“Oops.” He made a display of swallowing. “This is the best sandwich in the entire world. It’s got everything in it. Do you want a bite?”
“Thanks, but no thanks.” She planted her hands over her full stomach.
Still eating, Patrick joined her, leaning against the side of the bed.
Maisy straightened. “Did you have a good time with Chase?” she asked, although she already knew the answer.
“The best ever.” He raced into the common area and pulled out the kid-size jersey, along with one Chase had purchased for her. She’d rather he’d not been so extravagant, but couldn’t find it in her heart to be upset. He’d planned everything perfectly, right down to the last detail.
Maisy closed her eyes. She was falling for Chase. By all that was right, warning bells should be ringing like Big Ben in her head, reminding her that whatever was happening between them wouldn’t last. Hard as she tried to listen, those bells remained silent.
Patrick finished his snack, which was more like a lunch, and started sorting out the baseball cards. Maisy was on an emotional high. She knew Chase had been concerned when Simon asked to speak to her privately. To be fair, she’d been unsettled herself. It didn’t take a private detective to figure out what he wanted to know. It was only natural that Chase’s father had questions about Maisy’s relationship with his son. She was aware she was nothing like the women Chase had previously dated. Nor was she wealthy, which likely made her suspect when it came to his own financial situation.
For that matter, she didn’t have a college degree or any other social cachet or connections. Simon was doing his due diligence when it came to her relationship with his son, so she didn’t take offense.
The thing was, Simon Furst had surprised her. No, he’d more than surprised her. He’d shocked her. His questions, at least the first few, had to do with Michelle, Chase’s mother. He’d wanted to hear about the people who knew Michelle and what she’dlearned. Maisy had filled in the details as best she could. He’d listened intently, nodded several times, and then said, “My son is infatuated with you.”
Maisy had found no disapproval in his comment. “The feeling is mutual.”
Simon went silent for a long moment, as if carefully considering his words. “You’re not like any woman he’s ever dated.”
“I can believe that, and honestly, he isn’t like any man I’ve ever dated, either.”
Simon had smiled.
“Do you care for him?” he’d asked next.
“Very much.” She hadn’t been comfortable with anything but the truth.
He’d nodded. “You aren’t the woman I would have chosen for him. You have nothing to offer in a way that would enhance business relationships or social standing.”
“I imagine I’m not.” Maybe she should have been offended by the comment, but she wasn’t. Simon spoke the truth. “If you disapprove of me, I understand. I have nothing to offer Chase but my heart.”
“I suppose you find the fact my son is a wealthy man attractive.”
She lowered her head so he wouldn’t see her smile. “Actually, I find Chase’s wealth a detriment. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a huge disadvantage. The truth is, I’d rather he was an electrician like my brother or a salesman the way my father was. I care deeply for Chase, but he has little concept of delayed gratification or doing without. When we first met, I found him to be rude and inconsiderate.”
Simon’s eyebrows arched upward. “I see, and you’re right. Myson can often be self-absorbed, although I can honestly say his attitude toward others has changed since he met you.”
It did Maisy’s heart good to hear that.
“It took me some time to realize your appeal,” he continued.
“Oh?” She wasn’t sure if she should be insulted or not.
“You’ve given my son a taste of something he’s never known.”
“And what’s that?” She couldn’t help thinking about Chase mashing potatoes and doing his best to pretend meatloaf was his favorite dinner.
“Family life. That’s unfortunately something I was unable to give my son. He was young when his mother left and then handed over to a series of nannies and housekeepers. I did my best to give him structure and to teach him boundaries by having him attend boarding school. It was all I could do at the time. However, I failed Chase when it came to being part of a family. You, your siblings, and your mother have shown him what it’s like to belong, to have roots and look beyond oneself, and for that I’m grateful.”
Maisy hardly knew what to say.
“I noticed how attached he’s become to young Patrick. Never heard him talk more about a kid than that boy. And your older brother. Steve, is it?”
“Sean,” she corrected.
“Right. Chase seems determined to win him over and prove he’s sincere.”
