by Girard, Dara
Angelina’s voice grew sad. “So you’ll continue to hate me?”
Hunter threw the pillow on the couch. “Don’t be dramatic. I’ll never hate you.” He went to the window. “I don’t even dislike you.”
She smiled. “That’s something.”
“Your husband; however, is an exception.”
“You used to be friends.”
He shook his head. “No, we were never friends. We just tolerated each other more.”
“Then you should start again.”
He turned, wary. “What do you mean?”
She bit her lower lip then said, “You and I both know Doran deserves the director’s position.”
He smiled coldly. “So that’s what this is about.” He nodded amazed. “Clever maneuver. For a fleeting moment I thought you cared about me.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “I only intend to concede once in my life. I’ve already done that.”
“You’ll never be happy until this rivalry stops. Until Doran stops being the reason you go after things.”
“That argument doesn’t work. Try another one.”
Angelina stood. “Why do you make it so tempting for women to walk out on you?”
He grabbed her arm as she passed him, his voice hard. “Is that your excuse for infidelity?”
Her eyes pierced his. “I was always true to you.”
“But not to our vows.” He let her arm go. “I made it easy for you to leave because I found no reason to make you stay.”
Her bottom lip quivered. “You’re being cruel.”
“No, just honest. Think about how relieved you felt when I let you go.” His voice deepened. “How you told me that my love scared you.”
“It did. It was too much.”
Her words hurt him as they had many years ago. Naturally, he gave no indication of that as he sat down and stared up at her with a bored expression. “Well then.”
But Angelina knew him too well to let his expression deceive her. “You can continue to try, but you’re not like the others. There’s something different about you. Like your mother—”
“You never knew my mother.”
She folded her arms. “Sometimes when I’m with you, I think I did.”
Ruby entered the room before he could reply. Angelina turned. “I’ll go check on James.”
Hunter gathered his anger as Ruby sat. “Are you the next shift to look after me?”
Ruby took no offense to his tone. “You should have told Brenna about Angie,” she said, quickly assessing the reason for Brenna’s departure.
“I know. She thinks I still love her.”
“Do you?”
He tugged on the cuffs of his shirt. “Do I act as though I still do?”
She crossed her ankles and adjusted her skirt. “When did your rivalry with Doran start?”
He sent her a sharp glance. “That was different. We’ve never got on.”
“But once you knew he and Angelina were in love it turned to hate.”
“Hate takes too much energy. He merely disgusts me.”
“And when he married Angelina you were determined to beat him at everything.”
“I have a plan for my life that’s all. If he happens to be in the way...” He shrugged. “I have no qualms about crushing him on the way there.”
Ruby grasped his hand. “He will always be in the way as long as you make him.”
He pulled away. “Is my director’s position still secure?”
“Your fiancée just left you.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
“Perhaps it should be.”
He stood, restless. “Have grandfather and Dad said anything about—”
“No, they think things will smooth over.”
“Good.” Hunter clasped his hands together and began to pace. “I can transition into the new position and perhaps put off the marriage agenda for a while. Or I could start another search.”
“That wouldn’t look good. First Janice. Now Brenna. That doesn’t give the impression of a stable man. You can’t introduce another fiancée.”
“I’ll explain Brenna away.”
“You can’t—”
His eyes flashed. “What do you expect me to do? Bow down and beg her forgiveness? She’s putting everything that I’ve worked for in jeopardy.”
“Maybe she’s showing you there are other things in life.”
“Like what?”
“Family.”
“I know about family.”
“No, you know about duty and loyalty and allegiance.”
“The Randolph way.”
Ruby sighed resigned. “Yes, I know.”
Hunter folded his arms and pierced her with a cold stare. “Why did you mention my mother at dinner?”
She hesitated. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“Are you trying to sabotage me?”
“Of course not.”
“Did Brenna put you up to it?”
“No.”
He shoved one hand in his pocket. “It’s not like you to make mistakes like that.”
She stood and straightened the vase. “I met your mother once.”
He took his hand out, curious despite himself. “What did you think?”
“She was full of spirit, but there’s something you should know about her—”
“There’s nothing he needs to know,” Orson cut in, entering the room.
Ruby jumped and turned. “I was just—”
“There’s no need to delve into the past when we have the rigorous future staring us in the face. His mother left him, that’s painful enough.”
“Yes.”
He sat and stared up at Hunter. “You have a bad habit of women leaving you. Like your father.”
Ruby sent him a look of such venom, he coughed chagrined. “I’m sure you’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.” He lowered his gaze. “However, if you find it necessary to find yourself another one we’ll understand.”
Hunter rested his hands on his hips. “You didn’t like her.”
“That’s not true.”
“You’re too clever to look innocent.”
Orson chuckled at Hunter’s insight. “No, I didn’t like her much. You want a wife who’s well tamed. That one has a wild streak. Don’t let that limp of hers fool you.”
