ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 42

Nicholas had instructed his chauffeur to drive Alan and Jeff back to the estate to rest because Alan had more remote school and physical therapy the next day. Jeff had as usual argued with him , saying that he was going to meet a friend named Jimmy to try to " unwind" from the stress of the past few days. Nicholas had relented but still told the chauffeur to drop Jeff wherever he chose to go and then pick him back up when he was ready to return to the estate or his family home. He also had asked Jeff to stop by the office tomorrow morning. He didn't go into details right then and there but he wanted to talk to him about this idea of his joining the military. Ariel was desperately against it and Nicholas didn't believe it was wise either especially with the unstable nature of the middle east at the present time.

After the boys had kissed and hugged their fragile looking mother who had recently awakened they left and Nicholas from his seat beside her squeezed her hand and leaned over to kiss her lips lightly. He was pleased to detect her responding slightly beneath his lips.

" Thank you for hiring that man ," she whispered weakly. " He saved my life. That man , the kidnapper, he tried to..... He wanted to..... He was going to kill me."

Nicholas blinked back a sudden rush of tears. He felt guilty. He felt like what had happened to her was his fault. She had been kidnapped and tortured because of his money. Because he had failed to protect her. Just like he had failed to protect Jenessa that day at the courthouse when she was shot to death. That wouldn't happen again.

" I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve any of that. " He lifted her hand up to his lips for a gentle kiss. " I want to make it all up to you, my darling one. I know I am not a perfect man. I have these two babies incoming with Matilda and Margaret. You know this. I am not perfect. And, I know that it has not been that long since your husband passed away. I know it is unseemly in conduct but..... I care very deeply for you. I care for your boys. I daresay I am starting to love you, Ariel Kendall. "

Ariel looked up at him with her tired eyes. " Nicholas, what are you saying? "

Nicholas glanced over at her other newly bandaged hand with its missing finger. Then back at her lovely face with its exhausted eyes and faint facial bruises. " I'm saying, no , I'm asking, that ,  even though it's probably too early, if you would honor me by becoming my wife? "

Ariel's eyes fluttered closed and in her head she saw the very married very young Max leaning over to kiss her eagerly. Her heart seemed to throb with sadness. Then she reopened her eyes and whispered softly," Yes. Yes , of course, I will marry you, Nicholas. "