Free Theirs to Treasure (Beyond Monogamy Book 1) by Marissa Dobson

don’t tell London yet. He’s already worried about Mom and there’s no reason to stress him out more until we know something.”
    “I think he already suspects something. When I came home tonight, he was waiting for me. He’s worried about her. I know we all are, but I still think he should know before he leaves for Florida in the morning. As you said, no one knows what the future holds. None of us will ever forgive ourselves if he gets on that plane tomorrow and something happens to her.”
    He shook his head. “I’m leaving here at six in the morning and you know he’s not an early riser. It’s going to have to wait until he gets back because I’m not going to ask Paul to watch for London in the midst of caring for Mom.”
    “I’ll do it.”
    “You’ve had a long day and I’m sure you have work you need to attend to. He’ll be back in a few days.”
    “No, Dad. He needs to know. I’ll tell him in the morning if that’s okay with you.”
    He took a deep breath and exhaled before nodding. “Tell him not to say anything to Mom. We don’t want her to know or to give up fighting. If she becomes discouraged, we might lose her.”
    “I’ll make it clear, but if there’s anything I can do please come to me.”
    “I will, but now I have to get back to Mom. I love you, sweetie.” He kissed her cheek before reaching past her to grab the drugstore bag.
    “I love you too, Dad. Give Mom and Dad my love too.”
    When he left, she leaned against her desk. The work she had planned to do was suddenly unimportant. It was as if her whole world had shattered around her. Before she spoke to London, she needed to get her head together. Her emotions were all over the place, making logical thought nearly impossible.
    Needing fresh air, she pulled open the sliding door to her private balcony and stepped outside. The cold winter air enveloped her, welcoming her to the winter wonderland. Below her, she saw the guard making his patrol of the perimeter. Everyone around her was going about their business, while she tried to face the eventual death of her mother. She was only twenty-five and London twenty-three; they were both adults, but they should have their mother around for many more years to come. Mom should be able to see her children get married, have children of their own, and enjoy all the other milestones of the future.
    Standing there in the cold, she let the tears fall until her body shook. She gave herself time alone to fall apart so she could put the pieces together and be strong for her family. By the time the tears had ended, she was shivering from the cold. Her cell phone, which she forgot she’d shoved into the waistband of her yoga pants, was vibrating. She tugged it out with the intention of sending whoever was calling straight to voicemail. Aiden Dalton’s name on the screen caught her attention, and without thinking, she answered and brought it to her ear.
    “Hello, Mr. Dalton.” She couldn’t bring herself to answer more formally, and ask him what she could do for him, because at the moment she just wanted to hear his voice. Damn it, Paris. He’s not yours. Don’t get attached.
    “Is everything okay?”
    “I don’t believe you called to see if I was fine. What can I do for you?” She quickly avoided the question, while her mind screamed for her to tell him. She wanted to hear someone tell her it would be okay, even if it was a lie.
    “You’re right. I didn’t, but the sound of your voice tells me something is wrong. Trust me, when you travel away from your family for years you tend to pick up on things like the changes in someone’s voice. Are you okay, Paris?”
    “Just a little bad news.” She shook her head. That was the understatement of the year. “Nothing to worry about. If you’re calling to see how the matchmaking is going, it’s too early.”
    “No.” He let out a light laugh. “I guess you’ve had people call the same day wondering about a match.”
    “A few.” She