It felt a little bit scary knowing she was head over heels in love with him. He had the power to shatter her heart in to a million little pieces. It made her feel vulnerable and a bit jittery. What if he didn’t love her back? What if she told him her closely kept secret and he couldn’t handle it?
Charlotte tried to rid herself of any and all doubts. She had been feeling anxious for several days now and she wasn’t quite sure why. Perhaps it was all the anticipation over the wedding. Everyone was in a whirlwind, particularly Case and Fancy, as well as Fancy’s parents and her own. Because the reception was being held at Savannah House, it was going to be a tricky endeavor to accommodate the guests who were staying there during that timeframe. But it was Fancy’s big day and everyone was going to go to the ends of the earth to make her the happiest bride in the world.
At the end of her shift, Marc came by Savannah House to pick her up. Just the sight of him in his dark jeans and button down shirt made her stomach do flip-flops. His smile nearly did her in.
“Hey, beautiful. I’ve been thinking about you all day.” Marc’s warm greeting was the best thing she’d heard all day.
Hearing Marc’s sweet words sent her to the stratosphere. She was rapidly becoming a cliché. Every time he was in her presence, Charlotte just melted like butter on hot popcorn. She was literally weak in the knees. Meanwhile, Marc seemed as cool as a cucumber. She wanted to see him a little bit ruffled, to know deep down in her heart he was falling for her. It would make her feel so much more secure to know it with a deep certainty.
“Good thoughts, I hope,” she teased.
“Nothing but,” he said, taking her by the hand and pulling her toward him. He placed a kiss on her lips, making her feel as if she was the luckiest girl in the world. It was all she could do not to tell him right then and there that she loved him. She didn’t want to do it right here in the foyer of Savannah House, with guests and her dearest friends within earshot.
“Are you hungry? We can get an early dinner then maybe check out a movie or something,” Marc suggested.
“Maybe we should stick around Tybee Island. I’m doing the night shift here. I’m going to crash in the staff bedroom tonight.”
“No problem. How does a walk on the beach sound after dinner?” Marc threw the idea out there about walking on the beach. To Charlotte’s ears it sounded wonderful after a long day at work.
“It sounds glorious. It’s been one of those days,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You know those really long frustrating days where nothing goes right?”
“I’ve had a bunch of those,” he said with a rueful shake of his head. “Try not to think about it. Just relax your mind. I’ll drive tonight so you can just sit back in the passenger’s seat and rid your mind of anything stressful.”
One of the things Charlotte liked most about Marc was his laid-back personality. He had a relaxed vibe. Whenever Charlotte got stressed he always helped calm her down. Tonight was no different. Dinner at a seafront restaurant allowed them to eat at a table outside that overlooked the ocean. It was definitely the best medicine as far as Charlotte was concerned. Her entire life the sea had called to her with its soothing, calm energy.
After they finished dinner they walked Savannah Beach, dipping their feet in the ocean and running along the beach in a test of endurance. When the run ended in a dead-tie, Charlotte knew Marc had let her catch up to him. A true gentleman at all times!
“So, what do you think about coming to the wedding as my date? We could make it our very first appearance as a couple.” Excitement bubbled up inside Charlotte. It would be so nice to attend her brother’s wedding with the man she loved. She felt so happy she thought she might burst.
Marc’s expression was shuttered. He looked uncomfortable. And he didn’t answer her right away, which surprised her.
“Earth to Marc. Aren’t you going to give me an answer?” she pressed. A bad feeling swept over her.
His expression was troubled. “Charlotte. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” She felt baffled. What could be bad about attending a wedding?
“You know why not. I think it would be uncomfortable.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked. “Case is marrying Fancy, so he’s clearly moved on from everything.”
Marc shook his head. “It’s one thing for Case to extend forgiveness to his future wife, but don’t you think it’s kind of pushing it to have me there as a guest?”
“You’re not a threat to their relationship.” Charlotte couldn’t believe what she was hearing. All this time everyone had been stressing to her the importance of forgiveness and leaving the past behind them.
