Margaret's expression wavered between maternal concern and cautious acceptance. Finally, she let out a long sigh, the sound of a parent realizing that they couldn't control every choice their child made.
"Alright," she said at last, her voice regaining its firmness. "Come visit this week. I want to meet these Blackwood Brothers face-to-face and see for myself that my daughter hasn't lost her mind marrying a man she's known for a few weeks."
"That's more than fair," Dante replied with a respectful smile. "We will arrive Thursday if that is convenient for you. And Mrs. Carter, I promise you, your daughter's wellbeing is my absolute priority. I would never do anything to cause her harm or allow her to be unhappy."
There was no hesitation in his voice and the sincerity in his tone was profound. Lilian felt it through the bond that he meant every word, even if the context was different than her mother understood.
