Chapter 140

"The cold wind burns my face and blows its frosty pepper up my nose," Xavier murmured. "Black are my steps on silver sod; thick blows my frosty breath abroad."

Jasper had been waiting in the cold for nearly an hour now. Yet, this was nothing compared to his days in the military, where standing an entire day was routine.

The only difference was that his heart was in his throat right now.

He was worried Alice would change her mind and not come outside. What could he do then? Barge into the manor? Impossible—he could not do that. This was the Taylor family's residence.

What right did he have to knock on their door asking for Alice?

None that he could think of.

Heaving a sigh, Jasper took out the last cigarette in the box. He was about to light it when the sound of heels clicking rang out.

"Jasper Beckett."

The man's heart pounded erratically as he gazed up at his ex-wife. The cigarette between his lips nearly fell out with how much he was trembling.

Alice glanced down, instantly