“She didn’t say that, but—”
“She gave you that impression.” It’s not a question, but a statement. He doesn’t seem surprised at all, but his jaw is working again and his hands are tight on the steering wheel, his knuckles pale.
I stare out the window to watch Aston blur out of sight to become a thing of the past.
“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “We have each other. We don’t need anyone else.”
We do. People always claim not to need anyone, but there are situations in life where one needs to lean on others. But it takes time to build relationships and even longer to repair broken ones.
The one other person I would have wanted to see is Lavinia, to say goodbye in person. But Jeffrey asked me to never return. I have to respect his wishes.
One thing I know for sure is that we’ll meet again someday. Lavinia is a true friend.
Back at the hotel in Nashville, we find Marcy gone. Apparently, she has checked out. She left a note for Alex to let him know she’ll get in touch.
When Alex calls her, she informs him that she’s at the airport. She has to fly to New York for an important fundraising event.
“I think we should stay one more night,” Alex suggests when we let ourselves into the suite. “Let’s enjoy the amenities for a few more hours. What do you think?”
“I like that idea. I’d really love a massage.”
Knowing that Marcy is no longer in the building makes it easy for me to relax and not worry about bumping into her.
Alex pulls me into his arms. “My darling wife, you can have as many massages as you want. From this moment on, the mother of my child will not lack anything. I failed you in the past, but those days are over. From now on, whatever you need, you get.”
I lean into him. “Be careful what promises you make, Mr. Watson.”
Chapter 15
Alex brings me to the 4,000-acre Clearwater Ranch, located an hour’s drive from Dallery, our hometown.
It’s surrounded by orchards and rolling hills, and even has a lake on the grounds. Alex told me it belonged to his paternal grandparents.
It’s a relief to know we won’t be staying with Marcy in her house in Dallery. Of course, I expect her to visit from time to time, but hopefully not to stay.
As much as I was dreading her presence, I haven’t seen her since we spoke in the lobby of the LaChris.
The comments she made to me still sting, but I try hard not to care. What’s the point? It won’t change how she feels about me. She will never accept me as her daughter-in-law. I have to swallow my pride and come to terms with it.
“How do you like the place?” Alex asks as he gives me a tour of the luxury residence.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s beautiful, Alex.”
It’s more like a resort than a ranch, a place people would come to for retreats and to escape from their troubles. I also love that the property is isolated. I can step out of the house without worrying that someone is staring at me. And if we need to get supplies, the nearest stores are only a twenty-minute drive away.
On the second floor, where our bedroom is located, I look out through the large window at the lake below, a stone’s throw from the doorstep of a small white guest cabin.
Alex comes to put his arms around me, resting his hands on my belly.
“Hanging out at the lake used to be my favorite thing to do as a kid. My grandfather and I fished there in the summer and I skated there some winters when it was cold enough.”
“That’s amazing. I’m sure this ranch holds a lot of memories for you.”
“It does, and it makes me miss my grandparents a lot. I used to love coming here. Back in Dallery with my parents, I couldn’t really be myself. There were too many rules. But out here, there was nobody breathing down my neck about eating too much and getting fatter. I could relax.”
Looking at Alex now with his well-defined arms and six-pack, it’s hard to imagine he used to struggle with his weight. Since it’s something that brought him a lot of misery and drew bullies to him, I decide not to discuss it. I’m actually surprised he brought it up. He hates talking about it.
“I’m glad you can come here again.” I run a finger along the windowsill. Not one speck of dust. Marcy must have sent someone to clean up the place before we arrived. As far as I know, no one lives here.
