Galen took her hand in his and stared hard at her. “I can’t let anything happen to you, Natalie. It is obvious that Alison is crazy.”
Crazy just meant they didn’t know why, but she kept her mouth closed. With a nod, she kissed his cheek. Galen was a great man or she wouldn’t marry him anyhow. She lowered her gaze. “I don’t want to be kidnapped or anything, but I’m more than willing to publicly plan my wedding to draw out anyone who might harm me or you, Galen.”
Rafe stood and took his tablet from the table. “Your fiancée is a brave woman. I’ll leave you two alone but keep me informed of all plans. Everyone at the ceremony will need to be cleared.”
They walked Rafe to the door and said goodbye.
Once they were alone, Galen ran his hand up and down her back. “Natalie, are you sure you want to marry me now?”
Sympathy rushed through her—this had more to do with last night and their conversation than a security risk. She hugged him and spoke from her heart. “Yes, you were honest. I was honest and I love you.”
Galen didn’t pull away though he said, “I can’t turn into my father.”
From all accounts his father was awful. She brushed the rough hairs of his morning scruff along his jaw. “I don’t believe you ever will, Galen Morgan. You have a good heart even if you don’t see it.”
He kissed her forehead. “And I can’t let you get in any danger.”
There was the sexy protective streak of her man that made her feel as if she could take on the world. Her stomach growled though so she took his hand and hoped they could find some breakfast. “I’m counting on that.”
He held her hand as they walked toward the patio where he usually dined. “What type of ring do you want?”
Getting used to staff would be strange. Until now she’d have gone into the kitchen to scrounge up something small, but here she was constantly served. “Something you picked out on your own will be fine.”
He nodded and held her seat for her without questioning it. He checked his phone. “Caro is on her way over to talk to you about wedding dresses and outfits—and Mom has the names of caterers.”
“Your family moves fast.” A full hot breakfast with eggs and toast was brought out to her.
Right now she felt like a princess as she placed a napkin on her lap. She’d have to make friends with his staff if she intended to live here forever.
His phone dinged again. He picked up a fork to eat and read the text message. “My mother wants to know if you have any food preferences.”
Her breakfast. She nibbled the toast but then joked, “Part of me wants to see your family eat hot dogs and hamburgers.”
His face grew serious. “We can do a backyard grill a different time.”
A bigger laugh came out of her now that started in her belly and worked its way through her. Finally she said, “So that’s my first no.”
A grin emerged on his face as he realized she was teasing. “Natalie, don’t change on me.”
Good.He understood. She took a bite of egg and swallowed the heavenly taste in her mouth. “Likewise. I need you to relax and be yourself with me, Galen. We’ll survive whatever happens together much easier than we’ll survive on our own.”
Both of them ate with renewed gusto. Last night they’d worked up this appetite, and now that she was planning a wedding for tomorrow, she needed more energy than ever before. Hopefully this would stop whatever his ex intended and launch her and Galen into happily-ever-after. The biggest obstacle was for him to realize what love truly was and accept the emotion. Time was her best friend on that one.
Galen let Caro and his sister Victoria in and they immediately flew upstairs with workers after workers, who’d passed security outside, and then brought their samples up to the bridal station.
Galen sat in his living room and waited. And worried about what happened either today, any minute, or tomorrow. Would Alison be caught in time so no one was in danger? Or would she give up and just go away?
His mother texted that she was coming over, but the door was constantly being used by workers for this wedding tomorrow.
His mind kept going back to Natalie and how easily she’d said she loved him.
Perhaps it was easier for Galen when she hadn’t said it, but now there was no way to forget her sweet words or attitude.
She was nothing like his mother, except that she believed wholeheartedly in her feelings for him. He pressed his coffee cup to his forehead and tried to concentrate onanythingelse.
It didn’t help though.
He was going to marry her. He couldn’t lose her, but he was lost on what to do about her simple belief in love.
