Bailey pulled away from me and took a seat on my bed. I saw the first tear run down her cheek as she bowed her head, holding her face in her hands. She was crying. And she didn’t want me to see.
“Hey.” I knelt down in front of her, resting my hand on her knee. “What’s wrong?”
She glanced at me briefly and then looked away. “I’m sorry. I just...”
I tilted her chin up in my hand. “What is it? Talk to me.”
She licked her lips and swallowed. “You looked so happy with her.”
“Is it the pictures?” I asked. “Do you want me to take them down? Because I will.” I went to stand.
“No.” She grabbed my arm. “I would never ask you to do that. I’m just so sorry.” She burst into tears, burying her face in her hands. It had come out of nowhere.
“Bailey.” I wrapped my arms around her. “It’s not your fault.”
She hugged me closer, and we talked a long time. Some women might not be able to handle what had happened, or the fact that I’d been married before. Even though she was gone, Vanessa would always have a piece of my heart. Without Bailey, I never would have gotten over her death. Then again, I hadn’t been the best boyfriend by keeping my past from her.
I knew to be honest from now on. The problem was, this weekend might reveal more of the truth than I wanted her to see.
IF MY FATHER WERE A judge, the dinner table was his courtroom. My mother sat at his side, ready to fulfill his every wish and desire. She was submissive by nature, but he took advantage of it daily. He’d been doing it for years.
I pulled Bailey’s chair out for her and sat on the other end, as far from my father as possible. Since Vanessa’s death, he had yet to forgive me. I guess I was supposed to play God that night and predict the future. If I could go back in time and save her, I would have. Everyone seemed to accept that but him.
“This looks wonderful, hun,” he said. “You sure do a great job in the kitchen.”
“Well, your daughter helped me a lot,” Mom smiled. “And Bailey.”
Dad set his hawk eyes on my girl. I cut my meat and took a bite, prepared to filet my own father if I had to. No one knew the hell he’d put me through.
“Did she now?” he asked.
Bailey lowered her eyes, pushing her food around on her plate. He was making her feel uncomfortable. One of his many unfortunate talents.
“Have you ever been this far south of the Mason Dixon line?”
“Yes, sir,” Bailey said. “Many times.”
“Oh,” he lilted, disappointed that he couldn’t pin her down just yet.
I clenched my fist and glared at him, not knowing how much more of this I could take.
“I really like Savannah,” she added.
“Yes,” Mom smiled. “It’s beautiful there.”
Beth and Evan grinned at Bailey, probably feeling sorry for her. She didn’t deserve to be under my father’s microscope.
“From what I understand, your father is a very rich man, Miss Lewis. Perhaps the richest.”
Bailey blushed. “He’s worked really hard for what he has. I’m proud of him.”
“That must be nice,” he said. “Being born into all that wealth. It must make things like money come real easy for you.”
Bailey looked my father head on. “You’re right, Mr. Boudreaux. I’ve had a privileged life. But if you knew my father, you’d understand that he doesn’t tolerate laziness. I’ve had advantages, sir. But I work hard every day of my life. Your son does, too. That’s one of the reasons why I love him so much.”
You could hear a pin drop. My sweet girl from the big city had just held her own against my dictator of a father. I wouldn’t need to worry about her for the rest of the weekend. She could take care of herself.
I smirked at my father across the table. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. There was a twinkle in my mother’s eyes.
One that stayed there well into the night.
THERE WAS A KNOCK ON the door as we were getting ready for bed. Bailey was under the covers in a pink little night gown. She was the perfect combination—sexy and sweet.
I wanted to keep her forever.
“This bed is too small.” I leaned over her and rubbed her stomach, desperate to have a child. One day, at least. She was going to be a great mother. I had no doubt in my mind. And I wanted to share that with her—raising a family. It would be amazing. If I could just get up the courage to ask a simple question...
“It’s fine,” she said, rubbing my shoulder.