“I’m not easily fooled.”
“A pretty face can fool any man.”
“Not me.”
“Women like that are better as mistresses; you want your wife to be more biddable if you get my meaning.”
Ruby went to the window. “He isn’t like you, Orson. Brenna is good for him.” She turned to the two men. “And if he has any brains in his head he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.”
“Randolph men don’t beg. She doesn’t come back to you, you get a replacement.”
“Women aren’t possessions. You don’t just replace them.”
“Honey, I think you’re forgetting what you were.”
Ruby gasped then raised her chin. Hunter watched her leave the room then shook his head. “That wasn’t fair.”
“I didn’t get here by being fair. Too much leniency and people begin to walk all over you. Your father found a replacement. You can do the same.” He paused. “I expect you to.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Hunter didn’t return from Virginia until late evening. He stumbled exhausted into his place then paused when he saw a light on in the kitchen. A familiar scent drifted towards him.
He stormed into the kitchen where Janice sat finishing a fruit cocktail. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.
She jumped. “Oh, you startled me.”
“I’m sorry,” he said sarcastic. “Next time I’ll knock when I come home.”
“I expected a much warmer welcome than this.”
He turned, opened the fridge and pulled out a soda. He took a long swallow then held out his hand. “Give me back the key.”
“Listen to me first.”
He w
iggled his fingers impatient. “You can start talking as you hand back the key.”
She reluctantly did so. “I guess your trip to Virginia wasn’t as good as you’d hoped, but Doran always put you in a bad mood.”
He put the key in his pocket and took another swallow. “Funny, you’re not doing too bad yourself.”
“I’m about to change that.”
He set the can down suspicious. “How?”
“I want a second chance.”
“To do what?”
“Be your wife.”
He folded his arms and smiled. “Very funny.”
“You’re the only man I know whose dimples make him look both wicked and cute.”
He stopped smiling. “If this is a joke, I’m waiting to laugh.”
“Hunter, I’m serious. Michael and I ended our engagement. He’s not right for me. He’s still trying to establish himself and I’d much rather have a husband who already is.”
He pulled out a chair and sat. “By established you mean wealthy, right?”
She pouted. “You’re being mean.”
He tweaked her chin. “Stop that. I want the facts. Nuances and euphemisms annoy me.”
Janice straightened her face. “At the banquet I saw another side of you.” She reached out and stroked his arm. “I found it very attractive. I know that you and Brenna were together for show so it’s not as though I’m breaking you up.” She grasped his hand and lowered her voice eager to please him. “I’m prepared to go with your plan. The marriage, the kids everything.”
“I see.”
She blinked. “That’s it?”
He sat back in his chair and stared at her. “Yes.”
“I think I love you.”
He nearly burst into laughter. He managed to keep a straight face. “No, you don’t. And you don’t have to.”
“I could learn.”
He looked at her. He’d always liked doing so. She was very attractive. That was one of the first things he’d noticed about her when she became a woman instead of a teenager of all knees and elbows. She was well educated, shallow, but that made her easy to read. One thing a busy man didn’t want was a complicated wife. All the reasons he had wanted to marry her before were still relevant and as suspected her engagement with Michael had been impulsive and rash. She’d come to her senses and realized what a good husband he would be. And he would be a good husband. Yes, the situation was perfect. Nevertheless he knew her and he knew that wasn’t why she was here.
He undid the top button of his shirt. “You might as well undress.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“That’s why you came, didn’t you? To have sex. You always come to me when you want to feel better.”
“No, I came to say I’d marry you.”
Hunter shook his head and rolled up his sleeves. “You don’t want to marry me. You want the security of being married to me. I don’t blame you, but you’ve made your choice. You’re in love with him.”
She stared at him unsure. “So you won’t marry me?”
He rested his forearms on the table. “Oh, I’ll marry you, but you’ll have to do one little thing.”
***
The last person Brenna expected to see in her office that Tuesday afternoon was Michael Peterson. She knew his presence was a bad sign, but decided not to take it as one. She offered him a bright smile. “This is a nice surprise. How may I help you?”
He didn’t return her expression. “I need you to reopen my file.”
Definitely a bad sign. “Why?”
“Janice and I broke up.”
“You both need time away from each other that’s all. Every relationship hits a rough spot.”
His voice turned gloomy. “This is a big rough spot.”
“What are you talking about?”
His brows furrowed confused. “I thought you’d know about it.”
“About what?”
“She’s marrying your ex-fiancée.”
Her cool expression slipped. “What?”
“Yes,” he said in a sour voice. “She told me she’s convinced Hunter to take her back. She’s going to get a new ring.”
Brenna took a deep breath determined not to let the news shake her. So he thought he could marry Janice and ruin the lives of two people meant for each other for the sake of his ‘plan’? No, she wouldn’t let that happen. He’d have to find another suitable wife.
