His face showed a flicker of fear when he looked in her eyes, as though he might have believed she was about to kick his ass personally. He had not fared well in jail but must have cooperated with the judge because here he was.
“What the hell are you doing here?” she asked in a cold voice.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Owen put up his hands in surrender, and his eyes pleaded with Grace to listen to him. Curiosity won out, and she ceased her advance on him. He stood by the door, his hands still in front of him, sort of afraid. Good for him.
“I didn’t come here to ask for anything, okay? Please, just hear me out, and then I promise I’ll go and never bother you ever again.” There was meekness about Owen that was new. The Owen she knew subjugated everyone around him and placed the blame for his life screw-ups at everyone else’s feet. This Owen looked broken-hearted, actually just plain broken.
“What do you have to say to me that I could possibly want to hear?” she asked defensively. She was very curious but not willing to let him think he’d just get away with saying his piece and then leaving.
“I came to apologize. I came to tell you I’m sorry I came up here last month and asked for money and threatened you. I accused you of stealing my stuff. I know that my things got stolen from my truck while it was impounded. I was nothing but a drunken son of a bitch and I never held a job and provided for you the way a man should.” His voice shook with emotion.
“I allowed you to work two jobs to support my sorry drunken ass. I kept you from going to college like you wanted to after high school. I embarrassed you by being arrested drunk on your front lawn last month. I insulted you all those years and told you that you were fat and ugly. I made you think I’d only…you know, have sex with you in the dark,” he whispered it softly so no one else could hear, “and let you think it was because I thought you were fat. It was because I didn’t want you to see how inadequate I was. I accused you of screwing the repairman to pay for the repair on the AC, and I ruined your laptop computer. I wasn’t there for you and I used you.” His voice cracked, and he quickly swiped the tears from his face on his sleeve. “I’m sorry. Sorry for all those things and because I never loved you the way you deserved. And Lord have mercy on me, I’m so sorry I hit you, Grace. I’ll never be able to forgive myself for hitting you.”
“You sorry sack of shit, you can’t even remember half of what you’re apologizing for.”
“Your men paid me a visit after I got out of rehab and got put on probation. I was already going to come and apologize to you, but they paid me a call this morning and told me what I’d done. I’ve only been out of rehab a couple of days, but I’m clean. I’m staying in a half-way house and going to AA meetings every night. Judge says if I screw up again, he’ll go hard on me. I got counseling when I was in rehab and started talking to your old pastor who comes to visit there. We’re gonna start meeting at his office every week. There’s a new distribution center being built in Waco, and a friend of mine I met in rehab told me there might be a job for me there. If I go, I’ll stay in AA and keep getting counseling. I’m not well and healthy, but I know I did it to myself.
“I know you’re getting married to Mr. Warner in two weeks, and I wanted to congratulate you and tell you I’m really happy for you, Grace.” His eyes overflowed as he looked at her, his voice shaking harder. “Mr. Warner is a good man, I can tell, and I know he’s going to take good care of you, just like you always deserved. I feel real bad for making you think you were fat and ugly, but even worse because I know you believed me.”
“Grace, you’re just the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, standing there. You look pretty as an angel, and I never saw it and never told you, and I’m a bastard for it, I know. I know all you’ll have of me are sad memories because I hurt you so much, but I want you to know I wish you every joy that life can offer you, and I hope someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
He wiped his tears on his shirt sleeve again and shoved his hands in his pockets. He scrunched his shoulders and looked at his feet for a second, visibly trying to pull himself together. “If–if there is something you feel like you need to say to me, whatever it is, I deserve it, and you can say it if you want to,” he offered and then seemed to brace himself for whatever she might conceivably say.
She felt impassive looking at him, felt no strong emotion at all, really. Maybe that was because he’d surprised her, both by showing up but also by making a sincere, heartfelt apology, something she would not have expected in a million years. She thought of the last few times she’d seen him. She clearly remembered him backhanding her, then beating on her door in the middle of the night, then standing in the very same spot threatening her for money. As those images flicked through her mind one at a time, she realized they no longer had strong emotions attached to them. They were just old memories. She’d experienced too much love in the interim for them to hold sway over her, and his apology seemed to also play a part in some of the pain leaking from the recollection.
