Lupin and Connor were heading toward the cabin when Dahlia’s voice cut through the air. She called out Lupin’s name and he stopped, turning to see her sprinting toward him. She threw her arms around him, and he held her close.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” Lupin said. “We’ll track down the kidnappers; they’ll get what’s coming to them.”
“Mr. Connor,” Dahlia said, glancing at him as a pup barreled into her leg. She scooped it up, cradling it against her chest and pressing a kiss on its tiny nose. “What brings you here?”
“Can we talk? Privately,” Connor said, nodding toward Lupin. “Lupin, excuse us for a moment.”
“What? Dad?” Lupin looked annoyed but stepped back.
They moved into a library, a room Dahlia hadn’t noticed before. “Dahlia,” Connor began, hesitating. “I’m here to ask for your hand
