“When it comes to you and me, to our marriage and our life together, my father has nothing to say.” He looked pointedly at Avery, who looked equally annoyed. With obvious effort, Clay reined himself in. Ellie could feel the tension in his body, how desperately he wanted his father to understand.
Clay squared his shoulders, purpose in his stance. “You and I have been through a lot together,” he said to Avery. “You’re my father and I love you. I always have and I always will. Nothing can change that. When I was young, I rarely saw you. You had little time for me, but still I loved you. Now there’s someone else I love, and I want you to be happy for me. For us. If you aren’t, that’s your business. It isn’t going to change the way I feel about Ellie or what we intend to do.”
Avery’s face was beginning to redden but Clay didn’t stop. “You can be happy for us or not. It’s up to you,” he finished.
“I didn’t want to say this in front of the girl, but you’re leaving me no choice. You think you want to get married. You think you’re in love. I understand because I felt that way once, when I married your mother. But I can tell you from experience, you’re not only hurting yourself you’re hurting her. You’ll be a good husband, all right. For a few weeks, a month or two at most.”
Ellie went cold.
“Then you’ll be off chasing skirts just like I was. You’re just like me, Clay. Just like your old man.”
Ellie’s stomach rolled. Tears burned behind her eyes. She felt Clay’s arm tighten around her.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Dad. For years I’ve worked hard at being like you. I wanted you to be proud of me. Wanted it bad enough to bury the person I really am. Oh, I won’t deny I’ve enjoyed myself. I’ve traveled all over the world, been with some of the world’s most beautiful women. But I always felt hollow inside—like something was missing. These last few years, it’s been harder and harder for me to keep up the pretense.”
“That’s all nonsense. You’re just a little tired, that’s all.”
“It isn’t nonsense. You don’t really know me. You never have. Did you know I write poetry? That I enjoy reading the classics? That I collect fine art? And not because it’s a good investment, the way I told you, but because I love it?”
Avery looked stunned.
“I want a home, Dad. A wife. Children to play in the yard.” He smiled down at Ellie, a wistful, yearning smile that touched her heart. “A Labrador retriever in front of the fireplace.” Clay grinned.
Avery started to speak, his mouth moved, but no words came out.
“I love her,” Clay said. “She isn’t like any other woman I’ve known. I’m happy when I’m with her. Happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”
Avery glanced from Clay to Ellie and back. He swallowed and cleared his throat. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll be happy for us.”
Avery looked down at his feet, kicked at the soft, damp grass with the toe of his Italian leather shoe. “I really do want what’s best for you, son. It’s just...well...it’s my nature to be selfish. It’s too late for me to change. I’ve enjoyed the times we’ve shared.”
“There’ll be other times, just different, that’s all.”
Avery nodded, still looking dazed. “I suppose you’re right. If it isn’t too late, good luck, son.” He extended his hand and Clay shook it, then enveloped him in a hug.
A little unsettled, Avery flicked Ellie a tentative smile, started to walk away, then turned back. “Welcome to the family, Ellie.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
Avery’s eyebrows suddenly lifted, and he grinned, dimpling cheeks very much like Clay’s. “When this gets out, you two will make headlines around the world. We’ll throw a huge engagement party, make the formal announcement there. Maybe in Paris—the Ritz. Or the Plaza in New York.”
Both Ellie and Clay started laughing. “He’ll never change,” Clay said to her. “Definitely New York,” he said to his father. “I’m damned well ready to go home.”
“New York, then. You two can move into Far Hills. You’ll like it there, Ellie. I’ll take the apartment in Manhattan.”
“That sounds fine,” Clay said, and Ellie read his relief. He’d wanted his father’s blessing and in Avery’s way, he’d given it. The last of Ellie’s doubts faded. Clay was his own man now. Ellie loved him more than ever.
As Avery disappeared into the crowd, Clay smiled down at her. “You know it’s crazy. I’m about to get married, give up my freedom, my dad would say.” He tipped her chin up to look at him. “The truth is this is the first time in my life I’ve ever felt really free.”
“Oh, Clay.” Ellie threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
Clay leaned down brushed a kiss over her lips. “Brave enough to call your parents now?”
Wanting to be sure, Ellie had put off the phone call. She’d said she wanted to tell them in person. It wasn’t the truth as Clay must have known.
“We’ll call them right after the show.” She smiled up at him. “You’re going to love them, Clay. And once they get to know you, they’re going to love you, too.”
