Ruby Red 3 - A Romance for All Time (Complete)

Chapter 23

"It was good of you to come Leif." Sam shook his friend's hand.

He hadn't realized it until today, but Leif Stewart was more than simply an acquaintance he was providing political consulting advice to. Somewhere in between strategy sessions, late-night smooze fests and early morning boxing bouts, the man before him had become part of his life. Someone he could trust.

"Thank your parent's here for the ride." Leif turned to Evelyn and Christopher. "I've never been in a private jet before. I can see the appeal."

His father chuckled and Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Leif, I keep telling you, your seat for the ride home is booked. You don't have to keep buttering my husband up."

"What?" His father tried to look abashed. "Can the man help it if he appreciates the finer things in life?"

Sam smiled at his parents and surveyed the room looking for Ali. 

Most of the attendees of the funeral had come to the reception being held in a building across from the church. It was an eclectic mix of people, a representation of a life in a mosaic of individual faces. Wife, father, friend, boss, co-worker. The strings of Daniel Stinson's life weaving together to make a tapestry of vibrant and not so vibrant colours.

Lynn Stinson was sitting on a long leather couch, surrounded by a group of women similar in age and look. They were all dressed in the standard black one expects at a funeral, but each seemed to be trying to outdo the other in attire. Diamonds sparkled at one woman's neck, another had a handbag completely unnecessary for the event but must be en vogue at the moment judging by the way the other ladies were staring death glares at it. And then there was Lynn herself. With her elaborate hat. Sam had had to suppress a laugh when she first donned it.

In stark contrast, Ali was wearing a simple but elegant black dress. Sam spotted her standing by the window, a glass of wine in her hand. Emily and Charlie were flanking her on each side. As usual, a little apart, but always within arms reach stood Emily's fiancée.

He'd only met Finn a few times and at first, Sam wondered if he was the right man for his D'artagnan. The tall man was quiet and reserved. But he soon saw how Finn shone a light on Emily and how she radiated happiness now. It was like Finn multiplied every good trait of Emily by a thousand.

Emily was so happy Sam almost didn't recognize her. Sam didn't begrudge her a moment of it. He'd always knew how kind and special Emily was and she deserved all the joy she could get. That kindness was on full display as Emily was offering Ali a plate of food, trying to get his fiancée to eat something. Sam frowned. Ali was turning down the offering.

He was worried about Ali.

Death takes a toll on everyone. But he didn't care about anyone but her right now. She wasn't eating. Or sleeping. There was this deep-set pain in her face every time he caught her unguarded. Which was rare and only when they were alone. For days now, Ali had been wearing her mask of perfection. He had to do something.

"Mom," he moved to Evelyn's side. "I'm...I'm worried about Ali. She's not..."

"Grieving?" his mother offered.

"Exactly. She's not herself. And I don't know what to do."

"Oh, Sam dear, I'm sorry to say you're already doing everything you can."

Sam's grip tightened on his glass of scotch. "There has to be something. I... I can't stand seeing her like this. Maybe I should get her out of here. Take her someplace where she can-"

A warm hand landed on his arm. "Sam. You know better than most, everyone has their own way of dealing with death. Give her time."

Glancing back in her direction, Sam gritted his teeth as he noticed Jack creeping towards Ali. Putting down his drink, Sam made to move to intervene. But there was no need. A ring of protection was forming around Ali. Jonathon had joined Emily and Charlie.

Still angling towards his target Jack hit a wall of muscle when Finn stepped in front of him. Sam relished watching Jack being forced to look up at the taller man blocking his path. Standing there with his arms crossed, Finn was quite formidable. Jack tried to move past and the lanky man moved with him, shaking his head like a bouncer. With a scowl, Jack backed down, retreating outside.

Sam had been looking for a chance to get the conniving man alone, have a word with him. Following Jack out of the building, he jogged to catch up with him.

"Blackhorne!" Sam called.

Jack stopped in his tracks. He smoothly swivelled on one heel revealing a smirking face. "Mr. Harrington. I was wondering when we'd chat."

"This isn't a chat." Sam looked Jack straight in the eye. "Stay away from Ali."

The smirk widened. "Sent you to do her dirty work did my ex?"

Sam's stomach rolled at the reference to the fact Jack was once married to Ali. "No," he spat. "Ali doesn't..." What was he doing? He didn't have to explain himself to this man. "Just keep your distance."

"Or what?"

It had been a long time since Sam had punched anyone. If he didn't get away from Jack soon the stretch might be over. Moving in on the dark-haired man, Sam lowered his voice. "You will regret it. Just like you regret losing Ali in the first place."

Ice blue eyes narrowed and a sense of satisfaction washed over Sam. Pressing his advantage, Sam drove on, "I don't know what your game is with Ali's mother, but I suggest you give it up. She's about to become a member of the Harrington family and we take care of our own."

The smirk was back on Jack's face. Sam didn't like it one bit.

"Oh Sammy, this is going to be fun."

"No Jack. Your days of playing games with my fiancé are over."

Jack's left eyebrow shot up. "Who's going to stop me?"

"Me." Sam's fingers coiled together, forming into a fist as a red mist fell over his vision. He tried to swing his arm forward, looking to crush the arrogant chin of Jack's when a strong hand caught him at the elbow.

"There you are Sam," Charlie exclaimed beside him, blonde curls bouncing in the afternoon sun. "We wondered where you'd gotten to. Ali's looking for you."

At his cousin's words, the mist parted. Ali needed him. "What? Is she okay?"

"Of course. Ali is a tough one," Charlie's eyes bobbed between Sam and Jack, landing on Sam's at last. "She simply wants the company of the man she loves."

Ah Charlie, ever the peacemaker, thought Sam.

As he walked away, Sam heard Jack taunt. "Tell Ali I'll see her in Spencer's office tomorrow afternoon for the reading of the will."

Sam winced at his words, wondering why Jack Blackhorne was in Daniel Stinson's will.