“But for a man who says there’s only one thing he wants, one thing he’s always wanted, you have a poor way of showing it.”

“What would you have me do?”

“It’s eleven years too late, Grayson.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” His gaze caught hers and he stared into the blue eyes that had haunted his dreams since the moment he’d left her. His tone softened. “What can I do, Camille?”

“I have no idea. I wish I did.” She turned toward the parlor, took a step, then swiveled back. “Perhaps you should be the man you’ve become.” She nodded and walked into the parlor, leaving him to trail behind.

What in the name of all that was holy did she mean by that? Be the man he’d become? He was the man he’d become; she just didn’t realize it yet.

By God, Gray fully intended to fight for her. But the man he was now was smart enough to know he had best tread carefully and not leap headfirst without thought and due consideration. That was exactly how he’d ruined everything in the past.

If he hadn’t been so young and stupid, he would have fought for her then. Fought for them.

He drew a deep breath and stepped into the parlor, just in time to hear Fortesque announce dinner was served. Good. He hadn’t realized it, but he was famished. Obviously, that was the result of being with children all day.

They proceeded into dinner amidst a fair amount of chatting and laughter. Before he knew it, he found himself with Beryl on his arm, escorting her into the dining room.

She leaned close and spoke low into his ear. “I do not know what you are up to, Grayson Elliott, but if you muck it up or hurt my sister again, so help me, I will make it my sole purpose to make certain you are not long for this life.”

He inclined his head toward her, his voice as low as hers. “Are you threatening me, Beryl?”

Her eyes widened in feigned innocence. “Does it sound like a threat?”

“Very much so.”

“Excellent,” she said through her smile, which wasn’t the least bit legitimate. “Then you understand.”

“I do, indeed.” It was pointless to assure Beryl he had no intention of hurting Camille. Quite the opposite. He fully planned to spend the rest of his life making her happy.

Camille threw them a curious look and Beryl laughed as if he had just said something worth laughing at. “Goodness, Cousin.” Her fingernails dug into his arm, hard. “You are so very amusing.”