Dad puts down his silverware, a serious look crossing his face. “Harlow, I know this hasn't been easy, and I hope you won’t hold that against us. I also know your interests lie elsewhere, Mom and Dad have made that very clear, so don't feel like you need to give up your dreams for me. I would never make you do that. Like I said before the press can be a real issue. It’s better that you know whats going on then for them to speculate why you don't know as much as you should. It’s part and parcel of being part of this family.”
A wave of calm flows through my body. I had been fairly sure that was the case, but to have him confirm it is a huge relief.
He shifts a little in his seat and grimaces. “I know this is the first time we’ve really spent some alone time together, and that was partly because I’m socially inept, but it’s also got to do with how guilty I’ve been feeling.” I go to say something to reassure him, but he quickly holds up his hands.
“No matter what you say, even though I didn't know about you, I am forever going to feel guilty over the way you suffered at the hands of the one person you should have been able to trust the most. I’m so disgusted with what Mom and Dad have told me, and I really just don’t know what to say or do. Nothing is ever going to make up for that, and I- I’m truly sorry for that.” His eyes shine with unshed tears as the words come tumbling out of his mouth.
This really wasn’t the way I was expecting lunch to go, but for as sad as he looks, there’s something about him that almost seems a tiny bit lighter, like these were words heneededto express to me. The hair on my arms rises as I absorb everything, a wave of hope-filled love rolling through me. Could this man be any better? I love the fact that he’s trying to find a balance between smothering and not overly interested and that he really is making an effort not to force his way into my life.
I reach for his hand in my attempt to reassure him. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to hear you say all of that. Growing up wasn’t easy, but things did get better when the Bostons stepped in. And although I did still have to deal with her regularly, I learned techniques and ways to manage her. For you to feel guilty is sweet but really not necessary. Neither you nor I had any control over the situation. So let’s leave all of the fault firmly at the feet of the person responsible.” He squeezes my hand in what I think is a reflex when I allude to my mother, but he doesn't let go, his hand tightly in mine. “Thank you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done so far, but it’s okay.I’mokay. I’ll tell you if you’re getting too pushy or whatever. Same as I have no problem telling your children to kiss my ass if they really go too far. Yes, what happened at the movie premiere upset me, but I really should have expected something. And I was more upset for reasons that link to my chosen career rather than being ashamed of what was up there. I mean, I got to say, I looked amazing.”
He smiles as I try and lighten the mood, but he shakes his head.
“Please forgive my ignorance, but how would the billboard affect you becoming a vet?”
Ah, so he does know. “It’s more because I'm trying to get an internship and they do background checks. Something like the billboard can reflect negatively on me, especially with all the speculation that came with it despite the press conference. All those whispers about who I was really did make me look like I was your mistress.”
His cheeks turn red at my explanation, and he can’t hide his embarrassment. “But we did the press conference to straighten that out.”
“Dad, come on. People are idiots, and they’re going to believe what they want to believe.”
“Well, just tell them to call me. I’ll straighten it out with anyone who needs a character reference.”
“While I’m grateful for that, I want to get the job on my own merits, not because you put a good word in for me. I know you’re used to being able to call the shots and provide for all of your other children, but I’ve always had to be a bit more independent than that. I truly appreciate the offer, but for better or worse, I have to stand on my own two feet and resolve any issues on my own.” He frowns, not happy with my decision, but I quickly change the subject before CEO Dad can talk me into changing my mind.
The conversation moves away from more serious subjects, Dad and I spending the next hour getting to know each other’s likes and dislikes, and the two of us find we have a lot in common. By the time we make it to the background of what happened to Hope, we’re both more relaxed.
“I never liked her. Don’t know how many times I cautioned Jaxon about mixing business with pleasure, but you can’t tell my kids anything. They have to learn from their own mistakes. You would have thought he’d know better after Thomas’ experience,” Dad grumbles. I almost push him on what happened to Thomas, but he changes the subject quickly enough that I get the hint that he’s not ready to share, probably doesn't want to betray Thomas’ trust.
“I’m looking forward to coming riding with you on Wednesday. I didn't get a chance to tell you after the incident with the saddle and the big black horse, but you’re one hell of a horse woman, Harlow, and I couldn't be prouder. I can’t thank Chuck and Melinda enough for taking you under their wings and loving and caring for you when I wasn't there to do it.” He reaches out and squeezes my hand, his mouth opening and then closing as he clears his throat, seemingly overcome by those emotions welling back up again.
Happy to try and rescue him, I offer, “I can’t wait to see what your cross-country course looks like, or even just go for a run. This is the longest I’ve gone without doing it, and I’ve got to say I’m starting to feel a bit antsy. My life has always been so physical, and well, I’ve felt practically lazy since I’ve been here.” He laughs at my confession, that brightness reigniting again.
“Well, there’s the gym and the pools at the house anytime you need to use them. And of course once Chuck’s horses go, you’re welcome to use any in the stable. No one will mind. The kids are good with letting Josh know when they're going to ride, so he knows which horses need riding and which don't.”
“Yeah, Josh has been great. He’s been spoiling Jenny and DS too. DS thinks he’s the next coming of Jesus; he always has some treat in his pocket for her.”
The door to the conservatory unexpectedly opens, and Nana walks in, carrying a box. Declan and Jaxon trail behind her, and all my relaxed energy disappears as I’m instantly on alert. To my great surprise, neither of them are aggressive or nasty. They take a look at all the leftovers on the table and grab seats next to me and Dad before wordlessly piling food onto plates.
“Help yourself, boys,” Dad says dryly, and they both just nod, focusing on all the food.
“Thanks, I'm starving. Dealing with the police was not exactly how I thought I’d be spending my morning,” Declan grunts without stopping what he’s doing. Jaxon, on the other hand, shoots him a look of aggravation, which he misses.
“Ah yes, Harlow told me what happened. I hope you've learned your lesson, Jaxon?”
He holds up his hands, eyes wide. “Dad, I haveabsolutelylearned my lesson. It will never happen again, I promise.”
“Thank God,” Dad grumbles. “No need to give the lawyers even more work to handle. God knows poor Hope is already busy enough.”
“Here, Harlow, this was left at the security desk. It’s addressed to you.” Nana hands me the box she was carrying before pouring herself a cup of coffee.
Surprised, my eyes scan the prettily wrapped box in front of me. It’s not large, probably four or five inches, and a wide red bow is wrapped around it. Looking up at the table, everyone is watching me, waiting for me to open it. It’s got my name on the card taped to the top, but it’s typed so no hint as to who it might be.
“Did they say where it came from?” I ask, pulling on the red ribbon.
Nana shakes her head. “No, apparently they didn't even see who left it on the counter. It was left while they came upstairs to escort Raquel from Jaxon’s office.” Nana glares at Jaxon, who has the grace to look embarrassed again.
Lifting off the lid, I gasp in shock at what I see. It’s a picture of DS with a sniper rifle scope over the top of her.
