Always Mine

by Ruth Cardello

  How had he asked her to stay? The auction is an important night for all of us. That was probably the cue to remind her that she has no place in his family. In his life.

  It was never supposed to be forever.

  Celeste had said she’d encouraged Emily to go to Paris with Asher to wake her up, get her to see there was a whole world outside of Welchton. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love.

  She skimmed her profile in the mirror dispassionately. The dress was beautifully cut and clung to her curves. Celeste had organized hair and makeup to be done professionally, and the result was a polished look Emily’s artistic eye appreciated, but she didn’t feel beautiful. She felt confused.

  If he cared about me, he would have tried to convince me to stay instead of agreeing with me that we could never work out.

  After she’d walked out of Asher’s office, she’d wanted to run back in and tell him she was being a fool and that, of course, she would try again. But she’d forced herself to keep walking.

  I want the kind of love my grandfather had for my grandmother.

  Did you feel like this when my father left you, Mom? How long does it hurt this badly?

  Emily remembered asking her mother if she ever wished she’d never met her father. Her mother had said, “How could I ever regret anything that made you? Life is full of miracles and tragedies. We decide which is which and who we become because of them.”

  Mom, I’m trying to see the miracle in all of this. I wish you were here. I’ve always known where I was going and what I was doing. I don’t know anything beyond my decision to finally give up.

  Celeste snapped her fingers beside Emily. “The car is downstairs. Are you ready to go?”

  She forced a smile to her lips. “I didn’t get this gorgeous for nothing.”

  Celeste laughed. “That’s the spirit. Let’s go see how the one percent parties.”

  Emily turned away from the mirror. “I shouldn’t drink tonight.”

  Celeste walked with her out of the bathroom and through the bedroom. “I’m with you on that. Are you going to be okay if Asher is there?”

  Emily wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. “I’ll have to be, right? It’ll be fine. We didn’t end badly. We simply agreed not to try again.”

  Celeste grabbed a handful of tissues and stuffed them in her clutch bag. “Just in case.”

  “I’m fine,” Emily protested. They walked out of the apartment to the elevator.

  “I didn’t say you weren’t. It’s been a long week for me, too. Give me a glass of wine and I might start bawling.” She winked at Emily. “Especially if all the rich men there are married.”

  Emily slid into the back of a town car beside Emily. “What do you think tonight will be like?”

  “Hard to say. Sophie’s charity auctions are usually well attended and at the top of everyone’s social calendar. It might not be like that this year.”

  Emily clutched her purse to her lap. “Because of me?”

  “Do you want me to lie or can you handle the truth?”

  “Lie.”

  “It has nothing to do with you.”

  No wonder Asher agreed to end our relationship. “I hope there’s a good turnout, for Sophie’s sake.”

  “Me, too.”

  They drove the rest of the way in tense silence. Celeste seemed to understand that Emily was too nervous to make light chitchat. There was a long line of cars in front of the auction building. “This is a good sign, right?” Emily asked.

  “Absolutely,” Celeste said in a positive tone. “Put on your brightest smile because it looks like the press is taking pictures as we go in.”

  Asher saw Emily the moment she entered the building, but he didn’t make a move to meet her. He had never seen her look more beautiful, but he had a feeling he would spend the rest of his life thinking that, each time he saw her. It took everything he had not to go to her, but he had a plan, and he was sticking to it. The crowd that filled the large bidding room spilled out into the surrounding rooms. Some of his mother’s usual crowd was there. Those who had decided not to attend would regret their decision when the papers reported on those who had. Alessandro and Victor had not only invited their family, their enormous family, but had also invited their friends.

  Brice Henderson came to stand beside him. “I didn’t realize you knew half of these people.”

  “I don’t,” Asher said. He looked across the room to where Dominic and his wife were standing with Alessandro, Victor, and their wives. Alessandro noticed his attention was on them and raised a glass in salute. “But I have family who does.”

  “Are you sick?” Brice asked.

  “No.”

  “Because you look like shit.”

  “Thanks. I haven’t been sleeping well.”

  “Is it Trundaie? You said we had that under control.”

  “We do.”

  “Is it the New England site? Didn’t you sort that out?”

  “I did.”

  “I’m on schedule with the compound we need for Trundaie.”

  “Good.”

  “So, what the fuck is the problem?”

  Asher took a deep breath and found Emily again in the crowd. “I’m going to ask Emily to marry me tonight.”

  “Here?”

  “Yes.”

  “No wonder you look like you’re about to have a stroke.” He looked around the room as if searching for someone, then said, “Hey, is that James West? He’s been trying to contact me, but I haven’t had time to talk to him yet. What do you think he wants?”

  Asher pulled his gaze away from Emily long enough to confirm the son of one of the largest oil refinery companies in the US was indeed in attendance. “I have no idea, but I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, Brice. After Trundaie, I’ll be making some changes in our policies and being more selective about which countries we partner with.”

  “Thank God.”

  Kenzi came to stand beside Asher. “Everything is set up. Emily’s donation is scheduled as the last item. When it is brought out, a screen will come down behind the podium and out here in the hall. That’s your cue to walk up to the podium.”

