“That’s hardly fair. If that was true, there’d be a luxury apartment block under construction right where your wedding marquee’s being erected.”
“I had to beg you to sell me that land.”
“Well, I gave you a good deal, didn’t I?”
“That’s enough, arguing.” I stand between the two of them. “As if your dad’s ever going to make you pay for that land.” I glance at Alex, hoping I’m right. “He’s always been more than generous, so I’ve no doubt that whatever business deal he made, he won’t be chasing payment.”
“Forget the land. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again, Mum.”
I place my hand on Finn’s shoulder. “They don’t call me the Executioner of the Exchequer for nothing. I can handle myself and I can handle your dad. Besides, what makes you think I was hurt before?”
“When you put me to bed, and you thought I was asleep, I used to listen to you cry.” Finn stares into my eyes with a tight jaw, but his eyes are the same sad eyes of that ten-year-old boy who would come and climb into my bed at night, needing comfort. “I wasn’t afraid of the dark, Mum. I just didn’t want you to be alone.”
My heart breaks all over again and I pull Finn into my arms, my head resting on his shoulders, as if he’s still my ten-year-old boy needing comfort, only it’s me that needs comforting, still carrying my tattered heart.
Over Finn’s shoulder, I gaze up at Alex, his eyes filling with emotion like the murky waters in the river Thames, ready to burst its banks.
His palm rests against his chest as if soothing an ache that matches my own. “If I knew you were hurting as much as I was, I would have booked myself on the first flight home. I swear it, Merry.”
Finn turns to his father. “London was never your home, Dad.”
“Home to me, son, was wherever you and your mother were. It just took me a long time to realise that.”
Shelly pops her head in the foyer. “There you are. They’ve brought the desserts out.”
“I’m not hungry,” Finn mumbles as if he’s fifteen again.
Alex and I share a knowing look. “Well, I’m starving,” Alex says as he walks back into the restaurant.
I throw my arm around Finn as we stroll through the double door. “Your father’s many things, but he’s also very kind, caring, and loyal.”
He mumbles again. “Fine. But I don’t have to like it.”
“No, but we are adults and you do have to respect our decision.”
“So, you are getting back together?”
I can’t seem to deny it. The thought has crossed my mind since I’ve been here. I could easily live here. But that would mean giving up my career and everything I love. Maybe I could finish this term and see how the land lies between Alex and I.
It’s not the first time I’ve thought about giving up my career for him and moving halfway across the world, but the feminist inside me stopped me. That voice of reason who’s always making things difficult.
My life would have been so much simpler to submit in all aspects of my life and be a kept woman. It’s many women’s dream to marry a wealthy man, but I had something to prove. I wanted to change the world. It’s only now I realise the people in power don’t want what’s best for our country, they want what’s best for themselves, and maybe my efforts would be better invested in charity work or more conservation efforts like my daughter-in-law.
“Mum? You’re not seriously considering it, are you?”
I shake my head, but can’t speak the words no. If Alex were to ask me to stay, I think there’s a good chance I might say yes. “Your father seems different now. He’s older and more mature.”
Finn groans out, pulling on his short hair. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He stomps back into the restaurant and I follow behind, still thinking about my future in politics.
Chapter Ten
ALEX
Finn stands inside the marquee, checking his watch for the tenth time this morning. “He should be here by now. I don’t know what’s taking him so long.”
“Has he got the rings?” I ask.
Sebastian’s the sort of guy who would be shacked up with a bridesmaid or two, but he’s not usually one to let Finn down.
