“Yes, Ihadto marry her. She was engaged to marry another man, but when her father died, and the will was read...” He shrugged. “I’m sure you can surmise what happened at that point.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Cal. I had honestly forgotten about that stupid contract.” He paused as he stared at Calvin. Slowly, his grin reappeared. “So, I bet Max’s daughter is pretty.”
“Yes. She’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever met.”
“So...” His father waggled his eyebrows. “Have you consummated the marriage yet?”
Blowing out an agitated breath, Calvin ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m in love with her, Dad, but she doesn’t love me.”
The smile left his father’s face. “Oh, I’m so sorry, son. I know exactly how you feel.”
“Yes, which is why I came to see you.” He stood and moved around the small space in the living area. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Why can’t I keep women in my life?” His voice broke, so he quickly cleared his throat and looked back at his father. “Mother left, and now Rayne doesn’t want me.”
His father’s expression hardened, and he stood up, faster than Calvin had expected him to for being so feeble.
“Your mother and Max’s daughter are completely opposite.” He sighed. “Your mother only married me because of my money. She was never in love with me. She did as her parents wanted, and she married a rich man.”
“But Dad, you weren’t rich when the two of you married.”
His father arched an eyebrow. “I had some money and a lot of plans. Karen’s parents saw the potential in me, so they pushed Karen to marry me.” He shook his head. “Your mother did her wifely duty by having my children, but she wasn’t happy. Nothing made her happy. Some people are like that. They always want more, and when they get more, they’re still not happy with what they have.”
“So why doesn’t Rayne want to be my wife? I’m really thinking there is something wrong with me.”
“Cal, you’re a very smart boy, you’ve got your father’s good looks and charm,” he winked, “but you are very sensitive. Out of all my kids, you were the one who got his feelings hurt the most. You wore your emotions on your sleeves.”
“Yeah, I still do.”
“If Rayne can’t see what a wonderful man you truly are, then maybe she’s not the right woman for you.”
“But... I love her.” Calvin’s voice tightened again, so he cleared his throat. “I want her in my life.”
His father moved closer and patted Calvin’s shoulder. “If it’s meant to be, she’ll come back. Hopefully, she’ll realize what she’s missing because any woman would be lucky to be with you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” He hugged his father and gave him a smile. Moments like these were few and far between. He would always cherish them.
“Say, why don’t you go down the hall and get us some fruit juice? I’m in the mood for some apple juice.”
“Sure thing, Pop.”
With a bounce in his step, Calvin did as his father requested. His heart was light again and filled with hope. Maybe Rayne would realize what a jerk Eddie was, especially when she discovered he’d been cheating. Calvin still didn’t think he should say anything, but he prayed she’d find out on her own.
When he returned to his father’s room, the television was on and his father was watching the game show again. Calvin chuckled and shook his head.
“Here, Pop. I got you an apple juice.”
His father swung around and stared at him with blank eyes. Calvin’s heart wrenched. There was no recognition in his father’s eyes now.
“Do I know you?” his father asked.
Calvin’s smile was weak when he handed the juice to his father. “I work here.” He winked. “I’m just bringing your drink.”
His father took the small container away and stared in confusion at the drink. “Do I like apple juice?”
“It’s your favorite.”
“Oh.” He set the juice on the small table next to his recliner and turned back toward the television.
Calvin’s eyes burned with unshed tears, but at least he’d gotten to talk to his father for a few minutes. Those moments were priceless, and he’d always remember them.
