“This may not be the popular opinion with the story you’ve just told us, but the best way to protect you is to give you the Scott last name…” Franklin holds up his hands when we murmur. “Hear me out. Yes, I’d like our grandson to have our last name for the sake of tradition, and all that jazz, but you two are adults, and I wouldn’t push that agenda. Some rich parents—like the Chesterfields—would even refuse to recognize the child without paternity results. To me, that’s worse. But you two getting married, and her having the rights of a Scott, makes her that much more untouchable. Plus, he’s not our Mayor and Senior will get beat up coming over here with that bullshit.”
“Your building is pretty safe,” Caroline interjects, “but maybe you two should come live at the mansion which is more heavily guarded, and she won’t be alone when you’re working.”
My nerves rise and I fidget with my hands under the table. What Caroline is saying sounds great, but I’m scared to be trapped again behind the iron gates of a mansion. Sensing my unease, she leans over and rubs my shoulder.
“Think about it. You’ll have people to talk to. We have a wonderful staff. You and Beau can stay in the east wing’s master. We can work on the decor together so you’ll feel at home and there’s a nursery already attached in case you have the baby before this is over.” I can see her mind working a mile a minute. “And we have a lake on the property so you can get out of the house and walk around. Get some fresh air…”
“It sounds like a good plan but it’s up to Celeste, Mom. I kinda already plucked her out of her other comfort zone.”
I don’t know why Beau’s admission has the power to make me tear up. I was comfortable with Trudy and Ernest, but I know that wasn’t reality. I’m happy to be reunited with Beau, but it is a new norm and therefore an adjustment.
“I know you all have my safety in mind, but let me think about it, please.”
“Yeah, we’ll discuss it later,” Beau agrees. It appears we both glossed over Franklin’s marriage option. I’m sure both of us are a little leery in that area. I, for sure, am not a spokesperson for marriage right now. “I have it under great authority that Celeste is a big fan of apple pie since she’s been pregnant.”
The mention of my favorite dessert pulls a smile out of me despite the tense conversation.
“So, Celeste. What do you do for a living?” Franklin inquires as we pass the pie.
I inhale the scent of warm apple and cinnamon before covering it with vanilla ice cream. “Right now, I’m a professional shadow hiding from Wes. When that’s over, I’ll finish my psychology degree and sign up for my counseling masters. I haven’t decided between education or the family route. I decided against social work after discussing it with Beau.”
“But I also said—” Beau begins.
“I know what you said but I cannot ignore what you pointed out. I need to make sure my efforts help and not be caught behind red tape and technicalities.”
“Which deal did you have to take?” Beau asked, now that I’ve reminded him about the conversation.
“I took the lower I-want-you-to-leave-me-alone-more-than-I-want-your-money deal. But his mother surprised me by tripling the low offer. Instead of the two, I agreed to, she gave me six. I guess her guilt was worth four million dollars.”
“And you put it aside to gain interest like we discussed.”
“Yes. It seemed kind of stupid to go against the advice of a lawyer who was born a millionaire. Something tells me your advice should be sound.”
The Scotts laugh but Franklin sobers first. “That was such a small fraction of Weston’s net worth. With everything he did, he should be bankrupt. Abuse should void any kind of prenup.”
“We didn’t have one.”
He shakes his brown and gray head at the new information. “I almost want to sue them from something frivolous and give you the winnings.”
His statement pulls out a genuine laugh. “I’m just happy to get the divorce I’ve wanted for years and the freedom to finally live my life without abuse.”
Caroline tears up again. “I am, too. No one deserves to be treated that way. I’m glad you escaped it.”
“I know. Why don’t we get on the jet and take Celeste on a vacation where she can roam freely,” Franklin suggests.
“We can leave in the morning. The Virgin Islands, a spectacular resort with all the amenities, and room to breathe. I’ll book our usual penthouse suite that overlooks everything! Just the four of us.”
“Five and a half.” I correct.
Beau studies me confused then nods slowly when his brain catches up.
“I know the half but who’s the fifth?”
Before I can answer, Franklin’s inquiry, Beau is talking on his phone. “Hey, Ernest. Is it possible to release Brett to us for a few days? Yeah, my parents want to take Celeste to the Virgin Islands.”
“Brett was the guy who escorted me to get my divorce paper signed.”
“He’s an officer?” Franklin deduces from the conversation.
