Page 63 of Without Pride and Prejudice

“Thank you.”

As soon as Dr. Taylor walked out of the room, I caressed Monroe’s hand that I’d held tightly for the past several hours. “Monroe,” I whispered gently. “I wish I knew the right words to say to make you feel safe. You should see all the text and voicemessages I’ve received from people who care about you. You are so loved. Your dad is on his way here. Your grams says to tell you that you are indeed her favorite grandchild.” I smiled. “Of course, Anna and Kingston send their love. Several people from the park have sent flowers with the kindest of notes saying how you’ve touched their lives, even though they’ve only known you for a short time. That’s a gift, Monroe. You are a gift, the best gift I’ve ever received. I’m sorry I ever made you question that. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Monroe didn’t stir.

Defeated, I raised her hand and pressed my lips to her smooth skin, soaking her in. Silently, I berated myself. Why hadn’t I let myself love her completely when I had the chance? I knew why, and I hated myself for it. Yes, I’d been trying to protect her. But ... I was the product of my parents. From the time I could walk and talk, they trained me to be cognizant of appearances. Anything less than perfection was unacceptable. But what is perfection in a world that is constantly changing its definition of acceptable behavior and beliefs? Kingston was right. Why should I give a damn what anyone thinks? Who are they to me? I know who Monroe is to me. She is my everything.

“Monroe, it’s not you who needs to change. It’s me,” I admitted out loud.

“Knock, knock,” the last voice I wanted to hear interrupted my musings.

I whipped my head around to see Tony waltz in. He wore his regimental costume, minus the jacket. I doubted Agatha knew he’d escaped that asylum. “Who let you in here? Visiting hours are over.”

“I have a way with the ladies,” he bragged.

I would be finding out which ladies, and I would have their jobs for this. “Get the hell out of here,” I whispered harshly,hoping Monroe didn’t feel the tension in the room. More than anything, I wanted her to feel safe.

Tony’s smug grin disappeared when he laid eyes on Monroe, covered with tubes and wires. “Is she all right? Why isn’t she awake?”

“That’s the question of the day.” I turned away from him.

He didn’t get the hint and bravely came to stand next to me. “She hasn’t woken up at all?”

“No. Now, leave. This room is to remain a safe environment, and believe me when I say you are not safe here.”

“You don’t intimidate me,” Tony spat.

“Perhaps this will,” I scoffed. “I know you are an employee at the park and not a guest. How did you get them to cover that up for you?”

The prick refused to say. I would be having words with the park’s board of directors over this.

“I also know you didn’t lose your job because of Monroe. You were embezzling funds from your family business. I wouldn’t expect any holiday invites from family this year.” I couldn’t resist needling him.

He cleared his throat, and from the corner of my eye, I could see him stretching his neck.

“Bit uncomfortable now, are we?”

“It’s none of your damn business,” Tony spluttered.

“You made it my business when you showed up for Monroe’s and my holiday.”

“One I paid for,” he grumbled.

“Ah ... so this is about money,” I surmised.

“You owe me.”

“You’re wrong on that account, but regardless, you could have called me or sent me a bill. Why come here?” I demanded to know.

“For Monroe,” he stammered.

“We both know that’s a lie. Try again before I call security.” I turned toward him, happy to see his face drained of any color and beads of sweat on his forehead. When he didn’t answer, I deduced why. “Are we in some trouble with the law in the States?”

“I just need some cash,” he mumbled.

“You won’t be getting any from me.”

“You rich bastard,” he spewed.

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