sore spot at the back of his head. But the pain there couldn’t compare to the pain in his heart. And the regrets. He’d started off his job as Victoria’s bodyguard determined to maintain the proper boundaries. But somehow, somewhere he’d slipped up.
“That’s why I only take jobs for older married women,” he muttered. His instincts had told him to flee when he’d first discovered he’d been hired to protect a pretty young lady like Victoria. But he’d ignored them, had believed he’d had enough inner strength.
But apparently he’d been too proud of his abilities. Didn’t the Bible say, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”?
Well, he’d fallen alright. In a big way.
He’d learned his limitations. No more younger women. Only old ladies from now on.
The morning after the incident, he’d gone to Mr. Cole and given his resignation, effective immediately. Mr. Cole had narrowed his eyes and asked him why. Tom hadn’t been able to give him the real explanation. He wouldn’t think about bringing even a hint of a blemish to Victoria’s reputation. So he’d told Mr. Cole his family needed him.
It hadn’t exactly been a lie. He’d received the telegram from his sister last week letting him know she and her husband had left Race Point Lighthouse because Greg had developed consumption and was too sick to work. They’d had to leave Mom and Dad alone, and they’d asked him to fill in until an assistant keeper could be found.
Of course, he’d had no intention of going out to the lighthouse and being the assistant. But he’d telegrammed Ruth and told her not to worry. He’d find someone to help Mom and Dad. He’d had inquiries out all week.
After the explanation, Mr. Cole had been understanding of his resignation. But he’d pleaded with Tom to stay until Victoria’s wedding. “Victoria needs you,” Mr. Cole had said. “You know I won’t be able to find someone else on this short of notice. And you and I both know she’s in danger. It’s not a matter of if the attacker will strike again. It’s a matter of when.”
Victoria needs you.
Mr. Cole was right. If someone was intent on sabotaging the wedding, they would strike again. So he’d told Mr. Cole that he’d see Victoria safely to the Independence in New York Harbor the day after her wedding, and then he’d be done.
The door opened and several maids clustered together, one holding Victoria’s arm, another arranging her veil, and still a third carrying the long train. Victoria stood at the threshold, and Tom made the mistake of looking at her.
Again, as before, his breath snagged in his chest. There were no words to describe the vision she made in the layers of silk and tulle. All he knew was that he’d never seen anyone or anything more beautiful. The dress fit her to perfection. Her hair was piled in cascading ringlets. And a strand of pearls circled her neck accentuating the creamy smoothness of her skin.
She took several steps outside, moving into the sunshine. But at the sight of the carriage, she halted abruptly and recoiled.
“Did you forget something?” the servant holding her arm asked.
“Yes, I…” Victoria’s eyes had a wildness that reminded him of a soldier facing the point of a bayonet. Her gaze darted back to the house as if she were planning to bolt back inside and lock the door behind her. Was she having doubts about the wedding?
For a second, Tom was tempted to let her run, let her flee to her room, lock the door, and jilt another groom. That would be just fine, because as far as he was concerned, Nathaniel wasn’t right for her. He was too doting, too sweet, too easy on her. She needed someone who would stand up to her, challenge her, and make her a better person.
She took another step backward, causing the maid holding the train to stumble and nearly fall.
Yes, she should have figured out months ago that she needed someone different, someone stronger.
Her gaze darted around with growing panic, her expression stricken. From the stiffening of her arms and firm set of her chin, he could sense she was about to turn around and run. And all he could feel was relief.
But just as soon as the unexpected emotion wafted through him, a bolt of guilt punched him in the gut. He had no right whatsoever to find any satisfaction in her insecurities. If he was half a man, he needed to