Page 105 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
Finn reached for Macie’s hand as she sat up straighter on the loveseat. “Is something wrong?” she said.
“No. Nothing is wrong,” Jon said. “I’m quite sure Carrie is very happy. But I feel... I feel your dolt of a brother has made another blunder.”
“A blunder?” Macie repeated thoughtfully, even as he spotted what looked like understanding in her eyes.
“There was a time, not very long ago, when I did not have the slightest notion of how to be a father to the girl. But now, I see—”
“You see the truth, don’t you?” Macie said, her voice quiet, yet direct. “You’ve been a fine brother to me. And you will be an even better father.”
His sister’s words caught him by surprise. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
Macie’s gentle smile warmed his heart. “Could you ever doubt it?”
“That means the world to me,” he replied truthfully, then strategically cleared his throat. “I know Carrie has a wonderful life with the two of you... she is loved and content. I would never do anything to interfere with her happiness.”
“The young lassishappy,” Finn said. “With one exception.”
Macie met his eyes. “Jon, she misses you terribly.”
“There’s no denying it,” Finn agreed. “The child has a bond with ye... and Belle... that should not be broken.”
“Quite so,” Macie agreed. “Are you aware that Belle spoke to me about spending time with Carrie when she’s in the city?”
“She did mention something of the sort,” Jon said. “She’s developed a true fondness for Carrie.”
“Such a true fondness that she’s decided to become a frequent visitor to London,” Macie pointed out. “She misses her time with the girl. That much is abundantly clear.”
“Bloody hell, I miss the little moppet, too.” Jon glanced at the framed photograph his sister had given him. She’d captured an image of Carrie clutching her atrocious-yet-beloved ragdoll. The child’s eyes were wide with wonder as she’d looked into the camera’s lens. “If anyone had ever told me I’d miss the sight of ugly dolls and blasted mudpies, I’d have thought them quite mad.”
Finn’s forehead creased. “Mudpies?”
“I’ll explain later,” Macie said with a little chuckle.
“The house is so blasted quiet now. It seems empty without her little songs and laughter.” Jon raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t know an eloquent way to say what’s on my mind, so I’ll just speak the truth. I would like another chance to be a father... to Carrie.”
“You’re sure of this?” Finn said, even as Macie’s smile lit her face.
“I’ve given this a great deal of thought, and I have no doubt,” he said. “Belle loves Carrie, just as I do.” He considered his next words carefully. “If Belle and I are to start our life together, I want Carrie to be a part of it.”
“The two of you will be so good together... you’ll be marvelous parents.” Macie clapped her hands together in excitement, even as her husband seemed to give Jon’s words more consideration. “Finn and I adore Carrie, but I know she will be so very happy with you... as her father.”
Finn lowered his gaze, seeming to study the patterns on the rug beneath his feet. When he looked up, the set of his jaw betrayed his train of thought. “It might be best to keep thisnotion from the girl until everything is settled between you and Belle.”
“I’ve hurt Belle. I know that better than anyone.” Jon met the concern in his friend’s eyes. “There’s no guarantee that she will forgive me... that she will accept my proposal. But I know this—I want to be a father to Carrie. No matter what.”
“The girl will be delighted to have you as her Papa.” A slight sheen brightened Macie’s eyes. “And Belle... well, after speaking to her, I’d wager my last shilling she’s wild for you.”
“By thunder, I shall be the luckiest man in London if that is true,” Jon said as the chimes at the front door sounded again.
“You’re expecting someone?” Macie asked.
“Mr. Bennett is due to stop by, but not until later in the day.”
He stood to greet the unexpected visitor, but Mrs. Gilroy had already met Mrs. Johnstone at the door.
Offering brisk greetings, Mrs. Johnstone bustled in. “Good afternoon. I do hate to interrupt, but I’ve come with news ye need to hear.”
“What’s happened?” he said, searching her expression.
