"This is why Alannah, you must marry me. You have experienced both sides of that coin, you know the truth and the consequences of both. You are the only woman that I have ever met, besides my mother, whom I know would be able to carry on should something happen to me. Loving you has made me a very happy and confident man, even in death should that ever come about. You see, Alannah you are not alone here. And you have spoken, Alannah, by having the courage to leave him, you have spoken volumes. You are against everything that your father stands for, and as a result, you are have found yourself here, on this island. A place where you have yourself said you feel like you belong, like it is your home. And soon you shall be joined to everything that you do stand for."
Alannah had listened in silence, her mouth dry as she tried to absorb the impact of Dominic's words. At last, she said, "You make it sound as though I would be expected to take on some mantle of authority. I'm not that sort of person, Dominic."
"Neither was my mother…until my father suddenly died," Dominic told her. "My mother was and is very much like you. She was raised as a carefree country girl, she has a good heart and good common sense. Why do you think she gave Nicolò a job, but kept you on as a house guest? She knew who you were the moment she saw you, and yet she wanted to keep you safe. You shall remain as you are and where you are, while I have breath left in my body.
"But enough! I have talked too much and it is late, and we are very nearly home. I shall deal with those that tried to harm you while you and mother make preperations for our wedding."
Alannah stared at Dominic, "I don't know the first thing about planning a wedding!"
"That is why you will have Mother's help, and you can always ask Anya and Maria to help you. I am confidant that you and the others will plan a magnificant wedding."
"Wh…."
"Shhh!" Dominic silenced her by putting his hand over her mouth and immediately stopped the buggy. Alannah knew at that moment that something was off. The sudden silence, but for the quiet of Dutch's breathing, was so overwhelming it felt as though the night were closing in on her. The creaked as she felt Dominic leave the buggy, the next moment he was next to her. He effortlessly picked her up by the waist, and placed her on the ground. Taking her firmly by the elbow, he led her off into the darkness of the underbrush finding a spot in the tall grass, he kneeled pulling her down with him. He pulled her head close enough to her that her ear was right next to his mout, he firmly told her, "Do not make a sound!" he said in a hushed tone, "We are being flollowed, I also heard something up ahead. As we stopped a husky male voice cursed. We need to be careful and wait for Dutch to begin moving, once he does that will be our cue."