Bert had never been the type to rush headlong into marriage just because of his age. Back when they were in Burg Eltz, Daniel had even brought it up during one of their rare meetings—dropping hints about how his social circle there was practically nonexistent and how he could always arrange a blind date for him.
Bert declined, politely but firmly.
What was he supposed to say? "The reason I've never longed for love or marriage is because of you?" That would have been the old Bert—sharp-tongued, reckless, saying whatever would make Daniel's face turn purple with rage.
But things had changed. After everything that had happened, he understood now: Daniel hadn't meant to ruin his life. The man had his reasons, even if they were clumsy, even if they hurt. So Bert had let go of the resentment. He wouldn't have patched things up with Dave otherwise. He wouldn't be this protective of Lilian.
