Wren gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. His mind raced, dread hammering away the joy he had felt only an hour before when Leah had prayed. As she had confessed her belief in Christ and asked forgiveness for sins, his heart had swelled and he thought nothing could take that joy away. How thrilled he had been to see the same joy in Leah when she had lifted her head from her prayer! Then, she had asked for forgiveness from him, admitting to having lied. He had smiled inwardly, thinking it a small matter, until she recounted every detail of the hospital assassin.

His throat tightened and swallowing became difficult. It has to be him, he thought as he considered Leah's description of the man. If the fact he knew Wren's name wasn't proof enough, the scar down his left cheek was. Who else would be after him more, then Leroy?

"Are you going to be okay?"

Leah's small voice jarred him from his panic, and he forced himself to relax. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin her birthday more than he already had. So he grinned in his easy manner, pleased when the worry scrunching her face vanished. "I'm okay. I really appreciate you telling me the truth. I was just thinking I might go to the police station tomorrow and inform them of what I know about Leroy."

Something akin to admiration and relief washed over the girl beside him. "That's a great idea. I've been feeling guilty I didn't tell the truth. Maybe we can both go?"

He considered the request before nodding slowly. "Possibly. I don't want you involved more than you need to be."

"But, I do need to be. I owe the officers an apology and the truth. I promised God I would make things right."

Warmth spread through the butler as he listened to her earnest voice. Already, he could sense the change in her. "Alright. I'll take you. But if I get a chance to speak with Leroy, I want you to stay out of sight."

"Agreed."

When a small shudder shook her body, he knew she would do as he asked.

"I'm sorry, Princess."

"For what?"

"For putting you in danger. I'm supposed to protect you and instead, you were put in a very dangerous position. If Leroy needed to, he would have killed you. No, if Leroy wanted to, he would have killed you. Thank God he didn't want to for whatever reason."

There was silence for several moments. He knew she wanted to argue; to say it wasn't his fault. But the truth was clear. Because of his past choices, her life had been threatened.

Wren turned the sedan onto the Kinsley Mansion driveway as dusk settled over the valley. It wasn't so dark, however, Leah didn't see the cars scattered over the hillside. She bolted upright, eyes wide.

"What is going on? Who are all these people?"

Wren tapped his breaks as two such persons emerged from the fast approaching darkness to walk on the paved driveway. A man dressed in a navy suit finished with golden cuffs and buttons and a woman adorned with a silk, red dress, its long train draped over her arm, were illuminated by the car's headlights. Wren maneuvered around them before answering.

"It's your birthday surprise Mr. Kingsley and Charles put together for you. Have you ever gone to a ball?" Wren's smile turned genuine when Leah clamped a hand over her mouth, muffling a squeal.

"A ball? A real ball? Like with dancing and people and chocolate fountains?"

Wren chuckled. "I don't know about the chocolate fountains, but the dancing and people, yes." He drove straight through the gates left open for guests. "It was Charles's idea. I think he is wanting to mend your relationship."

"AW! How sweet. A ball in honor of my birthday! I would never have guessed."

Jealousy stirred in the butler as she slipped into a dream-like state, obviously envisioning herself the guest of honor. Who was she dancing with in that vivid imagination?

"Hilda is waiting for you by the back door."

Leah snapped to the present, nodding as she pulled her door handle and pushed the door halfway open. "And you? You will dance with me, right?"

"I'm afraid not, Princess."

She paused, then sat back in her seat, letting the door fall closed again. "What? But - "

Wren's raised hand silenced her argument. "I've been asked to serve refreshments. I'm sorry, but that is my place here. I'm assuming you will be swamped with men your equal."

Leah frowned, her expression darkening. "My equal? Are you serious? Just because I was born to money, doesn't put me above you, Wren Adams!"

Wren blinked at her vehemence. "Of course not. I didn't mean it that way. I just -"

"That's exactly what you meant," she snapped, eyes flashing. "I'll have you know that there is no one I want to dance with more than you and there is not one man in there that can compare to you." Her eyes suddenly widened and her hand clamped over her mouth. Wren too, stared, dumbfounded. A hot tension entered the vehicle as they continued to look at the other, emotions and desires evident in their gazes the longer they held.

