“Because you love him.”
“Yes.” It would be too hard to have to sit next to him in meetings, remembering what they’d shared and knowing how much he despised her for being there. No, it was time for her to go home. She’d go to the meeting on Tuesday, then make plans to leave by the end of the week. Her heart was breaking and it would be best to get back to her life in Portland.
* * *
Tuesday morning, Faith sat on a bar stool in Thad’s kitchen. He had called last night and invited her to stay over. He held her while she cried without saying anything, as if knowing she needed the comfort of his arms.
Thad came to where she sat and handed her a cup of green tea. “How are you feeling this morning?”
She shrugged. “Same.” But she was happy that he had received his new prosthesis. He seemed to walk taller and more confidently.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Things seem a little uncertain and you’re hurting right now, but everything will work out. You’ll see.”
“I hope so. Um... I’m going home on Friday.”
He nodded his understanding.
She saw the sadness in his eyes and grasped his hand. “I promise I’ll be back to visit and I’d love for you to come to Portland.”
He smiled. “Nothing could keep me from visiting my baby girl.”
She hadn’t told him about the decisions she’d come to regarding both positions and thought this would be a good time. “I wanted to let you know that I’m not going to take the job as VP, but I will sit on the board.”
“I’m disappointed, but I understand. I hope you don’t mind, but I filled Nolan in on what’s going on. We both agree that the job will always be yours whether you fill it now or sometime in the future.” He gave her a strong hug.
The tears started again. “Thanks, Dad.”
Thad went still. “That’s the first time I’ve been called Dad since you were two,” he whispered emotionally.
Faith hadn’t realized she had called him Dad. The word had just slipped out, but that’s who he had become to her. “You are my dad and I’m so glad to have you in my life again.” They shared another moving hug that seemed to erase all the years they had been apart.
Thad placed a fatherly kiss on her forehead and smiled. “I tell you what, after the meeting, how about you and me going to get some ice cream. That always makes me feel better.”
Faith laughed around her tears. “Only if it’s two scoops of chocolate chip.”
His smile widened. “That’s my favorite, too.”
Faith returned his smile. At least one thing had gone right in her life. For now, she turned her focus to the upcoming meeting. She still had concerns about how the rest of Brandon’s family would treat her. Her father had assured her that she needn’t worry, but she couldn’t be sure. Family bonds were strong, and the way Brandon talked about his made her believe that their bond was stronger than most. She took a deep breath. I just need to get through the next two hours.
An hour later, they exited the elevator on the floor housing the company’s executive offices. A sign in large black elegant lettering read “Gray Home Safety” on the wall behind a huge desk in the reception area. The woman seated there greeted them with a smile, which they returned.
Thad reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Ready, baby girl?”
Faith drew in a calming breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
* * *
Brandon sat in the conference room waiting for the meeting to start. All of his siblings were there, as well as his two brothers-in-law. He could hear bits and pieces of their conversations, speculating on Uncle Thad’s child. But he knew all about her, more than he cared to at this point, but he hadn’t shared the details about his relationship with Faith with anyone except Khalil. He was still angry that she hadn’t told him. And even angrier that he couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Khalil leaned over. “If that scowl gets any deeper, you’ll have a permanent road map on your face. And I don’t know why you’re so mad. It’s her legacy, just like the CEO is yours.”
He turned a lethal glare on his brother. “There are a lot of empty chairs in here. Pick one and get the hell away from me.”
He chuckled. “I’m quite comfortable where I am. And you can dial down the death glare. It doesn’t work on me, big brother. She must be really under your skin for you to be this bent out of shape.” When Brandon skewered him with another look, Khalil said, “Okay, okay. I can’t wait for Vonnie and Morgan to find out.” He shook his head. “The way you harassed them, they’re gonna be all over you.” He laughed again.
“I’m about two seconds from rearranging your pretty boy face.” He started to comment further, but halted when Faith entered with his parents and uncle. She had on a navy blue dress that stopped at the knee and hugged every one of her luscious curves. His body reacted and he cursed under his breath. His gaze followed her as she took a seat on the other side of the table across from him. Her cold and angry eyes met his, and then she smoothly looked away.
Khalil whispered, “Guess she’s not too happy with you either, Brandon, but she is stunning. I wouldn’t mind sampling some of that beauty.”
Brandon clenched his jaw so tight, pain radiated up the side of his face. One more word and he would snap. He scooted his chair over to put some distance between him and Khalil and closed his eyes briefly to maintain his composure. Why was he so upset? It was over between them, so he needed to move on. His father took his seat at the head of the table and started to speak.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am today. We’ve been praying for this day to come for nearly three decades.” Nolan nodded Thad’s way.
Thad stood and helped Faith to her feet. “I’d like you all to meet my daughter, Faith Alexander. It’s taken me twenty-eight years to find her again and it’s been a long time coming.” He gestured for Faith to speak and took his seat.