  Asher studied Kenzi’s face, noting the line of concern on her forehead. “I love her, Kenzi.”

  Brice said, “That’s my cue,” and quickly stepped away.

  Kenzi’s gaze went from Asher to Emily and back. “I know, and I can see why. She’s wonderful. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

  A smile spread across Asher’s face as he realized something. “You’re worried about me.”

  Kenzi met his eyes. “You’re my brother. Of course I’m worried about you.”

  Asher put his arm around Kenzi, pulled her to his side, and gave her a kiss on the top of the head. “I love you, too.”

  Kenzi pulled back and peered up at Asher. “Whoa. Did you just say what I think you said? I’m marking this date down on the calendar.”

  Asher sought out Emily again. She was beside Celeste, speaking to a senator. “You can, but it won’t be the last time I say it. I took having a family for granted, but I won’t anymore. I know that not everyone is as lucky as we are.”

  “You keep talking like that, and I’ll have to forgive Emily.”

  Kenzi’s love for Asher rocked him back on his heels. He took his family and their support for granted, but he wouldn’t anymore. Kenzi wanted to protect him from getting hurt again, but she also needed to move past her anger. “You need to, Kenzi, because she’s not going anywhere.”

  Chapter Twenty

  ‡

  As the auction neared its conclusion, Emily told Celeste she had to go to the bathroom, and slipped out of the main room and into the hall. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest and her palms were sweaty. She didn’t need the bathroom; she was preparing to bolt.

  Being in the same room as Asher and knowing it was over between them was a torture she couldn’t endure one moment more. She knew she should stay and be there while
her sculpture was auctioned off, but she couldn’t do it. When the auction concluded, there wouldn’t be another reason for her to see Asher. It would truly be over. She headed for the main exit and her escape.

  “Emily,” Ian stepped into her path, “have you met the Corisis? They were asking about you.”

  “No,” Emily said. She looked behind her, then at the exit. “I’m sure I’ll meet them afterward.”

  Lance walked up beside Ian. “Emily, I have a question about your sculpture. Do you mind walking over to see it with me? It’ll just take a minute.”

  Emily sidestepped both of them. I need a clean break. I’ll hire someone to repack my collection, but I can’t do this right now. I can’t pretend this isn’t killing me. “Sorry, I was headed for the bathroom. Could we talk later?”

  Grant stepped in front of her. “There is a bathroom inside.”

  She stepped around him too, beginning to feel trapped and frantic. “There was a long . . . I can’t stay.”

  Andrew physically blocked her exit. “We have our orders. You are not to leave the building.”

  Emily looked from brother to brother. “What do you mean? Who told you I couldn’t leave?”

  Andrew looked to Grant. “Should we tell her or tackle her if she tries to make it past us?”

  Shaking his head, Dale joined them. “If Emily wants to leave, let her go.”

  Lance waved a hand. “But Asher—”

  “Why would Asher ask you to keep me here?” Emily searched all of their faces again.

  Dale nodded toward the auction hall. “The only way to find out is to stay.”

  Emily looked across the room and saw Asher near the back of the room. He was watching her, but she couldn’t read his expression. Were they all trying to make sure she didn’t embarrass their mother by leaving early? “I don’t understand.”

  Dale motioned for his sons to give him a moment to talk to Emily, and they stepped away. “Emily, the number one most important ingredient to any relationship is trust. Without it, nothing else can thrive. We’re asking you to stay at the auction until the end because Asher wants you here. It’s your choice, though. If you believe in Asher, stay. If you don’t think you can trust him, leave now and no one will judge you for it.”

  “That’s all you’ll tell me?”

  “That’s all that matters.”

  Asher watched his father dismiss his brothers and fought against his natural instinct to block Emily’s retreat himself. He could have gone to her side, begged or demanded that she not leave, but he could guess what his father was saying, and it struck a chord within him.

  If Emily wanted to leave, he would let her go. With her, he would never be the hammer.

  Emily held his eyes from across the room and said something to his father then thankfully started walking back toward him. She didn’t stop until she was right beside Asher. The buzz of the auction behind them was forgotten as she looked up at him. “In my experience, the people I care about tend to leave me. It’s not an excuse, just an explanation. You terrify me.”

  Asher laced his fingers with hers and said, “You scare the hell out of me, too.”

  “I don’t want us to be over, Asher.”

  “Then stay.” He would have bent to kiss her, but Kenzi gave his upper arm a strong tap.

  “Everyone is waiting,” she said.

  Asher didn’t look away from Emily’s eyes. “I have to go up to the podium. Come up with me?”

  Emily’s hand shook in his, but she nodded and allowed herself to be led up to the front of the room. She had a death grip on his hand when everyone’s attention turned their way. Asher pried his hand free and slid his arm around her waist. A screen came down behind them and the lights in the room dimmed.

