maria Hernandez tried to get into the hospital, and the police now have her in custody.” Her heart beat faster. Was this over? They’d all be safe.
Galen’s light touch on her back calmed her. “We should get back to my house for the time being so security and the doctors can do their jobs here.”
Her father spoke to Galen like he expected a sacred sacrifice. “Promise me you’ll keep my daughter safe.”
Natalie wasn’t weak. She never had been. All her life she saw how her mother and father were equals who worked together, and one day, she’d like the same in her marriage. She lifted her chin. “Dad, I’m fine on my own.” She’d gotten her apartment right out of college and paid her bills, even contributing to the medical expenses for her mom.
Galen rubbed her back, as he told her father, “I’ll protect her with my own life if I must.”
Seriously? She held her tongue, because she wasn’t sure where to start. She’d always watched out for herself.
Her father shook Galen’s hand and then hugged her tight. “Then Natalie, you better get going with Galen. We’ll see you both tomorrow, when all the excitement here is over.”
“I love you, Mom and Dad.” She kissed them goodbye.
She and Galen went down the hall with security flagging them. At the elevator, Galen pressed the button and said, “Hopefully when we get home, we’ll have answers.”
Right. She touched her necklace. “I hate leaving my parents like this.”
The doors opened, and they went inside with two guards. “They are safe and your mom is getting the care she needs. If you want, we can talk about a private nurse.”
They went down in silence. She slipped her hand in his as the doors opened, and they went toward the front door. Police sirens and officers were everywhere. Security followed them.
Natalie’s skin prickled but she pressed her hand on Galen’s shoulder. “Galen, I love you. It’s why I want to marry you.”
He kissed her forehead, his demeanor alert. “Come on. I’ll feel better once we are home.”
Fair enough. The hospital was full of people. The police were watching the ER and ambulances. Cars were being stopped and checked. Perhaps now wasn’t the best time to bring up emotions, so she shrugged. “Okay, we’ll talk more then.”
“Yes, Natalie, we will.”
