“Tag?”
Hearing his brother speak to him a second time, Tag thought he’d better respond. “Yes, I’m with you guys, although I’m getting bored to tears,” he said, smiling. “Talk about something that won’t put me to sleep, will you?”
Bridget made a face. “Um, how about if we discuss the fact that you were seen at a Broadway play on Saturday night,” she said, tipping a glass of wine to her lips.
Tag rolled his eyes, knowing his sister had gotten her information from Caroline Dutton, a high school friend of hers who was known for her loose lips. Everyone knew Caroline was a chip off the old block since her mother, Lila Dutton, was one of the worst gossips anyone could have the misfortune of knowing. He had run into Caroline at the play on Saturday, and if Bridget knew he had gone to the play then she also knew the person he had taken with him.
“Don’t hold your breath for that one.” Tag leaned back in his chair and smiled. Waking up beside Renee had been a wonderful experience on Saturday morning. After making love again, they had showered together and then he had taken her home to change clothes.
He had talked her into going to see the Lion King and they both enjoyed it immensely. Afterwards, he had taken her back to her place and he had spent the night.
“Your smile is downright sickening, Tag.”
His smile widened as he glanced over at Liam. “Is it? Sorry.” He knew everyone was curious but he had no intention of sharing the reason for his blissful contentment with anyone.
“Dinner is ready to be served.”
Tag stood, grateful for Olive’s timely announcement. Olive and her husband, Benjamin, had worked for his grandparents for years as The Tides’ main caretakers. Olive, at fifty-five, was the housekeeper and Ben, at fifty-seven, was the groundskeeper. Both ran their own staffs and kept things orderly.
“When will Mother be coming down?” he hung back and asked when the others had left the room.
“She’s on her way now,” Olive said, smiling brightly. “Whoever’s idea it was for her to help with Gannon and Erika’s wedding definitely had the right idea. Her mood has improved dramatically.”
Tag was glad to hear that. He had been worried that at some point she might start withdrawing again. “I’m anxious to see her.” He hadn’t seen her since before she’d been released from the hospital.
“And I know she’s anxious to see all of you as well. The last few weeks have been difficult for her.”
Tag shook his head. “When do you expect my grandparents to return?” He knew they had taken a pleasure trip to Florida to meet with other couples that belonged to the Irish American Historical Society.
“By the end of next week, in time for Gannon’s wedding and to get things ready for their anniversary dinner. They call every day to check how your mom is doing and be sure she gets all the rest she needs before she begins her chemotherapy treatments.”
Tag sighed and traced his hand down his face. He tried not to think about that additional phase in his mother’s recovery. When he heard voices he walked out into the foyer and glanced in the direction of the staircase. His parents were standing together on the top stair and whatever his father had told his mother had made her smile.
Although she looked somewhat pale and exhausted, there was a part of her fighting for the sparkle and glow to come through. He’d noticed more than once that his father had the ability to bring out that sparkle by coaxing her into a smile with whatever private words he would tell her.
A part of Tag admired what his parents had shared for over thirty years and for the first time in his life he knew that one day he wanted that same thing for himself. The chance to share his life with someone who would not only be his spouse, but his lover and best friend, as well.
“Come on to the kitchen and leave them alone for a little while longer,” Olive whispered in his ear.
Tag nodded and followed Olive into the kitchen.
Tag could only be grateful that his mother was doing as well as she was. In a way, dinner was just like old times when they would all share a meal together. But the one thing that was different was that his father hadn’t rushed out in the middle of it, thinking there was something at the office he just had to do. Another thing was that after dinner everyone lingered, not in a hurry to leave, and most importantly, his mother was the center of all their attention and concern.
“So how are things going with you, Tag?” his mother asked, sending him a fond smile as they walked together outside on the grounds, her hand firmly anchored to his sleeve, her steps slower than usual.
He looked down at her and smiled. “I’m doing better now that I see that you’re doing well.” His siblings had left moments earlier and he had remained, needing this time alone with his mother. The two of them had always had a rather close relationship. As a child he’d thought she was beautiful. He still did. And he’d also been convinced that she was the smartest person in the world since any advice she’d always given him had been timely and needed—whether he’d wanted to receive it or not.
“How are things at the office?” she inquired, evidently feeling the need to break her question down further.
Tag let his lips curve, recognizing her strategy. “Work is kind of crazy right now and a part of me is angry at Granddad because of the way things are. Over the years I’ve felt more than once that some of the decisions he has made were based more on keeping up appearances than putting his family first, but I think this recent antic of his is a real doozy. I can’t imagine what he was thinking. Dad is the eldest, so when Granddad retires, he should rightfully become CEO. Everyone expected it, so I just don’t get it.”
Karen nodded in understanding. “At the moment none of us do, Tag. I think Patrick’s decision hurt Michael somewhat, but you know your father. He will abide by your grandfather’s wishes.”
Karen stopped walking for a moment and looked up at Tag, fixing her dark eyes on his. “So now, tell me, how are things going in your personal life?”
Tag was acutely aware that his mother, in her own way, was probing. And although she’d always been curious about his personal life, she’d kept the pointed questions to a minimum. For some reason he felt she was asking out of more than polite curiosity and quickly wondered if someone had mentioned something to her. One of his siblings? His father?