“No, I’m not. But out of respect I think I should steer clear until Case and I can at least have a cordial conversation.”
“Marc, you’re being inflexible,” Charlotte protested.
“No, Charlotte. I’m not. I’m trying to be reasonable. I sincerely don’t think this is the time to come out as a couple.”
Charlotte struggled to understand Marc’s stance. She was suddenly full of suspicion. If Marc was truly falling in love with her, why wouldn’t he want to be seen with her at a public event? Tears pooled in her eyes. She believed in what she was building with Marc. And she didn’t want to hide it any longer. She’d told Case and Fancy all about her budding relationship with Marc. It had been difficult—incredibly so—but she had done it because of her deep feelings for Marc. It felt like a slap in the face to be denied by him. She was tired of going to social engagements by herself. She wanted more than anything for Marc to be her date.
“Did Case tell you to invite me? Did Fancy?” Marc asked.
“No,” Charlotte admitted. “But I know they would be okay with it.”
“And what if it’s not okay?” he asked. “What if Case tells you he doesn’t want the two of us together? That he doesn’t feel comfortable with me at his wedding?”
“He won’t. Case is the most generous man in the world. He’d do anything for me.”
Marc sighed. “I know how close the two of you are. You love him. He’s your best friend. But I think you’re misreading the situation. Minimizing it. You expect Case to have me as a guest at his wedding and to accept our relationship all in one fell swoop. Don’t you think that’s aiming for the stars? You can’t expect everything to fall into place like that in one fell swoop.”
“I want to aim for the stars. If we don’t we’ll never know what might be possible.” Hurt flared inside her. Why was Marc being so negative? Why did he sound so doubtful all of a sudden? Her throat felt clogged. Her eyes stung.
“Charlotte. You need to slow down. We can’t shove this down people’s throats.”
“I-I’m not. How can you say something like that?” Charlotte asked. She felt tears on her cheeks.
“Baby, please don’t be upset.” March reached out for her and Charlotte sidestepped him. He had wounded her with his attitude and comments. Why couldn’t he just go along with her to make her happy? What was really going on inside his heart and mind?
All of sudden it hit her like a thunder bolt. Pain shot through her as the realization washed over her. How in the world hadn’t she seen this coming? Love had blinded her to reality.
She raised a trembling hand to her throat. “Oh. I get it. Wow. How blind could I be?”
Marc furrowed his brow. He twisted his mouth. “Charlotte. What do you think you get?”
“It’s obvious. You still have feelings for Fancy. That’s why you don’t want to go to the wedding. This has absolutely nothing to do with Case or timing or being patient. It has to do with the fact that you’re still in love with Fancy.”
* * *
Marc was so stunned by Charlotte’s words he found himself speechless. He felt a prickling sensation in his gut. Charlotte had the power to wound him. Terribly. And she had. It felt as if she’d stuck a knife in his ribs. How in the world could she doubt his feelings for her? And why on earth would she thin
k he still cared for Fancy? It felt like she was throwing his past directly in his face and reminding him of a painful topic all at once.
“I-I have no idea why you would say such a thing,” he said in a clipped tone.
Charlotte jutted her mouth out. “Because I think it’s true. It explains a lot.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. Suddenly there was standoffish air about her.
“Charlotte, don’t say things you’ll regret later. You’re barking up the wrong tree. There’s only one woman I have feelings for, and it’s you.”
“If you did,” she said in a cutting voice with an emphasis on the word if, “you wouldn’t hesitate to be my date at the wedding. Instead you act as if you’d be facing a firing squad. Do you have any idea of how that makes me feel?”
“I’m being as honest as I can be with you about a very delicate situation. I respect how you feel. Now please respect my position.”
Charlotte folded her arms across her chest. She narrowed her gaze. “So this isn’t about not wanting to see Fancy tie the knot? Can you really tell me that all of those feelings are completely gone?”