“If you have an opportunity to find love again, ever, in your life, will you treat her with respect and honor her?”
“I doubt there will ever be another woman for me, Grace, not after you, after what I’ve done. I realized in jail the second time around and even more in rehab how bad what I’d done to you was.”
Grace sighed, knowing she had to release him and severe the bond forever. “Owen, I hope in time you will forgive yourself. I appreciate your apology. I’d never have thought you’d own up to your actions. I’m glad you’re clean. I forgive you, Owen.” He’d quietly started weeping again, trying to hold back sobs that were racking his gaunt frame. She handed him the box of Kleenex tissues, which he thanked her for.
“I forgive you for what you did to me and the things you said. I wish you well, Owen. Please promise me now that you will never, ever, contact me again.”
He smiled tearfully at her, and she watched as he accepted her words and nodded, wiping his eyes, then his nose. “I promise, Grace. Thank you. Your forgiveness means a lot. Congratulations on your marriage.” He raised a hand in farewell and backed through the door as he pulled it open. She heard the ignition of a vehicle start and drive away quietly.
She walked to her desk and sat down in her chair, trying to sort through her feelings. She felt very…detached, emotionally. Should she be crying? Should she be throwing up? Should she be feeling woozy? All she felt now was relief and closure. The closure felt good. She leaned back in her chair, looking at the doorway to the hall leading to the work room.
“Did you call him?” Grace asked, dryly.
Rose’s disembodied voice called from the workroom, “Hell yes, I called him. What did you expect, silly girl?”
“I handled it.”
“I know! You were scary cool. Feel like throwin’ up?”
“Nah, I’m good.
“Dizzy?”
“Not now, give it five minutes.”‘
“He’ll be here in less than that. We’re sending you home, sweetie. Ethan’s coming with him.”
“We have deadlines, Rose. I can stay.”
“We’re in great shape. You can go, sweet cheeks.”
“There is no arguing with you, is there?”
“Nope, resistance is futile,” Rose said, laughing, as she finally came in the front room. “Get your purse. I hear him pulling in now.”
Jack and Ethan walked in the front door, concern written on their features. She got up and went to them and hugged them both in turn.
“Darlin’, you all right?”
“Yes, Jack, I’m very all right. Perfect.” She kissed and hugged him again, then reached for Ethan, who wrapped his arms around her.
“We were afraid you’d be upset, Gracie. Do you feel shaky?” He looked into her eyes.
“No, not yet at least.” She shook her head. “He came to apologize, and I forgave him.”
“That’s great, honey.” Ethan stroked her cheek and looked into her
eyes, then guided her to sit back down.
“He told me you paid him a visit.” Grace said looking from one to the other.
Jack nodded, stroking her shoulder. “Yes. He told us he was planning on coming to apologize to you. I think he was afraid we were going to beat him up.”
Ethan scoffed. “Are you kidding? He looked ready to wet his pants when he saw us at the door. We told him if he was planning on making an apology that he needed to be enlightened about everything he’d done to you, since he was blacked out for part of it. I’m glad he didn’t chicken out. If you’ll give me your keys, Jack is going to drive you home.”
“But I have errands to run this afternoon.”
“We’ll make you lunch, and you’re gonna rest for a while,” Ethan told her. “The house is noisy right now, but they can knock it off for an hour to let you eat some lunch and rest, then I’ll take you to run your errands after that.”
She might have argued, but she felt herself beginning to run out of steam. She tried to hide it. It was only 10:45 a.m., and she had things she needed to get done.
She had a fitting to get to. Maudie had found her the perfect dress, if she was judging by the dreamy look in both Ethan and Adam’s eyes when they saw her in it the first time. Maudie had ordered fabric that matched the silken mesh on the skirt of the wedding dress and made Grace’s veil herself.
