It was a month later. Poppy and Isaac had decided to wait three months before getting married. They had to wait one month for the license to be granted, and they wanted people to believe the ruse that they were at least fond of each other, if not in love.

They had been eating out a few times a week together, Poppy had been attending church services with them, and spending time at the castle. However, Isaac never came to her cottage again, and Poppy believed it was because he worried about her reputation.

It was a Friday evening, and she was having dinner at the castle. They ate at an old wooden farm table in the massive kitchen when it was just the family. Boyd and Isaac took turns cooking most nights, but Poppy and Mary had made a few meals. Boyd always had the news playing in the background, but they didn't pay attention to it much. It was ambient noise.

These were Poppy's favorite meals because she felt like she was part of the family. Mary and Peter had accepted her presence as if she had always been a part of their unit. Poppy had even started helping to tuck Peter in at night.

The only time Poppy avoided the castle was on tour days. She felt like she was always in the way, and she didn't want to deal with Siobahn alone since Isaac always found something else to do on those days. He was not a fan of strangers wandering through his home.

That night, they talked about Halloween costumes and who would be what. Then Boyd told a funny story about Isaac and his sister getting into trouble with their costumes when they were children.

"Sally told me about days gone past when there was a Halloween party here at the castle, and the entire village would be invited. She also mentioned New Year's Eve parties," Poppy watched Isaac's reaction carefully. It appeared he wasn't listening, but she knew he was.

"Yes, I've heard about those. They were before I bought the castle. I never continued the tradition because I was a bachelor raising two children, and party planning wasn't in my wheelhouse. I heard they were great fun, though." Boyd smiled.

"Would you consider ever having one?" Poppy asked Isaac, and the entire table held its breath as he leaned back in his chair and considered Poppy's request.

"If I don't have to do anything, sure. That is if Boyd's all right with the idea." Isaac put it back on Boyd.

"I think it sounds like fun," Boyd nodded. "The children would love it." He looked at Mary, who was on the edge of her seat, holding her excitement in as best she could.

"Could I invite my friends?" she asked quietly.

"Of course, it would be your party too!" Poppy insisted with a grin that Mary allowed herself to return. "You'll have to help me plan it, and maybe I can get Sally and Ayleen to help as well."

"Can I help?" Peter asked as he smacked his food.

"We'll put you in charge of cobwebs. How does that sound?" Poppy suggested, and he nodded eagerly. He had no clue what it meant, but he knew he wanted to be included.

"All we have to do for that is stop cleaning for the next two months," Isaac suggested. It was a rare glimpse of his dry humor.

"Nope, they have to be placed in just the right spots, and I know Peter will be ideal at picking them. He'll harness his inner Spiderman." Poppy watched as Peter jumped up in his seat, made a whooshing sound, and threw out his hand in Spiderman fashion "See, perfect!" Poppy high-fived him as he settled back down into his seat.

Isaac shook his head, but Poppy could tell he was hiding a smile. She would have to ask him later why he had been so quick to agree to a party. She thought he would take more convincing than he had.

The next ten minutes were spent talking about the party, and Poppy was listening to Mary when her phone blew up with one text after another. It had to be a family emergency, and even though there was a strict no cell phone policy at the dinner table, she had to check it.

When she did, her heart stopped, and her face paled. "Excuse me," her very soft voice said as she stood up and moved off to one side of the vast kitchen.

The table grew quiet as they all looked at each other and her while they waited.

Poppy's hand shook as she read the messages. Her cousin Mave had been kidnapped. She was missing. Poppy closed her eyes and said a quick prayer as everyone in the Stevens family started discussing travel plans. The news broadcaster's voice caught her attention with a breaking alert that movie star Mave Stevens had been kidnapped from her Los Angeles home. She listened as if in a trance while they flashed photos of her family on the screen.

Her Uncle Bryce told her to get to Edinburgh airport. He was chartering a flight from London, and they would pick her up so she could fly over with them. It was time for the family to circle the wagons. She was going to Los Angeles.

"I hate to ask, but can someone lift me to Edinburgh? I have to catch a flight to Los Angeles tonight." Poppy cleared her throat, pushing back the tears as she saw a photo of Mave flash on the television screen.

"There won't be any leaving until tomorrow morning," Boyd informed her as he looked from her to the screen. He knew what was going on. There was no doubt.

"It's a private flight." Poppy shoved her now quiet phone into her back pocket. Everyone knew the plan. They were in travel mode. She would only hear from someone if it were an update.

"I'll take you," Isaac said. "You'll need to go by your cottage and get your passport and a few things." He stood and waited for Poppy to move first.

"You're leaving!" Peter wailed as he ran toward her and wrapped his arms around her legs.

"Yes, love. I have a family member who needs my help. I'll come back, though, I promise." She gave him a hug and looked at Mary, who looked as if she was also about to cry. When Poppy held her arm out for her to join the hug, Mary didn't hesitate.

"You promise?" she whispered.

"I promise, we have a party to plan. You two must think of some outrageous costume ideas for Uncle Isaac and me." Poppy said as she separated herself from the kids. Boyd helped her by taking Peter on his lap.

"As in a couple's costume?" Mary asked, looking between them hopefully.

"Yes, Mary. Now seems to be a good time to tell you that I've asked Poppy to marry me and come and live here with us in the castle, and she has said yes." Isaac met Poppy's eyes, letting her know there was no turning back. Mary would tell all her friends, and by this time tomorrow, everyone would know.

"So, you see, I have to come back," Poppy reassured them.

"You're going to live with us? Forever?" Peter asked.

Forever was a long time and not guaranteed, but what could she say but yes?

"Yes, Peter, but I really have to go now and catch my flight. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay," he agreed in a brave whisper, and Poppy dropped a kiss on the top of his head.

Poppy hurried out of the kitchen and through the castle to the front door before the tears started. Now that she was on the move, it was all about speed. Isaac said nothing during the short trip to her cottage, and he went to get gas while she packed.

Once they were on their way, Poppy checked her phone every other minute until Isaac put his hand on hers in a silent entreaty to stop. "Do you know where you'll be staying in Los Angeles?'

"Yes, my family has a home there." Poppy tapped her foot as if it would make the car drive faster.

"This is about Mave Stevens. Isn't it? The name Stevens can't be a coincidence." Isaac kept his eyes on the road.

"Yes. She's my cousin." Poppy didn't want to elaborate on her family connections, so she changed the subject. "Why did you agree to the Halloween party?"

"I think it would be a good thing to do as a couple," he responded guardedly.

"Belle taming the beast?" Poppy asked. She got it. What better way for him to show the village that he was in love with Poppy than to let her throw a giant party at his off-limits castle? It would appear as if he only wanted to please her.

He shook his head. "You and your fairy tales."

"And you told Peter and Mary that we would get married to alleviate their fears about my not returning?" Poppy guessed.

"In part, but I also wanted to force your hand because I fear you'll go back to the States and change your mind, especially because we hadn't told anyone."

At least he was honest. Poppy wished it was because he cared and wanted her to return, but she knew it was because they had a plan, and his goal was to ensure that it happened and that the kids were safe.

"I keep my promises," Poppy couldn't keep the hurt out of her voice.

"I don't say it to be mean. I'm a realist, and I know you're not getting much out of this deal. My biggest worry is that you'll remember that and call it all off." His hands tightened on the steering wheel.

"No, you have my word," Poppy reassured him.

He nodded, and they drove silently for the rest of the way.