Page 46 of A Lady's Heart
“She knew you’d done your best for the family, but now that you’re no longer with Todd, that means you need to return,” Danielle insisted. “It’s your responsibility. You’re the oldest. You’re supposed to take over leadership.”
Awkwardness turned into discomfort as all the things she’d missed doing over the years once again slid from her grasp. Mandy shook her head. “Not necessarily. I gave up the right to rule the island when I left. That should put you next in line. Why don’tyoutake the position?”
Danielle let out a burst of laughter. “Me? Oh, you have no idea what I’ve been doing for the last eight years. I’m the least likely person anyone is going to offer the rule to. It’s got to be you, or I suppose Susanna.”
Her littlest sister—all Mandy’s memories were of an awkward ten-year-old with two left feet. “But she’s just a baby.”
Her sister raised a brow. “She’s eighteen, but she’s a far better choice than me.”
They caught up a little more, then Mandy gave her sister a kiss on the cheek and brought the conversation back to Danielle’s demand. “I can’t give you an answer right now, I need to talk to people. Talk to…friends…and find out what they suggest.”
Danielle hesitated. “Is that big bear one of thefriends?”
Mandy saw no reason to lie. “Yes.”
Her sister nodded slowly. “Okay. And by the way, I do trust you to do the right thing. We’ve been away from each other for a long time, but I always knew you were doing what you could for the family.” She made a face. “Marrying Todd, then staying away and all.”
It had been the only choice she could make, no matter how big a sacrifice. “If I hadn’t cut myself off from the family, Todd would have taken over the island and become a vile dictator. It was the only way to save you all.”
Danielle grimaced. “By sacrificing yourself.”
Mandy shrugged. It was old, old news. It was the next decision she had to make that would change her life forever.
Her sister eyed her in confusion. “It might seem odd, but I do love you.”
“In a ‘locked up princess in a tower’ kind of way?”
“In a ‘I’m proud to be your sister’ kind of way.” Danielle stood determinedly, changing the topic as a mischievous smile curled her lips. “While you’re deciding, are you planning on leaving me with that wolf?”
Mandy looked her little sister over with concern. “What did he do to you?”
Danielle’s eyes widened. “Oh, no…nothing like that. Really, except…”
She glanced toward the door as it opened, and Cole marched back in, Justin at his side.
The big bear who’d been so much a part of her life the past week caught the wolf by the arm to keep him by the door. Cole’s hungry gaze never once left Danielle, but Mandy’s focus was on Justin.
On the sheer size of him, yet how he held himself in a protective way to make sure her wish for privacy was respected. How he looked her over rapidly to reassure himself that she wasn’t hurt. Wasn’t needing.
Shewasneeding—time to think and to talk through what came next.
“Danielle, I’m going for a walk. Can you stay here for a while? Or do you need something to eat, or—”
“I’ll stay with her.” Cole was across the room and by their side in an instant.
Danielle rolled her eyes. “Sure, big guy. You can sit right here.”
She dragged out one of the chairs and patted the seat before lowering herself into the one next to it.
Mandy wasn’t sure what was going on, but she nodded. “I’ll see you in a little while, okay? And then you can come back to our place, and we’ll catch up a whole lot more.”
“No prob, sis. Love ya.” Danielle blew her a kiss then turned to the wolf. “Youarea grumpy puppy, aren’t you?”
Cole threw himself into the chair and growled at her, but this time it was a soft sound, as if he was trying to stop from laughing.
Justin took her arm and pulled her from the shop, back into the bright sunshine. “Come on. The fresh air will do you good.”
Danielle waved her fingers then laid her hand on Cole’s arm where it rested on the table between them. She looked as if she’d be fine, so Mandy glanced into Justin’s face. “Fresh air sounds wonderful.”
