Garth’s eyes snap to mine in accusation.
“No!” Hallie says. “It’s… Rory and I did something stupid when I went to Vegas that time. We got drunk and ended up getting married in one of those walk-in chapels. I didn’t even know what had happened until the next day. We had it annulled immediately.”
Her shoulders drop instantly, and she breathes out a sigh of relief. It’s like the secret has finally shed the weight it’s been putting on her.
“You did what?” Garth splutters.
“It wasn’t Hallie’s fault. He got her drunk and took advantage of her. And he’s been blackmailing her ever since.”
I fix her father with a stern look. I might be in his house sitting next to his daughter, but if he blames her for this, if he upsets her…
“I’ve never trusted that boy,” Julie says. “He used to shoot at the neighborhood cats with that little potato gun. Do you remember?” She looks at Hallie’s father who’s still staring at Hallie in shock.
“Garth!” Julie nudges him and he focuses.
“Yes, he did. Odd kid. And no better as an adult. Always showing off his latest car or bragging about something.”
“I thought you both liked him?” Hallie shuffles to the edge of the couch as she gapes at her parents. “You’d invite him and his parents around all the time.”
“We thought you two were friends. And his parents are good neighbors. Rory isn’t like either of them. I think he gets it from his grandfather. He was a nasty old bastard,” Garth mutters.
“He’s been blackmailing you?” Julie’s face crumples with concern. “With what? I don’t understand.”
“He’s said he’ll ruin my business. That people won’t trust me if they know I got married when I was drunk. But I’m not going to let him do it anymore. I was scared losing my clients would mean losing the ability to donate to Jenny’s charity. But I’ll find another way. I’ll get past it. I’m not letting Rory take another thing from me,” Hallie says, sounding determined.
I turn and rake over her profile with admiration. I’m so damn proud of her. She was so worried about coming here and telling her parents. But this strong, vibrant woman reminds me of the first day I met her.
My girl is back in fighting form.
“You’ve been donating to the charity?”
Hallie nods at her mother as her father clears his throat.
“How much, Love?” he asks.
Her grip on my hand tightens, and I squeeze her fingers in reassurance.
“Almost everything I make,” she confesses in a quiet voice.
The room falls silent for a long time until Julie straightens.
“We… this is a lot…” She presses her hands to her cheeks. “We need to talk. Will you both be staying? I’ve made up the guest room, and I can make up the couch, or?” She looks at me in uncertainty.
“Yes, please.” Hallie nods. “Our flight back isn’t until tomorrow.”
I clear my throat. “Actually, I’ve booked myself a room at The Kingsbridge hotel.”
Hallie blinks at me, her forehead furrowing.
“The tea’s cold. I’ll make a fresh pot,” her mom announces, standing.
“You need some time with your parents,” I tell Hallie quietly. “And I’m not about to invite myself to stay in their house when they’ve only just met me.”
She swallows, giving my hand a squeeze before she slides hers free and stands.
“I’ll help Mum.”
The bar of The Kingsbridge hotel is quiet. Only a few people, who look like business travelers are dotted around its intimate seating area. I’ve been nursing the same cognac for an hour, hoping that Hallie’s okay.