She folded her arms and stared at Michael without sympathy. “Hunter plans to marry Janice. Is that correct?”
Michael nodded. “Yes.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
He looked blank. “What?”
“The woman you love is going to marry someone else who will probably make her miserable.”
He shrugged. “He seems like a nice guy.”
She leaned forward, resting her hands on the desk. “Michael, that’s not the point. He doesn’t love her. Doesn’t she deserve someone who will care for and about her?”
“Yes.”
“Then do something.”
He looked wary. “Hunter is a big guy.”
“I’m not suggesting a wrestling match, but sometimes a woman needs to know what a man feels. Let’s be honest Janice is a little spoiled, but she needs to know that you’re more than worthy of her. That your feelings for each other can sustain you, unlike riches.”
Michael straightened, gaining courage from her words. “You’re right.”
“Are you going to live your life with regret wondering if you could have done more?”
“No.”
“Are you going to let the woman you love make a big mistake?”
“No.”
“Then I expect to be at your wedding.”
His shoulders slumped. “I don’t know.”
Brenna groaned disgusted. She would have to fix things. “Get out of here. I’ll call you later.”
He stood watching her reach for the phone with gathering anxiety. “What are you going to do?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Just be prepared when I call you.”
“Okay.” He ducked out of the room.
She called Hunter. “You can’t marry Janice.”
“Actually, I can. I want to thank you. It was your performance at the banquet that fixed everything. She realized that she’d wanted to marry a more established man. Seems everything came around full circle.”
“She’s marrying you for your money.”
His voice grew bland. “I’m shocked.”
“She loves Michael.” Brenna could almost hear him shrug. “So you will take the risk of marrying a woman in love with another man again?”
“I was willing to marry you.”
“I’m not in love with Byron anymore.”
He paused then said, “I want a wife and unless you have another option for me...”
She gripped the phone. “Why you sneaky bastard. That’s what you’re up to.”
“I’m merely making a suggestion. Either I marry you or Janice. The choice is yours.”
“You will not blackmail me into marriage.”
“I prefer the word persuade.”
“Michael can win her back.”
“Not when I’m in the picture,” he said confident. “I don’t plan on traveling any time soon.”
She knew he was right.
“Are the medical bills still piling up?”
Brenna drummed her fingers. She’d just finished arguing with her insurance over the amount of one of the deductibles. She glanced at her cane and thought about Michael’s face. “I have a proposition.”
“Yes?”
“If you succeed in getting Janice and Michael back together, I will marry you.”
“Baby included?”
She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath. “Baby included.”
“We’ll be married in July.”
She rolled her eyes annoyed. “You haven’t succeeded yet.”
“Yes, I have
.”
***
Trina’s wedding progressed under softly misting skies. Brenna watched bridesmaids in pink taffeta dresses, with ruffles that threatened to consume them, walk down the aisle. Soon her cousin Trina appeared on a carpet of roses and walked to her future husband. He stood under a gazebo dressed with luscious flowers of different shades of red from maroon to coral pink. She wore a dress of turquoise stones and gold embroidery, her full skirt sweeping the ground. In her hand, she held a bouquet of cymbidium orchids and calla lilies bursting forth in yellow splendor amid hostas leaves. Her grandmother’s earrings dangled against her neck.
Brenna glanced at her mother who pretended not to wipe tears. As a little girl she hadn’t thought much about weddings or marriage. She’d just wanted a home life like the ones she saw on TV and in magazine ads. Families that had a mother, father and child that loved each other. She’d hoped to one day claim that dream for herself.
She looked down at her bare hand. Would Hunter be able to complete the challenge? Would she end up marrying him? Knowing him. Probably. And then she’d have to face the possibility of disappointing him. If she disappointed him, would he leave as her father had? Even though her parents tried to convince her otherwise there was always a feeling that she was the reason they’d split up. That if she had been normal or smarter or prettier he might have stayed. But what did she care if Hunter left as long as she got the money she needed? As long as she didn’t invest in it.
Brenna glanced at her brother who looked distinguished and handsome in his tux. There was something different about him. A sadness she couldn’t identify. They hadn’t spoken in a while and she wondered how things were with Fiona. She wondered if he was remembering his own wedding day. Remembering the promises and hopes of that time that had yet to come true.
The ceremony soon ended and Brenna went to the reception canopy. She grabbed a flute of pink champagne and took a sip. She calmed her nerves and pushed aside any regret. Her mother’s peach hat came into view.
“I can’t believe you still ended up coming to Trina’s wedding alone,” she said.
“Wasn’t it a beautiful wedding?” Brenna replied, trying to avoid the topic.
“I wonder what Hunter would have thought.”
She shrugged. “Who knows? I never got his opinion on weddings.”
“You can still have one of your own.”
She took another sip. She probably would. “Perhaps someday.”