Suddenly his brothers burst into the hall, interrupting his thoughts as he stared at the closed door behind Ira’s shoulder. Ollie and Jess gave a shout cheering about him winning the war, stealing victory from the competition, and getting his merger after all. He didn’t have time for their exuberance.
He stepped into the salon and eyed Rose. She was paler than usual, but he noted she had definitely heard their congratulations and excitement. She smiled slightly but her eyes were sad as they looked past him towards the now closed door.
“You came,” he spoke softly, as if approaching a scared rabbit.
“I cannot stay.” She knew for certain now she was making the right choice. He was going to take the helm of the family business and she would not do anything to distract him now. “I came to s