“Charlotte, I’ve already told you. You’re the only woman I have feelings for. And this back and forth isn’t getting us anywhere. I’m not going to stand here and try to reason with you when you’re acting unreasonable. And I won’t allow you to use the past as a battering ram against me.”
“And I won’t be a blind fool.” Charlotte’s lips were trembling and she looked on the verge of tears. Although Marc felt bad, he also was struggling with feelings of anger. How could Charlotte act like this and say these things? He had enough stress to deal with regarding his father.
Marc’s jaw tightened. “Believe what you like.” With anger pressing against his heart, Marc turned away from Charlotte. He didn’t think it was wise to stand here and argue. She wasn’t listening to him, nor was she able to see her own insecurities were rising up to the surface and choking her.
“I think we should call it a night,” she snapped, moving quickly across the sand and away from him.
The ride back to Savannah House was tense and uncomfortable. Charlotte stared out of the window for most of the ride. Her mood was pensive. He could tell she was angry by the way she wouldn’t even look at him. How in the world had things gotten so out of control so quickly?
People fought. Tensions were running high. This was just a spat. Hopefully it would blow over quickly.
When he drove up to Savannah House, there was no question of a goodnight kiss, even though Marc thought it might ease some tension. Charlotte mumbled a thank you for dinner, then vaulted out of the car. Marc didn’t even bother following after her. He was fairly angry himself at Charlotte’s unfounded accusation. She hadn’t even listened to him. She’d bulldozed right over him and made unfounded accusations about his supposed feelings for Fancy.
Maybe Charlotte wasn’t the woman he’d believed her to be. And perhaps everything had happened too fast between them. If they couldn’t manage to navigate this one thorny issue, what hope did they have of making it through the really turbulent storms of life the way his parents had?
* * *
Charlotte felt miserable. Every time she picked up the phone to call Marc she ended up putting it down. Fear had her in its grip. What if Marc wanted nothing to do with her? Days had gone by without a single word from him. She couldn’t blame him. She’d acted unreasonable and petty. Her insecurities had been in rare form that night. Marc’s refusal to attend the wedding with her brought her low self-esteem to the surface. She should just apologize and try to see if they could pick up the pieces. But something inside her wouldn’t bend. She feared if she did and he rejected her she might just shatter.
Maybe it was just better to let their relationship fade out. At least that way she wouldn’t have to deal with Marc telling her to get lost for good. She cringed upon remembering the stunned expression on his face. He’d looked at her as if she was a stranger.
To make matters worse, Case and Fancy were at Savannah House tonight, sampling a few appetizers from Morgan’s kitchen. With the wedding only a week away, a festive vibe hung in the air. Sadly, all Charlotte could do was plaster a fake smile on her face. She was truly happy for her brother and Fancy, but she couldn’t stuff down her own sadness. Life was so much sunnier with Marc in it.
She was in the kitchen with Case, Fancy, Morgan, Olivia, Callie and Hope. They were all doing a run through for the reception and tasting all the appetizers. The food tasted like sawdust in Charlotte’s mouth. She tried to make polite conversation, but her heart just wasn’t in it. Her thoughts—as always—were with Marc.
Lord, please help me. My heart is broken. I love Marc. Please help me bring down this wall I’ve built around myself. Please show me the way to make things right with Marc. I’m tired of protecting myself. I want to love and be loved. I want to believe that a man can love me for the rest of my days.
Tears began flowing down her face. She couldn’t hide her pain anymore. Everything was swimming to the surface. The attack from several years ago that had broken her. This breach with Marc hurt worse than anything. She’d lost him. She could feel it in her bones. And she would never get over this. Not in a million years.
She turned to run from the kitchen, angry at herself for breaking down in front of everyone. She heard her name being called and a strong pull on her arm. Case was stopping her from leaving the room.
“Char, what’s going on? Why are you crying?” he asked, concern radiating from his eyes.