Faith looked around the room. “I am very glad to have my father in my life and overwhelmed by his generosity. I’ll share a little about me. I grew up in Portland, Oregon, have a degree in business, completed a web design course and started my own company, Impressions Web Design, three years ago while working as an assistant manager in a small software company. Recently, I was able to quit my job and focus on my business full-time. I realize I don’t know anything about home safety and some of you may be uncomfortable with an outsider coming in and assuming the role of vice president.” She looked directly at Brandon. “So, I’ve decided not to take the job, but will honor part of my father’s wish and succeed him on the advisory board.” She sat.
Brandon should have been happy. She’d given him what he wanted, but somehow it felt hollow. Faith avoided looking at him for the remainder of the meeting and, when it was over, his family was quick to welcome her. Seeing her standing next to Uncle Thad, Brandon realized she looked a lot like him. Throughout the entire time, she never turned his way.
After Faith and Uncle Thad left, Justin came over to Brandon. “Is there a coincidence that the woman you helped at the crash and this woman have the same name?”
“No.”
“Well, at least she’s not taking the job. Siobhan said you’d rather run the company alone. Although I can’t understand how you’d mind seeing her at the office every day.”
His father interrupted. “Faith is part of our family and will make a wonderful addition to the company with her background. And though she mentioned not taking the VP position, I’m hoping to convince her otherwise. Thank you for making her feel welcome. Your mother and I will be joining Thad and Faith for lunch. I’ll be back this afternoon.” His mom waved as they left, leaving Brandon, his siblings and in-laws alone.
Siobhan was in Brandon’s face before the door closed good. “You were pretty rude to Faith. I know you think you should run the
company alone, but you’re going to have to get used to having her here.”
“Unfortunately, Brandon’s problems with Faith extend beyond the boardroom,” Khalil said.
All eyes turned Brandon’s way and Malcolm threw up his hands. “Good grief. What now?”
While they all looked on, Brandon told them how he met Faith, about their growing relationship and the blowout.
“And as usual, you jammed both feet in your mouth before a signal went to your brain,” Morgan drawled. She shook her head. “I swear, Brandon, after all the trouble your mouth has gotten you in over the past three decades, you should have learned to think at least once before opening your big mouth.”
Brandon didn’t like having his shortcomings put on full blast, especially by his baby sister, who used to think he walked on water. He stood. “I’m going to my office.”
Khalil followed suit. “Whatever. But you need to fix this. I’m going back to the gym.”
He didn’t know how to fix it, or if he even wanted to.
By Thursday, Brandon was as close to miserable as he had ever been. His concentration was shot and he hadn’t gotten one thing done since arriving at six thirty that morning and it was eleven now. He got up and paced the confines of his office. Had he been unfair? He replayed the last conversation between him and Faith and kept seeing the hurt and anger in her eyes. He scrubbed a frustrated hand down his face. Brandon didn’t know what he expected after he ended the relationship, but it wasn’t her agreeing and showing him the door. Usually, there were tears, questions and, once, begging. But not Faith. He thought he could dismiss her just as easily as the others, but she had stolen his heart without even trying. He loved her and wanted her.
Brandon rounded the desk and dropped down in his chair. He couldn’t eat, sleep, and his siblings were all mad at him. But what tore at him more than anything was hearing her give up her inheritance, what was rightfully hers because of him. He’d been selfish and felt lower than dirt. He had to talk to her. Picking up the phone, he started to dial, but hung up. This had to been done face-to-face. He rotated toward his computer and brought up his schedule for the afternoon. He had a meeting at two, which left him plenty of time to run by the hotel. He stopped by his dad’s office to let him know he was leaving.
“Got a minute, Dad?”
His father looked up from the paper in his hand. “Sure.”
Brandon came fully into the office and propped a hip on the desk. “I need to go out for a bit. I’ll be back for the meeting with Marketing at two.”
“That’s fine. Oh, and don’t think I didn’t notice you at the meeting on Tuesday. I’m expecting you to do whatever it takes to make Faith feel welcome here. I’m not going to tell you how to do it, but I fully expect for you two to be straightened out by the retirement party.”
His father gave Brandon a meaningful look and Brandon knew he was talking about more than the job. “I’m going to try, Dad. Thanks.”
It took him forty minutes to get to the hotel and, by the time he knocked on the door, every fear and doubt he had rose to the surface. He lowered his head and gave himself a pep talk. His head jerked up when the door opened. She had on a pair of shorts and an oversized tee, and her hair had been pulled back in a loose ponytail, and the sight of her made his heart race.
Faith said nothing at first. Then, “What are you doing here?”
“May I come in? Please.”
She backed up, and waved him in, and then stood with her arms folded. Waiting.
“I want to apologize for everything I said. I was wrong.”
“Okay. Thanks for the apology. I need to finish packing.”
His brow lifted. “Are you moving in with your dad?”
“No. I’m going home.”
His fear magnified. He moved closer to her and reached for her hand. She took a step back. “I messed up, Faith. I don’t want you to go, sweetheart. I love you. I was selfish and wrong. Dead wrong. That position belongs to you and you should take it.”
