He didn’t answer his partner’s rhetorical question. Instead, he took another long sip of whiskey from the glass sitting on his desk. And he knew when it was empty, he had a bottle just waiting to refill it.
“Mattie, me boy, tis over. Herself broke yer heart. Nothin' more to be done. She's sat up there in that fine mansion with himself and her fancy friends drinking her fancy champagne. She's not after fixin' the problem. Let her go. We got work waitin' on us, we do.”
Gus slapped him on the back and sat down across from him eyeing his glass. “Filled with drink, and not helping yourself at all. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Should be thankin' yer lucky stars. Didn't himself let you off without burying you or our business? Says a great deal about the man. And how do you repay him? By falling into a bottle. Unless you want to be the one who does this business in, then pull yourself out of the bin and gets us back to work.”
Matthew knew Gus was right. Daniel Livingston could have shut them down completely and run them out of town with his influence. And without a way to make a living, he and Gus would be living out on the streets.
“I know that.” Matthew grouched. “Don’t you think I know that? What I did was unethical...unconscionable...unforgivable, and— ”
“I would agree with you on all of those points except the last one.” A male voice spoke from the doorway.
He jumped up from his chair at the familiar voice and knocked it over with a loud clatter. “Mr. Livingston.” It was all he could manage from the shock of seeing his former client again. He smoothed his mussed hair and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of his shirt. Nothing he could do at this moment was gonna make his appearance any better—not after two weeks of brooding. “What are you— ”
“Doing here? Let’s just say I’m here to talk business. Let’s start there, shall we?”
Gus rose from his side of the desk and nodded to Mr. Livingston. “Tis good to see yourself in such a fine state. Can't be saying the same for my partner. There's such a heartache in him, he can't feel past it. A right grump as well, fair warning.”
He then sent Matthew a look. “Keep your head on straight and mind your manners.” his partner advised. “I’ve got some work down on Vienna Street so I better get to it.” He sent Matthew another look of warning and then left the office closing the door behind him.
As soon as Gus was gone, Matthew apologized again. “I’m sorry, Mr. Livingston. I can’t apologize enough for what happened with—in Durango.”
“I understand. And now that I’ve had a heart-to-heart talk with my daughter, I understand exactly what happened and how it happened. There was a lot more going on with my daughter than either of us could have known.”
Matthew frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean? What more is there?” Matthew wondered exactly what Abigail told her father. He’d already taken all the blame. What more could there be?
“My daughter and I have come to an understanding. It seems there were some things we’ve needed to say to each other...for a long time, Mr. Bellamy...may I call you Matthew?”
“Yes, sir. Please do, Mr. Livingston.”
“And if you don’t mind, call me Daniel. I think this conversation will go a lot better if we are on a first name basis.”
Matthew’s nerves were on edge. “What conversation?”
Instead of answering Matthew’s question, Daniel switched topics. “Have you ever been a father, Matthew?”
Matthew frowned at the man’s question. “No, sir. I most certainly have not. If I had a child out there, I’d be taking care of him...or her.” What was the man getting at? Was Abigail with child? His child? His heart punched him in the ribs. It could happen, he reminded himself. All it takes is one time, and—
“I’m sorry, Matthew. I didn’t mean to offend you. Let me rephrase my question. Have you ever loved something so much that you didn’t want to let it out of your sight for a minute and that you practically built a prison around it so nothing could ever hurt it?” Abigail’s father stared down at his own hands, a sad and defeated look on his face.
Matthew knew he was talking about Abigail, and yes, he did know what it was like to love someone and want to protect them more than anything. But he also knew the pain of losing her. It was a pain like no other. “Yes, sir. I know exactly what you’re talking about.”
Daniel looked up and met Matthew’s expression. He offered Matthew an understanding smile. “Yes, I suppose you do.”
Abigail’s father stood and paced the room for a few minutes stopping to stare out the window once or twice before he returned to his seat on the other side of Matthew’s desk. He looked at Matthew and seem to be searching for something.
“Mr. Livingston—I mean Daniel. I don’t know why you’re here, but I can assure you that I’ve told you everything there is to know about me and Abigail. Everything. If there’s something troubling you, please tell me and I’ll do anything I can to make it right. You’ve been very understanding to me and my partner. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your generosity because I damn sure don’t deserve it.”
“I don’t usually beat around the bush, Matthew. I think you know that about me. And I’m not usually wrong, but when I am, I don’t mind sayin’ it.”
“Wrong about?” Matthew was still in the dark. He wished the man would just say what he had come here to say. This conversation was torture.
“I was wrong about a lot of things, but mostly I was wrong to keep my daughter under lock and key. I thought I was protecting her, but instead, I robbed her of her identity. And I robbed her of the chance at happiness. Her own definition of happiness. Not what I thought would make her happy. She’s a unique individual and she has an equally unique definition of what happiness means to her. And, I kept that from her.”
“You did?” Matthew was so confused, but he would stay here all night if he had to in order to hear him out.
“Yes, as it turns out, there seems to be only one man on this earth that is able to give my daughter the happiness she wants—the happiness she deserves, and I plan on giving him the opportunity to do just that.”
