From This Moment - By Alison Chaffin Higson Page 0,50

sounds a bit choked.

“Thank you for caring about me and for breakfast.” Then she looks at me, “Your dad could do with a rest, he went through it as well.”

“I hear you. Dad sit with Rona. I’ll bring everything over.”

“How’s Elise?” Rona asks trying to get comfortable.

“She blames herself for what happened to you. I was trying to get her to come with me, but she thought you wouldn’t want to see her.” He shrugs.

“God Jake, the ones I blame are Tom and Nick. I’m really glad no one else was here, because they had a gun and could have used it on anyone.” Pausing, “I think if Elise had been here, he would have used the gun on anyone in his way, except maybe me. Nick wanted money, after that, who knows what they would have done to me.” I shudder. Cade takes hold of my hand. “Please tell Elise I don’t blame her and I would love to see my friend.”

“You’re a good friend Rona and I’m glad my dad has found you. Dad, don’t let her go.” He kisses my cheek.

“She isn’t going anywhere, unless it’s with me.”

“Guys, here’s breakfast.” Jake puts the tray of food down on the table.

“This looks good.” Just as the words leave my mouth, Rona’s stomach growls.

Laughing at her, “Guess your appetite is back.” I pass her a blueberry muffin along with a cup of coffee.

“Yum, this looks delicious. I’m rather hungry now.”

“How’s Beth handling me and Rona being together?” I ask.

“You’ll find out later.” I raise an eyebrow at Jake’s comment. “Beth and Anna are going to come over in about an hour or so.”

“Please ask Elise to come with them.” Rona mumbles with a mouth full of muffin.

“Will do. Thanks Rona, for not blaming her and for being her friend.”

Rona smiles, “I could never blame her.”

“Jake, how much work is expected over the next few weeks?”

“Taking some time off?” he asks.

Glancing at Rona, I have her full attention now. “Yes, I want to spend more time with Rona. I’m planning on taking her away somewhere, but until she’s well enough to travel I’m going to stay close, just in case Nick shows up again.”

“Okay Dad, what we have scheduled can be handled by me or a couple of the part-timers if needs be, but we don’t have anything major for the next six weeks.”

“When you’re in the office later, mark on the calendar that I’m unavailable for the next four weeks.”

“What are you planning?” Rona asks me.

I smile at her, “A surprise.”

“Oh good, I love surprises.” Winking at me, my eyes open wider, because this usually means ‘shock Jake’, “Does it involve being naked?”

As expected, Jake reacts by choking on his coffee. “I think I’ll leave you two alone.” Jake makes a dash for the door.

“Jake, please don’t go, I promise to behave.” Jake glances at Rona and then me, deciding to stay. He takes his seat again.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. I’m not usually so.... well you know,” Rona says, waving her arm around, wincing in pain.

“Don’t worry about it love, I’m sure he’s heard worse from his friends.”

“They’re not usually talking about my Dad and his girlfriend getting naked though!” Jake shudders.

After breakfast Jake cleans up and heads over to the stables to re-arrange the work schedule. I want to take Rona some place where we can be alone, to a warmer climate and I have just the destination in mind.

~~ Rona ~~

Cade helps me to the sofa and then goes upstairs for a few minutes. I’m still in a lot of discomfort, with my hip mainly, although I keep having shooting pains in my leg. The bruising is horrid to look at, but hopefully it will fade soon.

I’ve never actually seen anyone killed until yesterday. I only looked briefly, and didn’t really take anything in. I was just relieved to be away from him. I think Cade was expecting me to be affected more than I am. I hadn’t met Tom until yesterday, so whether my reaction would have been different if I’d known him, I don’t know, maybe. He was an evil person and I for one am glad he can’t hurt anyone else. I just have Nick to worry about.

Thinking about Cade always brings a smile to my face. I feel as though we’ve been together a very long time. In the short time I’ve known him; he’s come to mean everything to me. I’m very curious about what he’s planning