“And he’ll bully you mercilessly. You’ve got to be firm with him, Marni! You’ve got to let him know that you’re not a child who can be pushed around!”
“I’mnota child, and I don’t like your suggestion that I am.”
“I didn’t suggest—”
“You don’t trust me! You think I’m going to crumble. You think that I’ll submit to every demand he makes. I told you I wouldn’t, Web! Itoldyou that my choice was made!”
“But you’re torn, because you don’t want to hurt them. Well, what about me? Don’t I have a right to stand in my own defense? If he’s going to call me a killer, it’s myrightto tell him where to get off!”
“But that won’t accomplish anything!” she screamed, then caught her breath and held it. The silence was deafening, coming on the heels of their heated exchange. “Oh, God,” she whimpered at last. She clutched his shoulders, then threw her arms around his neck and clung to him tightly. “Oh, God, he’s doing it already. He’s putting a wedge between us. Do you see what’s happening? Do you see it, Web?”
His own arms circled her slowly, then closed in. Eyes squeezed shut, he buried his face in her hair. “I see, sweetheart. I see, and it makes me sick. If we start fighting about this, we’ll never make it. And ifwedon’t,Iwon’t.”
“Me neither,” she managed shakily. “I love you so much, Web. It tears me up that you have to go through this, when you’ve already paid such a high price for something that wasn’t your fault.”
He rubbed soothing circles over her back. “That’s neither here nor there at this point. I’m more than willing to go through hell if it means I’ll get you in the end.” His voice grew hoarse. “I don’t know how I could have yelled at you that way. You’re not responsible for the situation any more than I am.”
The phone rang again. A jolt passed from one body to the other. Marni raised her face and looked questioningly at Web, who held her gaze for a minute before stepping back and nodding toward the phone.
Marni lifted the receiver. “Hello?”
“Marni!” It was her mother. “Thank goodness it’s you this time! Your father is ready to—”
Cutting her off, Jonathan came on the line. “What do you think you’re doing, Marni?” he demanded harshly. “Do you know who that man is?”
She felt surprisingly calm. Anticipation had prepared her well. With the moment at hand, she was almost relieved. “I certainly do. He’s the man I’m going to marry.” She reached for Web’s hand and held it to her middle.
“Over my dead body!” came the retort. “Do you have any idea what this has done to your mother and me? You were very cagey, telling us everything about this Brian Webster of yours but his real identity. If Tanya hadn’t called—”
“Everything I told you was the truth.”
“Don’t interrupt me, Marni. You may be the president of the corporation, but in this house you’re still the baby.”
“I am not still in that house, and I amnotstill the baby! I’m a grown woman, Dad. Isn’t it about time you accepted that?”
“I had, until you pulled this little stunt. Are you out of your mind? Do you have anyideahow I feel about this?”
Marni took a deep breath in a bid for calm. She had to be able to think clearly and project conviction. A glance at Web gave her strength a boost. “Yes, I think I do. I also think that you’re wrong. But I won’t be able to convince you of it over the phone.”
“Damned right you won’t. I’d suggest you getthatman to drive you right back down here. He can drop you at the door and then leave. I won’t have him in this house.”
“Listen to yourself, Dad. You sound irrational. The facts are that Web and I are here in Vermont for the weekend, and that when we do come by to see you, we’ll be together. Now, you can shut the door on us both, but that would be very sad, because I am your daughter and I do love you.”
“I’m beginning to doubt that, young lady.”
It was a low blow, and one she didn’t deserve after all she’d done for her parents’ sake in the past fourteen years. Clenching her jaw against the anger that flared, she went on slowly and clearly. “We’ll be heading back to New York tomorrow afternoon. We’ll stop by at the house sometime around seven. We can talk this all out then.”
“Donotbringhim.”
“He’ll be with me, and if you refuse to see me, we’ll be married by the end of the week. Think about it, Dad. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Without awaiting his answer, she quietly put down the phone.
Web sucked in a deep breath, then let it out in a stunned whoosh. “You are quick, lady. I never would have dreamed up that particular threat, but you’ve practically guaranteed that he’ll see us.”
“Practically,” she said without pride. Then she muttered, “Heisa bastard.”
Web drew her against him. “Shhhh. He’s your father, and you love him.”
“For that, yes, but as a person …”