Matthew’s heart plunged deep into the pit of his stomach. Daniel had found someone he approved of that would make Abigail happy. That’s why he was here. He wanted to make sure that he didn’t do anything to spoil it.
He inhaled a deep, painful breath. He knew he would be watching in the shadows when his beautiful rose married someone else, but the pain sliced right through him.
He eyed his glass of whiskey on the desk but decided against taking a drink. Abigail’s father had come to him for a reason, especially knowing his and Abigail’s—history. Gus’s words came rushing back. “Herself broke yer heart. Nothin' more to be done. Let her go.”
“No problem, sir. Whatever it is you need me to do to do, I won’t let you down. Do you want me to investigate this man? Gus and I will make it our top priority and there’s no charge. We’ll be happy to oblige.” Matthew took his notebook from the desk drawer. “Let’s start with his name and description. Tall? Where does he hail from? Color of his hair? Folks?” Matthew was reading to jot down every last detail even though he knew this case was going to kill him.
“Whoa, there son. There’s no need for all that.”
“Well, I don’t want to disagree with you, Daniel, but lack of details is what tripped us up last time, remember? And if this man is important to Abigail, then I want to make sure every rock is overturned so that Abigail—can be happy.” He meant every word even though the thought of Abigail getting married made him sick.
“I’m glad to hear that, Matthew. And the fact that you care so much about my daughter’s happiness makes this next few questions so much easier to ask.”
“You name it, sir. I’ll do my best.”
“Matthew, do you love my daughter?”
Matthew would swear he heard the man wrong. “What?”
“Do you love my daughter?”
“Um, well, I— ”
“That’s a yes
or no question. Do you love Abigail or Rose or whatever name you want to call her.” Daniel searched his face for answers.
Did he want to tell Daniel how he felt about his daughter? He had already when he admitted how he had screwed up the most important case of his life, and how he had screwed it up. Why did it matter now?
If Daniel had his mind set on someone for Abigail’s future, was he afraid Matthew would sabotage it? Surely, he knew by now that Matthew’s integrity was very important to him.
“Daniel, I’m not sure how me answering this question is going to make a difference. I hope you know that regardless of my feelings for your daughter, I will do my very best to support whatever you ask me to. You know that, right? I would never put Abigail’s happiness or safety in jeopardy for my own gain.” Matthew did his best to reassure Abigail’s father that he would do nothing to harm her or her reputation.
“Matthew, as I said when I first arrived, my daughter and I had a heart-to-heart the day I arrived in Durango. I was angry with you and I was angry with her. So much so, I was prepared to say some pretty harsh things to my daughter and her co-conspirators.” Matthew watched Daniel’s serious countenance change to amusement. “But Abigail reminded me in no certain terms that she was Daniel Livingston’s daughter, and for better or worse, she was not going to be sheltered ever again.
Matthew smiled at the mention of Abigail’s statement. “Yes, she was rather hell-bent on having her holiday, wasn’t she?” The thought of Abigail and the time they spent together tore at his open wound. He had been so close to happiness only to lose it. Damn. He wanted to reach for that glass again.
“So, you never answered my question, Matthew. Do you love my daughter and was the time you spent with her . . .life changing?”
Matthew thought about his answer. “Yes, sir. I love your daughter with my heart and soul. I would die for her if I had to. But more importantly, I want her to be happy with the man of her choice.”
Daniel grinned. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, I know I’m asking a big favor, but I would consider it an honor if you would be in attendance at Abigail’s engagement party tomorrow night. It’s formal, so dress accordingly.”
Matthew took a deep breath at the mention of Abigail’s engagement party. He had known it was just a matter of time before…but he never dreamed she would get married so soon after...and that he would be forced to witness it all. Was this Daniel’s way of punishing him for his transgressions with his daughter? From the man’s tone, he didn’t think so. Why did he want Matthew there on his daughter’s big night? Whatever the reason, Matthew would do whatever he had to do no matter the personal cost to himself.
“Yes, sir.” It was all Matthew could manage as thoughts of regret and confusion chased each other inside his head.
“Good. Here’s the address. Eight o’clock sharp. And Matthew, please don’t be late. Your future depends on it.” Daniel grinned and slapped him on the back. “See you tomorrow night.”
After Daniel left, Matthew sat in his office trying to make sense of his visit. It bordered on bizarre, but he sensed that Daniel Livingston did nothing without a lot of consideration.
“My future depends on it? What in the world did he mean by that?”
Matthew hadn’t a clue, but whatever Daniel’s purpose was in having him at his daughter’s engagement party, he would rise to the occasion and stand in the background while his precious Rose was promised to someone else.
He opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out the envelope from John Kingston. Inside was the emerald rose engagement ring he had bought for the woman he had fallen in love with.
Matthew stuck it in his pocket as a reminder of all that was lost to him.
Chapter 16
Abigail Livingston plopped down on her bed and flung herself against the pillows. “I’m exhausted. I swear I tried on twenty dresses today trying to find the perfect dress for my party tonight.”