“I can sleep on the couch downstairs,” I offered. “Then you’ll have enough room.”
She grabbed my collar to pull me down on top of her. “I’d rather sleep on the floor together than in your bed alone.”
I chuckled when my mother came in. I sat up and pulled the covers over Bailey.
Mom smiled at us. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure.” I squeezed Bailey’s hand. “I’ll be right back.”
We left and I shut the door to my bedroom. Mom took me upstairs to the attic. The door was locked, but she had the key.
“I haven’t been up here in years.” I coughed, dodging dust and cobwebs.
Mom opened the closet and pulled out a chest. She set it down on a table and took her necklace off. There was a small gold key on the end of the chain. She put it in the lock and opened the chest.
“Mom, what is all this?”
“Your grandmother’s jewelry,” she said. “My mother. I’ve been saving pieces for your sister, too.” She plucked a ring box from the chest. “Give this to Bailey.”
There was a diamond ring inside.
“Mom, I can’t do that.” I shut the box. “This is a family heirloom.”
“I want her to have it.”
I sighed. “I already bought her a ring.” I pulled it out of my pocket and showed her.
“Oh my.” She put her hand to her chest. “So she is special.”
“Of course.”
“And you’re serious about her?”
“What made you think I wasn’t?” I asked.
“It’s your father. He adored Vanessa. But she’s gone now.” She touched my cheek. “I want you to be happy again, Carter. I want you to have a life.”
“I know.”
“You were so depressed when she died. And you had a right to be. But I want so much for you, son. And if Bailey is the one who makes you feel alive again, then marry that girl.”
“It’s not just that,” I said, holding back tears. “She understands me. She doesn’t want to change me. She loves me for who I am. She’s so good and sweet. She’s like an angel. I don’t deserve her, but I’m not giving her up.”
“Does she know that?”
“Yeah.” I wiped a stray tear away. “I’ve been wanting to propose to her. I just never know when it’s the right time. With Vanessa, it was sort of an arrangement. We didn’t realize we loved each other until we were already married. But with Bailey, it’s different. I want it to be perfect.”
Mom put the ring box back in the chest.
“Give it to Beth,” I said. “She’ll love it.”
She pressed out a smile and locked the chest. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment,” she said. “It may never come.”
“Do you think she’ll say yes?” I asked.
“The way that girl looks at you? I think she’d agree to anything. All you have to do is ask.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I gave her a hug. “I’ve missed you.” When I tried to pull away, she wouldn’t let go.
“Promise me you won’t stay away that long again.”
I heard a scream, and my blood pressure dropped.
Mom looked startled and confused. Next, there were wails, cries for help. It made my skin crawl.
I ran downstairs and followed the sound. To my horror, it was coming from my bedroom. I opened the door and found Bailey trapped in a bad dream, kicking and screaming.
“Bailey.” I rushed to her s
ide, shaking her shoulders until she woke up.
She opened her eyes with a great big gasp, shivering with fear. She was sweating, but she felt stone cold.
“Hey.” I cupped her cheek. “Sweetheart.”
She recognized me and fell into my arms, crying. I held her close, rubbing her back. She was so upset. It probably hadn’t helped—her being left alone in a strange place.
“What’s going on?” Dad yelled down the hall.
“Robert!” Mom scolded.
“Well, what’s with all that damn noise? Are the Yankees comin’?”
Dad opened the door and let himself in. Mom was next. Then Evan and Beth.
It was too much for her. Bailey was probably humiliated that my whole family had witnessed her nightmare. I wouldn’t let anyone give her a hard time.
“Is she okay?” Beth wondered, concerned.
“Yes, she’s fine.” I stroked her hair. “She just needs some space. There are too many people in the room.”
“Oh, sorry.” Beth left, and I hoped I hadn’t hurt her feelings. Evan went to check on her, which relieved my worry.
“Is she sick?” Dad asked.