Carrie had called her that morning to let her know the portraits were framed and ready to be picked up. This was her favorite part of all her wedding plans—having those boudoir portraits made for her men. There was no way she’d be able to get them if Ethan was with her.
“I see those sleepy eyes, Gracie. Where are your keys? Lie down at home for an hour and you know you’ll feel better. Then we can go do whatever you need to do, honey. I promise. Wait until you see what they accomplished upstairs. You’re gonna be very happy.” She grinned at him and handed him her keys.
She hugged Rose and Martha and climbed into the SUV with Jack. When they walked in the front door, they were assaulted by the noise of progress upstairs. The renovation was ahead of schedule and would be done by the middle of the week before the wedding. Grace was amazed by how quickly demolition had occurred upstairs and watched in awe as the upstairs transformed into the master, or in her case, mistress suite.
The bathroom alone was a work of art, done in coordinated shades of rosy pink. The tub was situated in the center of the bathroom, positioned in front of a two-sided fireplace. A large, glass brick window dominated one whole wall. Talk about sexy. Rosy, earth-toned tiles covered the floor and lined the huge walk-in steam shower. The sinks were large, cut glass bowls with elegant faucets and taps. The counters were a sparkling creamy marble with just a hint of rose, and the walls were the palest shade of creamy rose.
The bedroom was to have wooden floors with large, thick area rugs. Wesley had finished the bed a few weeks ago and was done with all but one of the pieces she’d ordered. He and Evan had worked hard getting the furniture built. Schedules had gotten busy, and they hadn’t found the time to get together yet. She hadn’t heard anymore from Evan on the subject of her relationship, and she hoped that meant that she’d done an adequate job of answering his questions and not because things had gone sour for him.
The canopy, linens, and mattress, which was enormous, had arrived and were in storage at the moment, along with several pieces of furniture and the bed which Wesley had delivered to them, saying he had another big rush order he had to get on right away. Grace was eager to see how it would all look put together, and thought that the closed room in the barn where all the furniture was currently stored was awfully full. She didn’t remember ordering that much furniture, but couldn’t be sure because it was all draped with heavy cotton drop cloths and packed in there so tightly she couldn’t even get in.
* * * *
Grace went upstairs to say hello to Adam and check the progress on the suite. While she was up there, Jack fixed them some lunch. Leftover lasagna, salad, and garlic bread.
“She upstairs?” Jack asked softly as Adam came down the stairs.
“Yeah, just came up. She told me what happened. It seems to me like she handles stress better now.”
Ethan nodded. “She was woozy earlier, but she bounces back faster. I think it’s because she’s happy now.”
Jack grinned and continued softly, “I think you’re right. Raquel called. Grace’s formal portrait and our gifts for Grace are all ready to be picked up, but she said to call before we come get them to make sure the studio is open. They must be in and out a lot.”
Ethan said, “I’ll take Grace on her errands if you want to go get them while I do that.”
“Sure, I’ll give Raquel a call and let her know I’m coming. You think she’ll like them?” Jack asked, peeking around the corner at the stairs. He sure didn’t want to spoil her surprise wedding gift.
“Hell, yeah,” Ethan said enthusiastically, “she’s going to love them. I can’t wait to see Grace’s bridal portrait.”
“Sure, rub it in.”
“Don’t worry,” Ethan snickered, “you’ll see it at the reception.”
“Whatever,” he said, placing the food and plates on the black and gray granite counter top.
“I’m taking her to her final fitting today. She is going to knock you dead when you see her at the church, Jack.”
“That good, huh?”
“That damn good, yeah,” Adam agreed.
* * * *
Maudie zipped the zipper at the back of the dress and then buttoned the short row of satin-covered buttons. She backed away from Grace to get a good look. “It’s perfect on you,” she said, getting a little misty-eyed. “Even barefoot with your hair down. It’s perfect. Did you bring the clip? Would you like me to pin your hair up before we put on your veil?”