She eyed him. “Why are you being so nice all of a sudden? Did your father put you up to this?”
Brandon let out a frustrated sigh. “No. I came because I love you and want you back.”
“Brandon, I don’t want your love because you feel guilty.”
“That’s not it. I’ll admit to being guilty for shoving my feet in my mouth again, but my love for you is true.”
Faith studied him a long moment, then shook her head. “I can’t do this, Brandon. I think it’s best we leave things the way they are. And you’ll be happy that I’m not living here so you’ll be free to run your company any way you want.” Something like regret flickered in her eyes briefly, then it was gone. She cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to finish packing. My plane leaves in the morning.” She opened the door. “Goodbye, Brandon.”
The tears in her eyes were killing him. Brandon wanted to take her in his arms and promise never to hurt her again. He lifted his hand to touch her and she shook her head. He dropped his hand, turned and walked out. She wouldn’t even listen to him. On the drive back, he realized that must have been how she felt when he wouldn’t listen.
Not quite ready for the workplace, Brandon stopped at a nearby park. He passed a children’s area where a few toddlers were playing on the various climbing structures while their parents hovered nearby. He spotted a bench a few feet ahead and took a seat. A few minutes later, he realized he wasn’t exactly dressed for sitting outdoors and rolled up the sleeves of his gray dress shirt and unbuttoned an additional button. The sun was at its zenith and, although the bench sat partially shaded by a large tree, beads of perspiration dotted his forehead.
Brandon let out a frustrated breath. For the first time in his life, he understood how it felt not to have someone listen. And it didn’t feel good. Granted, he had stuck both feet into his mouth before a signal went to his brain, as Morgan had so eloquently pointed out. Now, he had lost the woman he loved. Faith was going home for good and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. He glanced down at his watch, sighed heavily and stood. He had no desire to sit in a meeting this afternoon, and the job he’d wanted for as long as he could remember suddenly didn’t hold the same appeal.
Brandon retraced his steps to the car and drove to the office. He figured the time at the park would have improved his mood. But nothing had changed by the time he made it back and it was all he could do to get through the meeting. On the way back to his office, Siobhan intercepted him.
“We need to talk.”
He didn’t break stride. “I’m not in the mood to talk.”
Siobhan followed him into his office and shut the door. “You don’t need to be.” Before he could reply, she said, “Sit down, Brandon, close your mouth and listen.” They engaged in a staredown and Siobhan held his gaze unflinchingly until he reluctantly dropped down in the chair. “Tell me what happened between you and Faith.”
Brandon really didn’t want to talk about Faith, especially since he was still hurt by her rejection. “I helped her after she had the accident and was just being friendly. But then things changed.” He told her about their dates, how much fun they had together, how he felt about her and how he’d messed up. He finished with, “And now she won’t listen to me.”
She smiled. “I guess Morgan was right. How does it feel being on this side of things? Have you apologized?”
“Yes, but she doesn’t believe me or that I love her.”
Her eyes widened and a smile lit her face. “Aww sookie sookie now! I thought I’d never see the day. Mom is going to be so excited.”
Brandon groaned. “There’s nothing to get excited about. Didn’t you just hear what I said? She’s going back home tomorrow. It’s over.”
Siobhan angled her head. “Do you really love her?”
“More than I eve
r thought possible.”
“Okay. I’ll get you another chance.” She stood and pointed a finger his way. “So get yourself together, little brother.”
He lifted a brow. “How?”
“Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you don’t blow it.” And she sailed out.
He leaned back in his chair. If he got another chance, he was damn sure not going to blow it.
Chapter 19
Faith sat across from Kathi Sunday night at dinner pushing the food around her plate. She hadn’t really wanted to go out, but Kathi insisted it would cheer her up. They’d even gone to the local bar and grill that served their favorite appetizer platter loaded with hot wings, loaded potato skins, fried zucchini and shrimp cocktail. However, none of it made her feel better. Faith turned as a loud cheer went up. A group of men sat at the bar watching a baseball game.
“How does it feel to be home?”
“Okay. My parents are glad to have me back and I’ve been working nonstop to catch up on my work.”
“Have you talked to Brandon?”
“He’s called twice since he came by the hotel Thursday. I think he’s just feeling guilty because he didn’t want me to take the job. I don’t want to give him another chance to break my heart. It hurts too much,” she added quietly.
Kathi placed her fork on the plate. “What if he’s really sorry and seriously wants to get back together?”
“I just can’t do it.” She needed to get on with her life. She’d gotten an email from a retirement community wanting her to design their website and that would keep her busy and her mind off Brandon. They continued to eat in silence for a few minutes. “How’s it going with Cameron?”
Kathi smiled. “It’s going great. He’s taking me to meet his family at their summer barbecue next weekend.”
“That’s great. Sounds like it’s getting serious.”
“I really like Cameron and I hope so.”
They finished the meal and, with a promise to talk during the week, parted. On the way home, Faith thought about how happy Kathi sounded. She was elated for her friend, but it reminded Faith that she had another failed relationship to add to her growing list.
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