Protectin' What's Mine

Ben & Liana

Ben returned from his meeting with Frank Parker in Sydney with a smile on his face. Parker was the best. He was one of the few men Ben had associated with in his old life for whom he had respect. His wife and his baby would be protected.

Coming out the side door of the garage after parking his Range Rover, Ben saw Liana. She was on her knees in front of one of her precious flower beds in jeans and a sweater. Looked like she was digging up old bulbs.

Ben walked quietly up behind her. "You sure you should be doin' that? In your condition?"

She'd heard his car and been waiting for him. "My condition? You make it sound as though I have some horrible medical problem!"

Rising to her feet and wiping her hands on a towel, Liana grabbed his hands and kissed him. Leading him over to the swing, she sat down next to him. "So, how'd your business in Sydney go?"

"Fine," Ben told her with a grin. "We'll be gettin' a new horse on Thursday."

Liana didn't know she was to have anyone following her for security. That had been one of the conditions Ben had put to Frank Parker. He knew she wouldn't think it was necessary and, besides, he didn't want to worry her. Didn't figure it was good for her to be stressed with a baby on the way.

He wasn't worried about her at home. Either he or Dan was here all the time. Ben knew nothing was going to happen to her while he was around, and he trusted Dan to look after her as well. It was when she went out on her own that he wanted her watched.

Liana was a trusting little soul and that was one of the things he loved about her. She'd trusted him and married him, despite his past, but she didn't get that there were others out there who couldn't be trusted. It was them that he wanted to protect her and his baby against.

The only things in life that Ben had ever had to look out for before were himself and his money. Now, he had more important things to look after. Looking over at Liana, he placed his hand on her stomach.

"So, little one... What's your mama feedin' us for supper tonight?" he asked.

She laughed. Despite Ben's ordering her to stay away from Kate Harbor, she couldn't be angry with him. He was doing it because he thought it was best, because he wanted her to be safe. How was she supposed to be mad at him for that?

From the beginning, she'd known that Ben made his own rules in life and that she'd have to follow them to be with him. Besides, it could be worse. He could want to have security or a bodyguard or something like Travis McGee.