Bailey was still shaking in my arms. She had burrowed her head in my chest. So I lay against the headboard to comfort her.
I looked at Mom. “Could you get her some water?”
“Of course.” She disappeared down the hall, while I did my best to calm Bailey down.
“Well,” Dad grunted. “What the hell is wrong with her?”
“Enough!” I jumped out of the bed. “Now, I’ve just about had it with you!” I jabbed my finger into his chest. “If you make one more snide remark or so much as blink at her the wrong way, I swear to God I’ll never step foot in this house again!”
It took me a minute to catch my breath. Dad looked shocked. But the truth is, I should have done that a long time ago.
Mom came in the room with a glass of water and a warm wash cloth for Bailey’s head. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Why don’t you ask your son?” he said. “All I’m hearing is anger and disrespect. I think he’s been away from home for too long.”
I gritted my teeth as he headed for the door.
“She got in his head. He’s a Yankee now. That’s not my son.”
After he left, I got up and packed our bags.
“Carter,” Mom said. “Don’t do this again. Don’t let him win.”
I put Bailey’s things in her suitcase. “I’m not letting him win. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay under his roof anymore.”
I loaded the truck and carried Bailey out of there in my arms. She was the one who had saved me, pulled me out of the darkness. I didn’t know what I’d do without her. But that didn’t matter, because I never intended to be without her.
Bailey was my family now. And if I had to turn my back on blood to protect her, then so be it.
Chapter 20
Bailey
He wanted to keep driving. I know he did. But we hadn’t come all this way for nothing. Carter had unfinished business in Louisiana. And he’d be a fool to go home now. It would be like leaving an open wound untreated. One that had been bloody and gushing for far too long.
“Carter, I’m sorry.” I sat on the end of the bed, feeling like crying all over again. “I’m so sorry.”
He knelt down in front of me and took my hands. “Sweetheart, don’t you dare apologize for him. This is his fault, not yours. Do you understand?”
I nodded, but still felt lousy.
“Come here.” He pulled me into his arms. I shut my eyes and breathed him in, soaking up his warmth.
We’d checked into a hotel after ten. It was really nice, and we had a queen size bed. So now I wouldn’t have to talk him out of sleeping on the couch. But I didn’t feel much better than I had when we left.
“I just wish there was something I could do.”
“You’re here with me,” he said. “And that’s all I’ve ever wanted. That’s all that matters.”
I shut my eyes and shivered. I felt so weak and tired. The dream hadn’t quite left me.
“Let’s go to bed,” he suggested, pulling the covers back.
I crawled on the mattress and slipped beneath the sheet, wondering if my sadness would ever go away. He lay down beside me and turned the light out, curling his arm around my back. Resting my head on his chest, I ran my fingertips down his torso. He had rough skin and a coarse patch of hair on his chest.
Carter was a real man. Fit. Toned. Strong. A protector.
My protector.
“He was on top of me,” I said. “I couldn’t get him off. He wouldn’t move. He wouldn’t stop.”
Carter stroked my arm and kissed my hair.
“I’m really glad you woke me up when you did,” I whispered. “If you hadn’t, I—” I broke down crying and shed some most unwelcome tears.
“Hey,” he cooed, lying beside me so I could see his face in the dark. “No one is ever going to hurt you like that again. Okay?”
I sniffled and took a deep breath. “Sometimes, I get so scared. He’s dead, but there are people out there just like him.”
“And I’ll kill them all if I have to.”
I forced a laugh to keep from crying.
“I’d do anything to make you happy, to make you feel safe,” he said.
I touched my nose to his and snuggled in his warmth. “I don’t think your Dad likes me.”
“I’m not even sure if he likes himself.”
“You know what I said at dinner?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have said it. Maybe I should have been nicer. He is your father.”
“Don’t ever apologize for standing up for yourself.” He kissed my forehead, cradling my face in his hands. “Anything you’ve told him... it’s not like he didn’t deserve it.”
