However, Shawn would not speak ill of Aurum to Gale. If he did, Gale would not believe him; she would think he was being paranoid, trying to discredit Aurum, and would become unhappy. This might play right into Aurum's hands.

So, Shawn simply replied, "I don't feel comfortable with you going anywhere alone."

"I'll take care of myself. I want to grow old with you, watching Joshua and Nicole grow up," she said.

He gently stroked her hair. "Gale, I want you by my side forever. As long as you don