Her friend, Gwendolyn Patterson, sat down next to her. “Well, I would say it was worth the trouble. That dress is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. And you will look perfect in it tonight.” Gwen frowned. “By the way, your invitation to the party didn’t say why you were having the party. Is it someone’s birthday? It’s not your birthday, that much I know.”
“No, it’s no one’s birthday. The party is a surprise.” She answered her friend with a vague fact.
“A surprise party for who?” Gwen insisted.
“Maybe it’s a surprise for you.” she teased.
Gwen looked shocked and then realized she was teasing. “I never get surprises. And besides, even if it was a party for me, you would still be the center of attention. You are the only one anyone pays attention to.” Gwen sighed.
Abbie took off her shoes and tossed them on the bed beside her. “Nonsense. Why, just two days ago, I saw Reggie Wickersham staring a hole through you at the Orphan’s Christmas Fundraiser Gala. He nearly tripped over the potted plant trying to catch a glimpse of you.”
Gwen’s eyes rounded in surprise. “Reginald Wickersham? Was staring at me? I don’t believe it,” she said. Although, Abbie could see the hope in her eyes.
“Well, it’s true. I saw it myself.”
Gwen grinned at Abbie and she grinned back.
“So, if it isn’t someone’s birthday party, what else can it be?”
“If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone else? Do you promise, Gwen?”
Her friend took on a solemn expression and raised her hand. “I swear. Now tell me.” Gwen lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
“It’s an engagement party. I’m getting engaged.” Abbie said to her friend. She just prayed her statement would come true by the end of this evening.
“Engaged? But...to whom?”
“Matthew.”
Gwen’s look of shock was almost comical. “But, I thought you said he was furious with you when he left Durango? Has something happened between you two that I don’t know about?”
“No. As far as I know, he’s still very angry with me,” Abigail admitted.
“Then what makes you think he’s going to propose to you tonight?”
“He’s not. I’m proposing to him.”
Abigail laughed out loud at the shocked look on her friend’s face. “What? Why, that’s unheard of, Abbie. No woman proposes to a man. It’s scandalous.” Her friend’s tone was tempered by her grin. “And so exciting. You are proposing to him? What did your father say?”
“He’s the one who set it up. At least, that’s the plan and I haven’t heard any different, so…”
“Oh, my goodness. My best friend will be the first woman in town to do the proposing. It will be the talk of the town by tomorrow and everyone will come to me because they will just assume that I have the inside story, which I suppose I do.” She squealed with delight at the new perceived status she had just acquired.
“But what if he says no? I mean, not that he would. There’s no man in this town that could say no to you, but what if he’s still mad at you and he does…you know…say no?”
It was a thought that worried Abbie ever since she and her father had begun to plan for this. But she wanted Matthew enough to take the chance. She wanted a future with the man she had always dreamed of, the man who fell in love with her because…because she was simply herself.
“That’s a chance I'm willing to take.” she admitted.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes, Abbie. Not for any amount of money. Not even to be an only child.”
She grinned at her friend’s comment. It was just a month ago that she and Gwen were sitting right here in this same spot talking about how if Gwen were in her shoes, she’d be as happy as a pig in a peach orchard. Apparently, her friend’s sentiment had changed.
“Did you invite Reggie to your party tonight?” Gwen wanted to know.
“I did.”
“Oh, then I must get home and get dressed. I want to look my best for Regg—um, yo
ur party tonight. And I truly hope everything goes according to plan, Abbie.”
Gwen rushed out of the room and Abbie smiled at her friend’s excitement. It was something to focus on other than her own worries. Would her father be able to convince Matthew to come tonight? Would Matthew understand the reason behind her deception? Would he understand how very much she needed him and loved him? If he didn’t, then she would make him understand.
A knock at the door pulled her out of her doubts. “Come in.” she called out to her unknown visitor.
Her father walked in. “I just wanted to let you know everything is in place for tonight’s party.”
“And Matthew? Will he be here?”
“He’ll be here, sweetheart. The rest will be entirely up to you. And, if you decide to change your mind at the last minute, that too is entirely up to you. I didn’t tell him why he was to come tonight, just as you instructed. And whatever you decide, I will stand behind whatever decisions you make,” her father assured her.
“Thank you, Father. Your support means the world to me. Now, fingers crossed.”
“Fingers crossed, my sweet, sweet Abigail Rose. Fingers crossed.” Her father leaned in and kissed her on her cheek. “Now, I have to see to your mother. She’s a wreck. You would think her daughter was getting engaged tonight.”
She laughed at her father’s humor knowing full well her mother was in full mother-of-the-bride velocity.
Four hours later, the grandfather clock at the end of the hall struck eight o’clock. The party was in full swing and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, except Abbie. Matthew still hadn’t shown up even though he had promised her father he would.
Her nerves were frayed, and she kept sending worried glances to the ballroom door where visitors were announced. Matthew had not been among them.
Her father leaned into whisper in her ear. “Matthew’s here, Abigail. He’s standing over by the musicians stand. See, there, next to the cellos.”
She carefully turned her head in the direction her father had directed as if she were simply enjoying the music.
The Debutante's Holiday: Western Historical Romance (The Debutantes of Durango Book 6) Page 15