“Yes, I remembered. Let me get it.” Grace climbed down from the stair stepped pedestal and got the jeweled clip and twirled her hair up into a quick little twist. She was having her hair done at Madeleine’s for the wedding but was going to go in a few days before that to be waxed again.
She’d gotten a bikini wax in June, and the men had reacted favorably, so she was working her way toward a Brazilian wax. She doubted she’d be there in time for the wedding, but the landing strip was narrowing down nicely. Her men enthusiastically voiced their approval, though they had said they didn’t want to lose her curls entirely, which to them were womanly.
Maudie brought the veil, which flowed and fluttered with her movement. She pinned it securely at the top of the clip that Grace would wear on her wedding day. Maudie helped Grace strap the bridal shoes on. Grace loved how soft and comfortable they were on but how sexy and stylish as well. Grace nodded at Maudie and then went into the dressing room. She heard Maudie bring Ethan into the room and offer him a bottle of water, thanking him for waiting so patiently while they got Grace ready. Grace had wanted to give Ethan the full effect and gauge his reaction.
Her heart doing little flip-flops, she moved to the doorway as Maudie nodded at her. Grace stepped smoothly from the dressing room and slowly walked across the room into his view. She smiled softly, noticing he dropped the bottled water and quickly retrieved it before any spilled.
She saw the dreamy expression she loved. It told her everything she needed to know. They had chosen well. The waistline was an asymmetrical row of pearl and sequin beading that began under the right breast, passing underneath and creating an Empire waist effect, wrapping around at an angle in the back. The same beading also created the narrow but sturdy shoulder straps. The bodice wrapped simply in the front, overlapping slightly at her cleavage, giving it a Greek goddess look. The skirt was several layers of the same fabric that flowed and swirled with the slightest movement. It was smooth and silken, flowing around her feet, barely showing her sandals. The short train would be pinned up onto a tiny button at the reception, creating a beautiful drape in the back, which would allow her to dance as much as she wanted. She turned for h
im so that he could see the veil, which mimicked the movements of the skirt.
“Do you think it will do?” she asked him cheekily as she pointed a toe and slowly lifted the skirt, showing off her shoe, her calf, knee, and finally the top of her white lace stocking.
His eyes had a definite dazed look to them. “I think it will more than do. Grace. You’re a goddess in it.” He approached her on the pedestal. He took her hand, bowed over it, and kissed her knuckles. Vaguely, she heard Maudie let loose a tiny sob and excuse herself from the room. “You’re so beautiful you made her cry.”
“No, I think your sweet words made her cry.” Grace leaned down to kiss him from the pedestal. “Why don’t you send her back in so I can get out of all these buttons, and then we can get over to Clay’s? I’m anxious to see your rings.”
They wrapped things up with Maudie, thanking her for her extra help in making the veil. With the gown safely wrapped and all the accessories accounted for, they stopped in to pick up the men’s wedding bands and the bridal jewelry her men had ordered for her. Each piece was designed to coordinate with her wedding ring. There was a wide cuff bracelet, teardrop earrings, and a teardrop necklace. Grace was stunned by the expense because this was platinum and diamond jewelry, but they had insisted she have it. The men’s wedding bands were a more masculine version of Grace’s ring, with a polished platinum outer band surrounding an unpolished braided wire in gold for Jack and unpolished platinum for Ethan and Adam. She’d asked Clay to place a special inscription in each ring. They had agreed to wait until the morning of the wedding to look at the inscriptions because Grace wouldn’t see the inscription in her wedding band until then.
* * * *
That same night, Grace went upstairs to the mistress suite, as they were now officially calling it, to talk to her men, who were working on the renovation at night as well. She asked them to stop for a few minutes so she could talk to them.
The Divine Creek Ranch Collection, Volume 1 [Book 1 - Divine Grace, Book 2 - Her Gentle Giant, Book 3 - Heavenly Angel] (Siren Everlasting Collection) Page 53