  “The last item in the auction comes with a story. It’s about a brave woman who came to Boston to tell the owner of a company he couldn’t have her land. She had a dream and wouldn’t let anyone stand in the way of it.” Photos of Emily’s grandfather’s house being renovated into a museum flashed on the screen behind them. “Some dreams take detours and Emily Harris’s did.” The next photos were of the houses around her museum being sold off and then of the museum after the fire. She tensed beside him, but he kept going. “By now you know all about the philosophy behind The Harris Tactile Museum, so I’m sure you’ll understand why a little thing like a fire shouldn’t be allowed to stop something so beautiful from being realized.” The next slide was a site plan. “That is why I am donating the Harris Tactile Museum to the town of Welchton. With Emily’s permission, the museum will partner with New Hampshire University and become a place that not only celebrates the accomplishments of her and her mother, but also helps others follow in their footsteps. How much do I believe in the philosophy of the Harris Museum?” He looked down into her teary eyes and wiped the tears away with his hands.

  “Asher, I had no idea.” The wall between them fell away, and everything he’d hoped to see in her eyes was there, and it was so beautiful he wished he could capture it on paper. Her love for him mixed with forgiveness.

  He wanted to spend the rest of his days putting that much joy on her face. And he would. He was finally a man who understood not only how to love, but that the love they had for each other was all that really mattered in the end.

  He led Emily off to the side of the podium and dropped to one knee. “From the first time I met you I knew I would never be the same. Your perseverance and your dreams inspire me to be a better man. I thought I had everything I wanted until you showed me how much better my life could be with you in it. I want to marry you, Emily Harris. Say yes.” He held out a ring.

  Emily’s eyes filled with tears. She kept looking from the plans on the screen behind the podium to him. “That’s why you bought my property?”

  He nodded and held his breath. A hush fell over the large audience.

  Tears poured down her cheeks and she said, “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  There were cheers and clapping, but Asher didn’t look away from Emily. She was all that mattered to him. He stood and slid the ring on her finger. “We’ll build it together, Emily. You and I. And it will be something people will travel from all over the world to see.”

  “And feel,” Emily added with a happy, teary smile.

  The auctioneer stepped back up to the podium and said, “Profits from the final item will go directly to the Harris Tactile Museum and School of Design fund. Not to set the bar high, but the last donation was half a town. Do I hear ten thousand?”

  Asher pulled Emily off the stage, through a door, and into a hallway. As soon as they were alone he kissed her with all his heart, and she kissed him back with all of hers. “If I have to I’ll spend the rest of my life earning your trust.”

  Emily placed a hand on his cheek. “You already have it.” She kissed him again deeply, then wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

  Alessandro and Victor approached them and said, “You have some of the steps out of order, but you did good, Asher. You did good.”

  They kept walking and Emily looked up at Asher. “What are they talking about?”

  “I’ll explain it to you someday. For now, let’s go say our goodbyes and head home. I can’t wait to get you alone.”

  They walked hand in hand toward a door that would lead them into the main hallway. Emily stopped and asked, “When did you know you wanted to marry me?”

  Asher pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “You were always mine . . . from the first moment I met you. It just took me a while to figure out what that meant.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  ‡

  The next few minutes were a blur of congratulations and hugs. The crowd parted for Sophie and Dale, though. Sophie gave Emily a long hug that would have had Emily bursting into happy tears if Sophie had not said, “Don’t you dare cry or you’ll have me crying, and I had my makeup professionally done tonight.”

  “Me, too,” Emily said and wiped beneath her eyes. With al
l the photos being taken she hoped she didn’t look like a raccoon.

  As if he could read her mind, Asher whispered in her ear, “You look gorgeous.”

  Dale followed Sophie’s hug with one of his own. “Welcome to the family, Emily.” He turned to his son and said, “I’m proud of you, Asher. You found your Sophie.”

  Sophie swatted at him and wiped at her eyes. “Now I’m crying, too. Look what you’ve done.” Despite her reprimand, it was obvious how happy she was with his statement.

  Emily glanced at Dale, then Asher, and smiled. When she’d first met Asher she’d thought he was the polar opposite of his parents, but that night she was moved by how similar they were. Asher had proven that he would move heaven and earth for her, just as his father would for his mother. She looked up at Asher and said, “I almost left early, but your father convinced me to stay.”

  Asher nodded at his father, then stepped away from Emily and surprised everyone by giving Dale a hug. “Thanks, Dad.”

  Dale closed his eyes for a moment as he hugged his son back. “You’re very welcome son. Very welcome.”

  Celeste joined the group. “Oh, my God. That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen.”

  Sophie smiled at Celeste. “I agree, and I hope I’m there to see yours.”

  Wide-eyed, Celeste laughed. “Mine? I’m not even dating anyone.”

  Sophie looked at Emily and winked. “Yet. I have four more sons.”

  “Whoa,” Celeste said, raising her hands. “I’m not looking to get married.”

  “Love changes that.”

  Asher wrapped his arms around Emily again and murmured, “It certainly does.” Emily savored the moment. Never in her life had she imagined being this happy or believing that maybe, just maybe, something good could last.

  Asher’s brothers and Kenzi appeared. Kenzi had a huge smile on her face. “Asher, I didn’t know you had it in you, but that was amazing.”

  Asher smiled and gave his sister a brief hug. “It’s like I’ve always said, you people underestimate me.”