Dad stared at me for a moment, before he answered. “Yes, I wanted to talk to you about a few things.”
I waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, I said, “Okay?”
Leaning forward, he slid a large manilla envelope toward me. “I found this in your grandfather’s things. It’s addressed to you.”
I made no move to open the envelope. “You called me here for this?”
“I know you’re restoring Louise Fox’s home.”
“I was under the impression Granddad didn’t share his requests with anyone.”
Shrugging, my father said, “He told me aboutthisproject. He knew that the cost of the renovations might be more than he’d given you to complete it. So I’ve been instructed to see to it that you have everything you need.”
Another piece to the puzzle. “What is it about Louise Fox? Was she involved with Granddad? Did he have an affair with her?”
Dad dropped his gaze. “I don’t know. He never talked to me about her.”
The thought that Granddad had cheated on Granny with Louise didn’t feel right to me. But nothing about this made any sense. Angel hadn’t discovered anything either. “I’m a little confused as to why he wanted me to do this.”
“You’re not the only one,” he mumbled.
I took a moment to study my father. He looked… tired. Sad. “Are you okay?”
The question must have caught him off guard because he slumped back in his seat and let out a heavy sigh. “He was my father. I loved him. I worked hard for him my entire life. Now, he’s gone.”
The admission filled the space of the room, his sorrow potent, raw. I knew Granddad had a special relationship with all of his grandchildren, but I’d never stopped to think about the relationship he had with my father.
Swallowing, I said, “It can’t be easy for you.”
His eyes flashed to mine. “It’s not.”
The statement hung in the air. I didn’t know how to respond to that. I’d seen my father angry and disappointed, sometimes even happy. He displayed confidence at all times and never showed weakness. He was a pillar of strength, unbreakable and unwavering in his convictions. But this… I’d never seen my dad look so lost. Not even when Granny died.
“Your grandfather was right,” he admitted softly.
I didn’t want to assume I’d heard him right, so I asked, “What did you say?”
“He was right about you. Your accomplishments? None of them were unexpected. From the very beginning, I knew you would surpass my expectations.”
Unbelievable.
“I’m not going to force you,” Dad continued. “But I do agree that it’s time for you to come home and work with us at Prescott Holdings.”
The compulsion to argue or make up an excuse to leave was strong in that moment. But I couldn’t move.
Dad opened a drawer and pulled out leather-bound folder. “This is the company portfolio. As a board member, you already received one. I don’t know if you’ve read it, but I’d like you take a look.” He held it out for me. “Maybe we can meet for lunch next week to discuss your plans?”
Maverick’s words filtered through my mind.One minute, we’re living our lives without reservations or regrets. The next, we’re moving heaven and earth to do everything we said we wouldn’t.I knew I was at a crossroads, stuck between doing what I loved and stepping into a role I’d never wanted.
I took the folder. And instead of telling my father no, I said, “Just tell me when.”
