Victoria
As I watched Ethan out of the shop, my thoughts wandered. There was something about him that I found both intriguing and frustrating. He was so strong, and yet he carried himself with a humility that seemed almost out of place in a world full of men who couldn't wait to show off their accomplishments. But there was more to it—something deeper I had difficulty placing my finger on.
Juliette, who had been chatting away about the latest gossip in Silver Ridge, suddenly turned her attention back to me. "Victoria, love, are you even listening to me?" she observed, her tone laced with curiosity. "That handsome man of yours must be keeping your thoughts occupied."
I raised an eyebrow, giving her a sidelong glance. "Ethan? Don't be ridiculous, Juliette. He's young enough to be my son."
Juliette smirked, clearly unconvinced. "Age is just a number, darling. Besides, I've seen the way you look at him. There's something there, even if you won't admit it."
I opened my mouth to protest, but the words didn't come. I shook my head, trying to brush it off. "He's a good man, Juliette. But really, it's not like that. He's just… noticeable. Sturdy, charming in his own way. He's a mountain man, after all."
Juliette chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Noticeable? That's putting it lightly. He's more than just noticeable, Victoria. He has a presence, one that's hard to ignore. And I cannot help but think I've seen him somewhere before."
I nodded, understanding her confusion. "You know, I had a similar thought. Like I've seen him before, but I don't know where that would have been. The boy doesn't even have social media, and he is such a big guy with such a distinct look. He'd be hard to ignore in most settings."
Juliette's eyes narrowed as she studied me. "You like him. And don't tell me you don't. You're allowed, you know. It's not a crime to find someone attractive, even if they are younger."
I laughed softly, shaking my head. "You're reading too much into it, Juliette. Ethan saved me and Samantha's life. I am grateful, and situations like that create… complicated feelings. But I'm not looking to complicate things for him or myself."
Juliette tilted her head, clearly not buying my dismissal. "Complicated or not, I think you should take him to bed and make him understand what the Lady of House Harrington can do."
"Juliette!" I almost yelled. "You are terrible."
Juliette just laughed wickedly. "Yes, yes. I am terrible."
"Anyways," I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to steer the conversation away from Ethan. "Enough about him. What brings you to Silver Ridge?"
Juliette's smile faltered for a moment, and she hesitated before answering. "John and I are here for the Manson's Ball, of course, which you'd be well aware of if you ever answered your emails. It's this Saturday, and I am here to support Pamala even if I want to punch her."
The Manson's Ball. Totally forgot about that. It's a big one too. Geez, too many events to keep track of anyway.
"I see," I said simply. I had avoided the invitation on this one. Thankfully.
Juliette's eyes narrowed. "You should know. Robert is here. He's staying at his family's lodge and planning to attend the Ball."
I felt my heart sink slightly at the mention of Robert's name, though I tried to keep my expression neutral. "Not surprising," I said, my voice calm. "Is his whole group here?"
Juliette nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Yes, including the Duchess. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. He's been asking about you, and knowing Robert, he'll make it a point to find you. Are you prepared for that?"
I sighed softly, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "I expected it, honestly. Robert never did know how to take a hint, but I'm not going to let him ruin my time here. We've been over for a long time, and I'm not looking back."
Juliette gave me a supportive smile, but I could see the concern in her eyes. "What about the Duchess?"
I shrugged. "I didn't let her control things when we were kids, and I won't let her now. I knew Robert might come sniffing around after Henry died. I wasn't interested in him then. I am not now. I still don't understand the obsession."
"I can think of a millions reasons. Just be careful, Victoria. He's persistent, and you know how he gets when he doesn't get what he wants."
I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I'll be fine, Juliette. If he tries anything, I'll handle it. I've dealt with Robert before, and I can do it again."
She placed a hand on my arm, squeezing gently. "You've always been strong, Victoria. Just remember that you don't have to face him alone. You've got people who care about you, people who will stand by your side."
"Thank you, Juliette," I said softly, grateful for her friendship. "I'll keep that in mind."
We exchanged hugs and kisses. Juliette, the mischief maker, gave my butt a swat. I yelped and turned to scold her. She gave me another big hug. "What kind of forty-two-year-old has such an amazing ass?"
Then she was gone, leaving my face burning with embarrassment.
I left the store and headed down Silver Ridge's main street. I saw Ethan immediately.
"6'3 or maybe even 6'4. Man, he is a big boy."
As I approached, I noticed he was talking to a couple of attractive young ladies. They were all smiles and giggles, asking for pictures. I sat back and watched for a moment. Ethan was gracious but looked very uncomfortable. I wondered why.
My mind wandered until I saw Ethan beckoned inside a delightful little shop by Samantha. I was about to follow when I noticed a display of handcrafted scarves in a nearby window. I lingered for a moment, letting my fingers brush against the soft fabric. I turned my attention back to the shop. There were things happening. I followed, intending to see what Samantha, Lily, and Maya were up to.
The shop door was slightly ajar, and as I approached, I could hear bits of their conversation. I wasn't one to eavesdrop—at least, not intentionally—but something about the tone of Samantha's voice made me pause.
"I want to give you all a gift, Ethan. You and the girls. You've been so kind and welcoming, and it would mean a lot to me. Remember, you're my hero."
Hero. It was the correct word. Ethan had saved our lives—me, Samantha, and James. He really was a hero.
I stepped closer, careful to stay out of sight. I watched as Samantha stood up to her fullest height, grabbed Ethan gently by the back of his head, leaned in, and kissed him. The kiss was gentle and lingered. It was enough to send a jolt of surprise through me. I froze, my heart skipping a beat as I watched the scene unfold.
Ethan's expression was one of pure shock, his hand instinctively coming up to touch his lips as if he couldn't quite believe what had just happened. Samantha, on the other hand, tried to play it off, but I could see the nervous energy in the way she smiled, the way she glanced at the girls to gauge their reaction.
The girls, bless their innocent hearts, were wide-eyed with surprise but quickly turned their attention back to the jewelry, albeit with smiles that would have made the Guy Fawkes jealous. The shopkeeper wrapped up the pieces as Samantha made the purchase, and I found myself smiling despite the unexpected turn of events.
Ethan was a hero, indeed—not just because of what he had done that night, but because of the way he carried himself, the way he cared for his girls, and the way he made Samantha feel safe enough to let her guard down, even if just for a moment.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. There was a pang of jealousy, yes, but also a deep sense of admiration for Ethan. It was probably too early to say this, but Ethan was a good man—a truly good man. Seeing him through Samantha's eyes only reinforced that.
As they finished up and began to leave the shop, I stepped back, giving them a moment before I joined them.
What an interesting turn of events.