"Amy, look at me." He waited until she did. "I will not hide my affection for you and Jasmine from Amber. You can't ask me to. If you or Jasmine have a problem with that, then you have a problem with me."

Amy glowered at him, looking like the old Amy for a moment. “Is that a threat, or an ultimatum?"

"No, if you do, then that means you're ashamed of me. It would mean you truly don't care for me. Why would you stay if you were? No.

Fuck Amber. Fuck your insecurity. I've been worried sick that Amber would destroy what we've started. Now that she's here, I don't fucking care what she wants or thinks. She either gets with the programme or she can fuck off and go home."

Amy searched his face. He could see she was torn. He held her in his arms and tried to let her see the conviction in his eyes. After a moment, she nodded once. "Okay, Daniel. You're right. I love Amber.

Jasmine and I both do. Perhaps your way is the right way. We're just afraid to break what we have with her. But you're right. The best way to protect us, is to keep it strong and in the open."

Daniel kissed her. "Thanks, Amy."

Amy nodded, looking sad.

“I have a special meal tonight. Did you bring what I asked for?"

“Yup. It's in the magic bag. I think you are right. Whatever is in there stays fresh."

“Good. I have plans for you, Amy. I've just spent two marvellous days with Jasmine. Tonight, I want it to be just you and me."

Amy purred. “That sounds lovely."

He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Tonight I want to make Love to you, Amy Albright."

Amy froze in his arms, and then she shook and pressed up against him.

He held her head and pressed her against him by the waist. She cried for a moment and then lifted her face to look at him. She was covered in tears and snot ran from her nose. She searched his face again and her expression softened. "Okay. Please."

IT TOOK TIME, but the horses were stabled, watered and fed, the supplies were unpacked, and the girls went into Jasmine's bedroom to talk. Amber had shot a furious look at Daniel, standing in the kitchen, before closing the door with a slight bang.

Daniel could hear muted conversation, but not any details. He shrugged, recognising it as not his problem, and set to work preparing supper. Amy had outdone herself. He had asked her to stop by the restaurant and ask for Peter or Mark. He had explained that she would need to tell Mark what had happened in the inn. She didn't understand, and Daniel had revealed how the owner, Peter the waiter, and the trader had conspired that night. She had cried and Daniel had felt horrible. He told her to simply tell Mark how sorry she was and that she was now with Daniel.

She agreed and Mark had come through. He had accepted her apology and even welcomed her back to dine at the restaurant. She had provided Mark with the List of food items Daniel requested, and Mark had provided it all and told her to tell Daniel the meal was on him.

Daniel's mother had been a lover of fine foods and prepared many delicacies at home. Daniel, from the moment he could look onto the countertop, had watched, and learned from her. It had been years since he could afford the quality of food in front of him. But he hadn't forgotten how to cook.

He started his prep. He cut up small carrots, leaving a bit of the green stem on top. He oiled some small potatoes and set them aside.

He trimmed the green beans and chopped up several cloves of garlic.

He chopped up some tarragon and a few shallots. Then he admired the cut of beef. It was the most tender cut. It sat on his table, already trimmed and trussed. He pulled out four bottles of red wine and smiled when he saw they were the same as the one he had ordered for Amy at the restaurant. She will finally get to taste it.

Next, he brought out the fresh salad ingredients. He could feel they were still cool from the restaurant. He frowned. He would need to keep this cool until supper, but he needed it prepped now. Once he was finishing the meal, he wouldn't have time to make the salad.

He went to his bedroom and flipped through the spell book. He found what he was looking for: Cone of Cold. He read the notes from Eric.