A Wedding At Last

Nicole was home early from a dress fitting and her mother was still out. Henry or Austin had no idea she had returned, so when she came in, she heard them talking. She was going to intrude, but she stood and listened.

"Now, listen, in order to get it down right, you have to make sure all of your tenets and employees are in order as well as the books."

"Okay, but as duke, arent I the highest rank?"

"Yes. People will have respect for you, Austin, but there will be those who will try and bring you down."

"So, know who to be friends with and know who to piss off."

"Exactly."

Nicole had heard enough and burst through the doors. Both men stood still and shocked.

"When were either of you planning on telling me?"

"Nicole, honey, we were."

"Austin?"

"He asked me not to until I was ready."

"So, this is what you've been doing?"

"Yes."

"Why keep it from me?"

"You freaked out before ta