“Hush!” he orders. “Don’t say such vile things.”
She cackles, unbothered. Her high heels step through the shards of her broken wineglass. I tense as she nears. For a moment, she stands beside me on the same step. Her anger radiates as hot as the sun, causing me to squint as I look up. Without a word, she pushes past me, gripping the banister as she ascends. Red wine coats the soles of her shoes, leaving red prints on the white carpet, each one lighter.
The memory fades out.
Mother gives me that same look before plodding out of the room, empty wineglass cradled in her hand.
Alone with Dad, the room feels bigger. Colder. He strolls over to me and sits on the table beside my plate.
“I cannot understand how far you’ve fallen from grace.”
“I am sorry,” I repeat once more, but despite his ardent disapproval, I won’t buckle. I can’t. I can’t marry Blake.
His voice drops to a rough timber. “How do you expect this to go? Run away with the boy?”
“No,” I whisper.
“Marry him?”
My stomach knots as Blake’s words are echoed, reminding me many details have yet to be discussed.
“I need to talk to Jack about that.”
“And children?”
“Okay! I know, but I am optimistic these things will work out. Daddy, you know Jack is special. Nobody can deny histalents. With time, I’ll convert him. Then he will be twice the match Blake is.”
His fist slams against the table. “Do not disparage Blake. He gave you everything and you spit on his gifts like you spat on God’s.”
I slump in my chair, head back as I stare at the opulent chandelier above. Tears trickle along my temples.
“What if Jack is God’s gift to me? I have denied him for long enough and been miserable for it. That explains why I am unhappy.”
“Jack is an atheist. A lowlife heathen—”
“He isnota lowlife,” I say firmly, finding the insult wildly misplaced. “He is a once in a generation talent, and you know it.”
After a long, dark moment of silence, Dad rises to a stand.
“That boy isn’t ready to care for a woman like you.”
“I can take care of myself,” I mumble. “I have my own money.”
He chuckles. “The Bible has taught you the importance of a husband. If you think money is his only issue, you are a bigger fool than him.”
I fold my arms, willing his words not to sink in.
“Morgan, I think it’s time we take a more aggressive approach to curing this problem.”
“He isn’t a problem. I’m telling you, Dad. I can convert him.”
“Oh?” he challenges, his smile growing sinister. “Yes, a more aggressive approach is just what we need.”
Chapter 46
Jack
Iawaken in bed, face down, with a massive hard on.
