Chapter Thirteen
She rolled over and opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Alastair in a chair next to the bed, staring at her.
“Hi.”
“Hi. How are you feeling?”
“I’m good right now. I don’t like that you’re worried about this so much.”
“I’m always going to worry about you, baby. You’ve become the center of my universe.”
She felt tears sting her eyes. “That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“What about I love you?”
She smiled. “Yes, that would be good when you’re ready to say it.”
His brows snapped together. “What do you mean? I say it all the time.”
She laughed. “I think I would remember that. You probably just say it in your head.”
He leaned his elbows on the mattress next to her and took her hand. “Beth, I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love something or someone, and I knew from the instant I saw you that you were going to change my life and that we were destined to be together. We’re going to get married soon so I can keep you here forever.”
She sputtered out a laugh. “Isn’t it customary to ask the person to get married?”
“Like I fucking care. I’m not taking any chances you’ll slip through my fingers.”
She smiled and sighed dramatically. “Then I guess I don’t have a choice, do I? I’m going to have to be your wife.”
He kissed her knuckles. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
His head dropped for a moment, and then he looked at her. “I’ve been waiting for those words from day one.”
“I’m sorry I made you wait. I know how impatient you can get.”
She grinned when he narrowed his eyes.
“You think you’re being funny right now?”
Her smile widened. “Yes.”
He snorted. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“I’m having someone bring in some food for us. We’re going to have a picnic.”
“Here in our room?”
He nodded. “Sure, why not? For the wedding, do you want a big one, a small one, or fly to Vegas?”
“Small, definitely. Just family and a few close friends. Your dad would never forgive us if we did it anywhere else.”
He smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. You’ll be able to meet the other brothers and cousins.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about the rest, but they are always busy with their own businesses?”
“No. It’s one big company, and we each control a part of it.”
“What do you control?”
“I’m like the CEO. I oversee all of it.”
There was a knock at the door, and he stood to go answer. Beth heard someone talking, and then they handed a few bags over to Alastair.
Alastair lifted her and shoved a few pillows behind her so she could sit up. “Let’s see what Graham brought us.”
Alastair pulled out bottled water and set it aside. Next came small cartons of warm chicken noodle soup, fruit, crackers in a box, and cheese. There were even little cupcakes. He knew everything was fine because it went from the store to Graham’s hands and then his own. There was no way anyone could have gotten to it.
“I want you to try the soup first.”
“It looks good, but I’m not very hungry.”
“I want you to try to eat as much as you can. We need to keep your strength up.”
His phone rang halfway through their meal. “I’ll be right back.” He walked into their family room and stood where he could see her but far enough away to be able to talk because he saw who the call was from.
“What did you find?” he asked.
“It’s poison.”
He wanted to shout out in rage. “Do you know what kind?”
“Arsenic.”
“Do you know how?”
“I would guess through her lotions and shampoos. It takes longer than if she ingested it, but it would have eventually killed her.”
“How do we make her better?” Alastair asked.
“The fact that she didn’t ingest it is better. The best remedy is to make sure she has a few days to release the toxins.”
“How?”
“Through her urine, so make her drink a lot. It will flush it quicker. When she’s better, you’ll have to watch the people around her. Get rid of everything she has now.”
“I’m going to have it tested to see which one has the poison in them.”
“Good idea,” Benjamin said. “What are you going to do?”