Page 25 of Hidden Desire

“That would be great,” Robert said. “Make the date three weeks ago.”

“You got it. Give me all her information, and I’ll get that done now,” Brandon said.

After writing everything down, Brandon walked off.

The other security man stood outside the family room.

“Let’s go into the office,” Robert said to Taylor.

He went over everything he knew now.

“That bastard,” Taylor said.

Robert nodded and headed for the bar. “Do you want a drink?”

Taylor shook her head. “No.”

Robert poured some bourbon into a glass and gulped it before adding some more.

“If you’re serious about marrying Grace today, you might want to stay sober.”

Robert walked to his desk and dropped into his chair. “Jesus, this is fucked up. I knew the man was bad, but to have men come and threaten my family. Did he really think he could get away with that?”

“From what I’ve heard, the man is a selfish bastard and only thinks of himself,” Taylor said.

“I called someone to get the identity of the three men from my security man at the office. They’ll know exactly who they are by the end of the day. One of them I recognized, but I’m not sure from where.”

Taylor crossed her arms. “You’ll know soon. When is the judge coming?”

“Within the hour.”

“When are you going to tell Grace?” Taylor asked.

“Right before he gets here. I don’t want her to worry.”

“I understand that,” she said.

“I need to get something upstairs. I’ll be right back,” he said and left.

In his bedroom, he opened his safe and took out his grandmother and grandfather’s wedding rings, which they had left him. Fortunately, his grandmother was small like Grace, so he hoped the ring would fit her.

When he got back to his office, Channing and Judge Phillips were waiting. He shook hands with both men.

“Let’s get to this,” Phillips said. “Channing told me it’s crucial we get the vows done as quickly as possible.”

“He’s right. I’ll go get Grace.”

“Do you want me to sit with Hannah?” Taylor asked.

Robert thought about it a moment and then nodded. “Yes. Can you stay in the family room with her?”

“Of course,” she said and followed him.

He stood behind the two girls and cleared his throat. “Girls.”

Both turned surprised.

Hannah was the first to react and ran to him. He lifted her and hugged her tightly. “Hey, Taylor wants to watch a movie with you.”