Who Brings Forth the Wind (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick Page B

the train
    station in Middlesbrough, Stacy was floating on a cloud of
    adoration.
    i Price hired a coach as soon as they disembarked. Within
    minutes they were on their way to Morgan.
    "Tanner," Stacy spoke when the coach was underway. "My
    grandfather is not a wealthy man.",
    Tanner looked at his wife's face and felt the familiar
    squeezing sensation around his heart. She was infinitely precious
    to him. He knew very well that Andrew Daniels was
    without substantial means and had already spoken with Price
    on the matter. All concerned were to see to it that Stacy was
    not made uncomfortable in any way.
    "Tanner, did you hear me?" Stacy spoke again when he
    remained silent for so long.
    "Yes. Does it bother you that your grandfather isn't a
    wealthy man?"
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    "It doesn't bother me; I grew up that way. I just don't want
    you to be, well, inconvenienced"
    "Will we have a bed?"
    "Of course." Stacy blinked at him in surprise.
    "And food to eat?"
    "Yes."
    "Then I shall be quite comfortable."
    Stacy nodded, tucked her arm within Tanner's, and laid
    her head on his shoulder with a sigh of contentment--a
    contentment that wavered as soon as Stacy and Tanner were
    alone in her bedroom. She watched him take in their modest
    surroundings, finishing with the small bed.
    "I'm sorry, Tanner. I wish the bed were bigger."
    "Oh, I don't know," Tanner said calmly. "It means I'll need
    to snuggle very close to my wife tonight."
    "You mean you really don't mind?"
    "Will you mind my snuggling close?" Tanner asked with a
    raised brow.
    Stacy laughed She darted around a chair and pointed at
    him.
    "That was not a challenge."
    "Challenge or not, this should be an interesting game,"
    Tanner countered as he began to stalk her. Just as Tanner was
    about to catch Stacy, a knock sounded on the door.
    Tanner looked rather perturbed over the disturbance, but
    Stacy claimed victory as she ran to answer it.
    "Your grandfather is awake now and would like to see
    you," Peters told her as soon as she opened the door.
    Stacy's heart swelled with pleasure. She had felt crushed
    an hour ago when they'd arrived and been told that her
    grandfather was sleeping. She had begged them not to disturb
    him, but her desire to see him now was so intense that she
    ached inside. Unfortunately, Tanner wanted her attention
    right now also. Hesitantly she answered, unaware of Tanner's
    approach from behind her.
    "Peters, please tell my grandfather that I'll be down in a
    short while."
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    "Make that a few moments," Tanner cut in. Stacy swung
    around in surprise. "Lady Stacy and I will be down in a few
    minutes."
    Peters nodded, and Tanner shut the door on his departure.
    "Are you certain, Tanner?" Stacy immediately began. "I
    can tell Peters that--"
    Tanner silenced her with a kiss.
    "We'll go downstairs and see your grandfather. I'm looking
    forward to meeting him."
    Stacy sighed, and her hand came up to stroke his cheek.
    "Thank you, Tanner."
    Tanner sighed also, but for another reason. He was not
    used to putting his wants aside for others, but the look on
    Stacy's face when she'd found her grandfather asleep caused
    him to feel unusual compassion.
    Tanner kissed Stacy again before taking her hand and
    holding it all the way downstairs, releasing her only when
    Stacy saw her grandfather and moved to hug him.
    "Oh, Papa," was all Stacy could say as he held her. She
    always thought him a big man, and he was tall, but after
    Tanner'ssolid strength he seemed very thin, almost gaunt. Not
    that this mattered to Stacy. She was so content to be with her
    grandfather for the first time in months that for the moment
    nothing else really mattered.
    "Good morning, your Grace," Peters greeted Tanner the
    next morning.
    "Good morning. Have you seen my wife?" Tanner had
    wakened to an empty bed and no sign of Stacy or Rayna. Price
    had no information as he dressed, so as soon as he was decent,
    he'd made his way downstairs.
    "Yes, my lord," Peters answered. "Lady Stacy and her
    grandfather