“What?” Calvin snorted a laugh. “Who would do this?” He met Rayne’s eyes. “Rona wouldn’t have done this. I don’t think she’s that clever.”
“No, it wasn’t Rona.” Rayne touched Calvin’s arm. “I think it was Eddie. You see, if you start divorce proceedings, then you will break the contract between our fathers. And if that happens—”
“You will get your inheritance,” he answered for her, “and I will forfeit mine.”
“Exactly.” She frowned. “Oh, Calvin. I’m sorry that Eddie is being so difficult.”
He studied her worried face, and just as it always had done, his heart softened. He took her left hand and glanced at the cheap wedding ring he’d purchased for her. They had both agreed on going cheap since their marriage would only last one year. But now...
“Rayne? I need to know something. I can handle Eddie, but I need to know,” he paused and stared into her mesmerizing blue eyes, “what doyouwant me to do?” He licked his suddenly dry lips, finding the courage to tell her what was in his heart. “I’ve realized lately that I’m falling in love with you. I don’t want to lose you to Eddie, but if you’re still in love with him, I’ll walk away from the marriage. I’ll start divorce proceedings so that you and Eddie can be together.”
Tears filled her eyes and her lips quivered. “You would really give up your inheritance for me?”
He nodded. “If it means making you happy so that you can be with the man you truly love, then yes.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her ring finger. “I meant what I said in that note inside the flowers I had sent.”
“You wouldn’t trade the memories for all the money in the world,” she whispered in a tight voice.
“Yes.”
She took a ragged breath and smiled. “Oh, Calvin. I was right about you having a huge heart and thinking of others.”
His gut twisted as pain shot through his heart. He didn’t want to believe that she’d go back to Eddie, but apparently Calvin Gates hadn’t charmed her enough to want to stay and be his wife forever. He couldn’t believe he’d lost another woman in his life.
Just then, his cell phone rang. He quickly answered it, only because he didn’t know what to say to Rayne – and he didn’t want to look like a failure.
“Gates,” he answered.
“Hi, Calvin. This is Betty. The partners have called an impromptu meeting. They have found some important evidence on the big case. I know it’s your lunch, but they really need everyone in this meeting.”
“No, I understand. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“Thanks, Calvin. I’ll tell them.”
He clicked off the phone and dropped it in his pocket. “An important meeting has been called with everyone at work. They want us to meet as soon as possible.”
She frowned and nodded. “I understand.”
He struggled to smile at her. “Let’s talk more tonight, okay?”
She nodded. “That works. The condo is a much more relaxed area to have this conversation than this small car.”
He forced a laugh. “That’s for sure.” He opened the door and climbed out. “See you tonight.” He shut the door before she could say anything.
As he hurried back to his car, the knot of emotion in his chest made it hard to breathe. And he promised himself he wouldnotcry. He just needed to know one thing. What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he keep women in his life?
He climbed in his car and started it. Perhaps it was time to go see his father, and right after the firm’s meeting, Calvin would pay a visit to the nursing home. His dad’s mind was pretty much gone, but every once in a while, the old man remembered things from his past. Calvin could only pray this time his father would remember.
* * * *
THE NURSING HOME SMELLhad always made Calvin want to gag. His brothers and sisters had searched for the best facility and accommodations for their father, and yet, the place still smelled of unwashed bodies and dirty diapers.
He checked in at the front desk. The thirty-something-year-old receptionist, Jamie, gave him a welcoming smile.
“Hello, Mr. Gates. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you.” She twirled a blonde lock of hair around her finger and batted her long lashes.
Calvin had known right away that she liked to flirt with him, but he’d never been attracted to her. “Hey, Jamie. Yeah, it’s been a while. I’ve been really busy at work.” He signed his name in the registry book. “How has the old man been doing lately?”
She shrugged. “He has good days and bad days. Just like everyone, I guess.”
