The Runaway Groom

Once Irene opened the door, she found Zachary tiptoeing back to her room.

She called out to him, "Where have you been?"

Zachary turned around and smiled. "Nowhere."

“Did anyone tell you that I called you?" Irene asked him.

An unnatural reaction appeared on Zachary's face, and he somehow looked awkward. "You called me?"

"Yes I did," Irene told him with no uncertainty, "and it was a woman who answered, saying you were taking a shower. I told her to tell you to call me back when you're done. She didn't tell you, did she?"

Zachary chuckled. "Nope, she didn't.”

"Are you serious about her?" Irene asked her.

Zachary walked over and sat on the couch. "What do you mean?" "The woman who answered my call," Irene said.

Zachary appeared nonchalant. "She's just a woman. What's with the seriousness? Just need to satisfy my physical needs."

Irene frowned, speechless. "Giving up on yourself, are you?"

“No, but I'm no saint who's above worldly needs," Zachary said seriously. "Is it really so terrible, sleeping with one?"

sleeping around?! Irene

like you?" she

doesn't because he's not like most men. He

him or

you've been with him,” Zachary said. "Don’t you know what

Isaac. "Just do what you will!" She got up, ready to go back to

late, and she needed

stopped her. "Why

back toward Zachary, she said, "We're moving back to

it safe

saying that

I'll make

to carry back, aside from personal items and clothing.

returned, Tommy was running around happily in the courtyard, since he really preferred it here—it

had seen Eagle

him—things had certainly been cordial

Tommy nodded.

to get

not just a pebble?" Tommy asked, rearing his little head. "No—you're too young." Eagle patted his little