"You better go," Wren cleared his throat, turning away to look out the windshield. "I have a present for you too. I'll leave it on the bench in the rose garden before I head to the kitchen."

"Okay." Her saddened voice bothered him, but he dared not look at her. Touch her. He wouldn't be able to stop from kissing her again if he did.

He heard her shuffling and a gentle gush of air touched him as her door was opened. Her soft voice nearly undid his resolve.

"I would rather face a thousand Leroys than to have not met you." Then, her door shut softly and he was left alone, squeezing the steering wheel like his life depended on it.

**********************************

"Attention, please!"

Charles Gates turned in expectancy from the group of men he had been speaking business with, to look at the top of the spiraling staircase. Tony Kingsley stood tall and proud, dress in his usual professional attire. He doubted the man even needed to change for this gathering.

"Thank you all for joining us today in the celebration of my daughter's eighteenth birthday. I do hope you will enjoy this evening." He smiled as the foyer burst into applause and a couple rowdy cheers from a few of Charles's younger coworkers. Finally, he lifted a hand, signaling the room into silence again.

"Before I introduce the birthday girl, I'm delighted to announce a guest of our home, Samantha Queen."

Biting back a groan of disgust, Charles stifled his irritation as the girl walked to stand at Tony's side. She dipped a polite curtsey before gliding down the stairway, the train of her long dress dragging behind her.

"She looks like a Christmas Tree," A man behind Charles snickered. Charles choked on a laugh as he watched the wealthy young woman descend. Indeed, with her long red hair contrasting against the green fabric of her gown, she did appear to have a touch of Christmas Spirit in her attire.

When Tony cleared his throat, he was more than glad to give the man his full attention again. Now the star would come. His heart picking up a faster rhythm, he was surprised at the shaking of his hands and clasped them together behind his back.

Everything will be normal after tonight, he thought as Tony introduced the birthday girl to the eager crowd. Having not been able to face Leah, he sincerely hoped this would show her his regret for being so ungentlemanly. When a collective gasp rocketed across the room, Charles refocused his attention, his own breath hitching as he saw his future bride.

"What a beautiful young lady," was murmured by more than one person and as Charles feasted his eyes on the woman, he couldn't agree more. She was indeed, beyond stunning with blonde hair piled on her head and curls spilling to rest on smooth shoulders. A few wisps caressed her flushed cheeks. Her blue eyes sparkled with gaiety, shining so bright, he thought they would light up the room without the chandelier and her blue gown only accentuated them, their colors matching perfectly. Tucked pleats covered the floor - length skirt of her dress, making each design appear as blue peppermint swirls; Scattered sequins decorated each swirl. His eyes landed on a simple diamond necklace resting in the modest v-neck of the dress, then further to her earrings. His jaw dropped as he recognized the studs he had given her on her graduation day and anticipation rose inside. She had chosen to wear his earrings. Could there be a hidden motive behind her choice? A thrilled tremble shook him from his head to his toes. His gaze finally rested on her lips, tinted with a soft pink gloss, and his desire was not small to be the one to claim them this night. Determination stole over him as she neared the landing at the base of the steps. She would be his and none others. He would make her love him if she didn't already.

His heart reached the girl - no, young woman - before his feet did. Her eyes found his, softening as he neared and he melted with affection. Surely, she cared for him? Maybe not as much as he did for her, but love could grow; change.

I'll make her change, he thought as he bent low to press a firm kiss to her knuckles. When he straightened, hope rose even more as her eyes misted.

"Charles, I can't believe you did this for me. Thank you," She covered their hands with her free one. A few gossiping murmurs behind them gave him courage so that when she started to draw away, he tightened his grip and tugged her closer. He smiled his most charming smile as shock etched her features. He waited, hoping to see her melt as she used to. Before...

He refused to finish that thought.

"Charles, people are watching," Leah whispered as she once more tried to push away from him.

"Let them," He murmured, then with the skill of a man used to getting his way, swept her onto the floor for the first dance of the night as music swelled.

After tonight, Wren Adams would look like an insignificant ant. He would see to it.