Page 110 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
Belle hiked a brow. “Are you telling me he actually went to a shop rather than sending his assistant?”
“That would be the case,” he replied blandly. A brief grin played on his features. “It’s a surprise.” He helped himself to a scone and joined his wife on the sofa.
“A surprise?” Belle pressed.
“Ah, lass, ye will not pry the truth out of me. I’m made of sterner stuff than that.”
“He is,” Amelia agreed with a chuckle. “A true keeper of secrets.”
“Well, I suppose I should brace myself,” Belle said.
“That might be a good idea,” Logan agreed. Changing the subject, he said, “I believe Mrs. Johnstone will arrive tomorrow. The Dragon is still in Boston.”
“Dragon?” Grammy repeated with a hint of a grin. “How intriguing.”
“I’ll explain later, Grandmama,” Belle said. Turning back to Logan, she took a sip of tea. “I do hope her train has not been delayed.”
“Actually, she is staying by choice. Her message mentioned exploring Boston Harbor. She’s quite the aficionado of history.”
“So I’d gathered,” Belle said. “When she arrives, I’ll be pleased to show her the sights in New York.”
“I suspect the woman could take ye to parts of Manhattan ye’ve never seen,” he said. “She was quite an adventurous sort when she was with the agency.”
“Somehow, that does not surprise me,” Belle said.Not very much, in any case.
An unexpected sound tore her attention from the conversation. A series of yips and small barks, coming from the direction of the front steps to their house.
Hearing the noise, Carrie stood up and ran to the window. “Papa is home.”
Papa?Belle had not expected Jon’s return to be announced by the sounds a dog—a young dog, at that—might make.
Precisely what is the nature of our surprise?Belle wasn’t sure whether to be delighted or fit to be tied.
Moments later, Jon strolled through the door, bearing a green traveling bag that bore a striking resemblance to Heathy’s blue case. What was going on?
“Hello, my darling wife,” Jon said, greeting her at the door.
“Hello, Jon,” she said. “Might I ask what you’re carrying?”
“I believe you already know the answer.” He grinned. “A gift that will require care and feeding, and perhaps, a pair of earplugs for me.”
Carrie bounded to him. “Oh, Papa, is it—”
Crouching low, he set the case on the floor and gave her a hug. “I’ve been doing some thinking, and I realize there’s one thing we need to make this family complete.” He grinned. “Take a look at our newest addition.”
Carrie peered into the case and let out a squeal of delight. “Oh, Papa, he’s so cute.”
“He is, isn’t he?” Jon flashed Mrs. Gilroy a winning smile. “Might I have the morning edition... just in case.”
With a quick nod, Mrs. Gilroy went to fetch the paper.
“You brought home a puppy?” Belle looked on in open amazement as her grandmother chuckled.
“I did,” Jon said. He met her eyes. “I wanted it to be a surprise. I suppose I didn’t think to consider that you might not be pleased.”
“To the contrary, Jon.” She threw her arms around him. “I could not be more surprised. And delighted.”
He pretended to wipe imaginary perspiration from his brow. “By thunder, that is a relief. You had me fooled for a moment.”