“You’re a good guy, Carter,” I said.
“No, I’m not.”
I wrapped my arms around him and sighed. “Maybe one day you’ll realize how amazing you are.”
He smirked. “Well, I already know how amazing you are.”
He squeezed my hips and trailed kisses down my neck. I rolled onto my back and indulged in the pleasure, knotting my fingers in his hair. He took his shirt off and kissed me, making me feel so loved. Relaxing, I coiled my limbs around him and molded his mouth to mine.
As long as we had this, nothing else mattered.
I WOKE UP ON MY STOMACH, tangled in the covers. Carter was already up and dressed for the day. He paced back and forth, talking on the phone. The tone of his voice made me feel uneasy.
I shut my eyes and sighed, feeling extra lazy. Last night was coming back to me, but I tried to push it away. When he got off the phone, I looked up and caught him smiling at me.
“Hey, sweetheart.” He sat down on the bed and put his hand on my waist. “Did you sleep well?”
“Mm-hmm.” I braided his fingers through mine and swooned when he kissed me.
“I ordered room service.” He pointed at the cart. “Eat whatever you want.”
“I just might have to.” I gave him my bedroom eyes and pulled him down on the mattress beside me. “Do you want to take a shower?”
“As tempting as that sounds, we have to leave soon.” He put his hand on my back. “I promised Mom we’d come over.”
“What about last night?” I asked.
“Just pretend like it never happened. I’m sure they will.”
I frowned and looked away.
“Don’t feel weird about it.” He tipped my chin up with his finger. “You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
I forced a smile, for his benefit more than mine.
“I’ll let you get dressed.” He got back on his phone and went downstairs to the lobby. At least, that’s where he said he was going. It wasn’t a good enough reason to be suspicious, but it still made me feel strange. Overnight, the tiniest bit of distance had been
wedged between us. I didn’t like it one bit.
I ate a small breakfast and took a shower. My negative thoughts were back with a vengeance. This time, they revolved around Carter and his family. Last night, his father had made it incredibly clear that I wasn’t welcome. Like I wasn’t good enough for his family. It made me feel insecure.
What if I never measured up?
Brushing my worries aside, I put on a cute dress and flats. Then I spent a little longer on my hair and makeup than I had yesterday. With the way his father acted, you’d think they were the first family and he was running the whole country. But I’d never cared much for politics. Maybe that’s why he kept rubbing me the wrong way.
When we arrived at the house, I kind of felt like throwing up. But Carter took my hand and led me inside. There, we found Beth and Sally baking in the kitchen.
“Bailey, hi!” Sally lit up. Despite my issues with his father, I really liked Carter’s mom. She was sweet.
Beth smiled at me, patting out dough on the kitchen island. There was flour everywhere, but they didn’t seem too concerned about the mess. Carter’s dad had gone into the woods, so that explained a lot.
“I better go look for him,” Carter said.
“Don’t worry about him,” Sally said. “He’ll come back. He always does.”
“Well, I better check anyway.” He squeezed my arm. “Will you be okay here by yourself?”
“Yeah,” I whispered. “I’ll be fine.”
“Don’t worry, Carter,” Beth said. “We’ll take care of her.”
Carter grinned at his sister, leaving me with a quick kiss on the mouth. And then he was gone.
“What are you making?” I wondered, eyeing slices of dough on the island.
“Apple pie and blackberry cobbler,” Sally said with a warm Southern twang.
“Sounds great,” I said, feeling out of place.
“Would you like to help?” Beth asked.
“Yes,” I sighed in relief. “Thank you.”
“Let’s get you an apron.” Sally handed me a red one with apples on the trim. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” I put on the apron with gusto, carefully tying the strings. It would be nice to do something with my hands. At the very least, it might take my mind off what had happened last night.
An Agreement (Summer in New York Book 3) Page 24