“I’m sorry. I should just leave. I really don’t want to ruin this evening for the two of you,” Charlotte said as she tried her best to compose herself.
“You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on,” Case insisted.
She threw her hands in the air, feeling hopeless. “I’ve messed up everything. I’ve lost Marc. And I’m in love with him, Case. I’ve finally fallen head over heels for someone and now he’s gone,” she cried out.
“Slow down. Did you have a fight?” Case asked.
“Yes, and he hasn’t called me for days. Of course I haven’t called him either.” More tears splashed on to her cheeks. “I’ve wanted to but my pride just wouldn’t let me. I was so afraid he would tell me it was over.”
“One little fight isn’t going to end things,” Callie told her in a gentle voice. She reached out and hugged her cousin.
“You didn’t see the look on his face or the things I said to him.” Charlotte covered her face with her hands. “I invited him to the wedding and he said it wasn’t a good idea. I was angry and feeling insecure and it made me doubt Marc. It made me think he might still have some lingering feelings for Fancy.” She began sniffling. “I was so mean to him. I called him inflexible, but I was the one who was inflexible.” Olivia handed her a tissue and Charlotte dabbed at her eyes.
“Go to him. Don’t waste another moment without being by his side,” Fancy said in an urgent tone. “Life’s too short. Case and I were forced to learn that lesson. Trust me, you don’t want to let something like that come between you.”
Her lips trembled. “B-but what would I say?”
“Say you’ve been an idiot and that in all likelihood you’re going to be an idiot at least a few more times in your relationship,” Morgan suggested. “Tell him the obvious. That you love him.”
“Do you really love him?” her brother asked. Their gazes locked and held. Something flickered in Case’s eyes that resembled understanding.
Charlotte nodded and said in a low voice. “Yes, Case, I do. More than I ever dreamed possible.”
“Well then,” Case said with a sigh. “There’s only one thing to do. Your big brother is going to drive you to Savannah so you can see Marc. You’re in no condition to drive with all that crying you’re doing.”
Charlotte sniffled loudly. “You would do that for me?”
Her brother reached out and tugged a strand of her hair, the same way he’d done when they were kid
s. “Of course. How can Fancy and I be happy if we know you’re not?” Case asked.
“What do I do?” she asked, feeling helpless.
“Go get your man!” Olivia said in a spirited voice.
“Amen to that!” Hope cried out, lifting her palms in the air.
Everyone was nodding and cheering her on. She knew with a deep certainty that she couldn’t let this moment pass her by. With every second ticking by she could be losing Marc. And a life without Marc would be a sad thing indeed. She was tired of hiding her hurts under the surface. She needed love in her life. She needed Marc!
Lord, please let me find the words to say what’s clearly etched on my heart. Let me be humble and ask Marc for forgiveness.
“Are you ready to go find him?” Case asked, his eyes glittering with purpose. She couldn’t have loved Case more than she did at this moment. The love and loyalty he’d always shown her was awe inspiring.
“More than ready,” Charlotte said with a decisive nod of her head. She was going to reach out for the brass ring and do whatever it took to make things right with Marc. Charlotte strode from the kitchen with Case, Fancy, Olivia, Callie, Hope and Morgan all trailing in her wake. She felt desperate to get to Marc and to lay out all the reasons she’d been so horribly wrong.
She wrenched open the door to Savannah House and let out a little squeak of surprise. Marc, looking more handsome than he had a right to look, was standing at the door with a somber impression etched on his face.
“Sometimes you just have to believe.”
Miss Hattie Alexander
Chapter Ten
“Marc!’ she cried out his name, stunned at the sight of him on Savannah House’s doorstep.
“Charlotte, we need to talk,” he said in a brisk voice, stepping inside.
Her heart sank. He looked so tough and implacable. His eyes were like dark storm clouds.
“Of course,” she said, anxiety making her palms moisten. Why had Marc shown up here? Was he officially breaking up with her?
Falling in Love (Secrets of Savannah Book 5) Page 14