He couldn’t help but recall that day in the hospital waiting room when he had referred to Renee by her first name and his father had given him that surprised look. One thing Tag had discovered while growing up was that Michael Elliott was not slow. He caught on quickly. Dismissing the thought that the informant was one of his siblings, Tag concluded his father had said something.
He met his mother’s gaze and smiled, deciding to be completely honest, the only way he could be with her. “My personal life is going great, although I was having problems with this certain young lady not taking me seriously, but I’ve finally convinced her otherwise.”
“Is it Renee?”
Tag lifted a brow, knowing it was as he’d suspected. His father had told her. His smile widened as he answered, deciding not to question how she knew. It was enough that she did. “Yes, it’s Renee. We’re seeing each other.”
Karen smiled. “She’s a beautiful girl and I know firsthand how genuinely caring she is. She helped me through a difficult time and for that I’m most grateful. There’s something so uniquely elegant about her and I can’t help but notice how she goes out of her way to help someone. I think she’s good for you and that the two of you would make a beautiful couple.”
After a brief moment of silence, she said, “Earlier, you mentioned something about Renee not taking you seriously. Does that mean she’s not fully accepting of sharing a relationship with you?”
Tag chuckled, thinking that was one way to put it. “She was pretty reluctant at first but she’s slowly beginning to thaw. I’ve gotten her to at least agree to give us a chance to see where things will go. Because we’re an interracial couple she’s concerned about
what people will say.”
“The family?”
“Yes, among others. We’ve garnered our share of frowns and stares whenever we’re seen together. I can ignore them a lot better than she can.”
Karen nodded. “As far as the family’s acceptance, I don’t think you’ll have any problems, however, you know your grandfather. He can take protecting the family’s name to uncompromising heights.”
Tag frowned, controlling the quick surge of anger that consumed him at the mere thought. “Yes, and when the time comes I will deal with him about this if I have to. Under no circumstances will I let him, or anyone, dictate how I spend my life and with whom.”
Karen looked at her son, feeling his resentment. “I’d like to offer some words of advice, if I may.”
“Certainly.” Although she had asked, Tag knew she would give her advice anyway.
“Since finding out about my cancer I’ve discovered just how little time we have on this earth to do the things we want to do, to be with the person or people we want to be with. It’s made me realize one very important thing and that is nothing, and I mean nothing—not prestige, power or pride—is worth sacrificing the things that you truly want, the things that you truly love.
“Don’t be afraid to take time and smell the roses. Don’t hesitate in seeking out those things you hold dear. Seeking them out and holding on to them. And don’t ever cease standing up for what you believe in, and fighting for those things that you want. Life is too short. Do what makes you happy, regardless of how others might feel. Do what makes Tag happy.”
Tag sighed deeply. He smiled, thinking his mother was still the smart woman he’d always thought her to be. He lifted her hand to his lips. “Thanks for the advice. I intend to take it.”
“So, how was your mom?” Renee asked as she sank onto the edge of her sofa. As soon as the phone rang she had gotten this excited feeling in the pit of her stomach. For some reason she had known it would be Tag.
“Considering all she’s been through I think her spirits are rather high. Her health seems to be improving each day and she’s getting around a lot better.”
“That’s good.”
“And she’s excited about the plans for Gannon and Erika’s wedding, although she understands they want it to be a small affair with just family. Dad says Mom has been busy on the phone with caterers and florists, and I can tell just from talking to her that she’s really enjoying it.”
There was a pause, and then he said, “Mom and I got a chance to spend some time alone and I told her that you and I were seeing each other.”
An uneasy shiver crept up Renee’s spine. “You did?”
“Yes.”
“And what did she say?” she asked, trying to keep her voice even.
“She smiled and said she thought we made a nice couple.”
Renee arched her brow. “Was that the only thing she said?”
“No. She also told me how much she liked you and how much you had helped her through a difficult time. She actually thinks you’re good for me.”
A jitter of happiness shot through Renee. She couldn’t help but smile. “Did she really say that?”
“Yes, and those were her exact words.”
Renee sighed. “Thanks for sharing that with me.”
“I’d like to share a whole lot more.”
She shook her head, grinning as she thought of all they’d shared that weekend, especially the intensity with which he had made love to her. “Haven’t you shared enough?”
“You haven’t seen anything yet. I’d like to make plans for us for this Tuesday night. Would you go out with me?”
“Tuesday?”
“Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh.” She hadn’t had a reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day in so long that she’d forgotten. “And you want to take me out?”
“Of course. I want to plan a special evening just for you.”
Renee shifted her body on the cushions of her sofa. “Are you sure?”
Tag laughed. “Of course I’m sure. There’s no one else I’d rather spend such a special day with. Will it be okay to pick you up around seven?”
She sighed deeply, remembering the decision they had made. “Yes, seven will be fine. Any particular way I should dress?”
“It’s a semiformal affair. One of my mother’s favorite charities, the Heart Association, is holding its annual Heart to Heart Ball.”
Renee swallowed. That meant a lot of people would be attending. She was just coming to terms with her decision that she and Tag give things a try. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to handle something of this magnitude. Panic rose within her. The last thing she wanted to do was to give people something to talk about. “Tag?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
His endearment caused a sudden calming effect to settle over her. She would do as she promised and give them a chance. “Nothing. I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
“I can’t wait.”
She smiled. “Neither can I. Good-night.”
As soon as she ended their call she placed her arms across her stomach when it began to feel tense. No, she wouldn’t give in to any panic attacks. For now she would follow her heart and see where it led.
“So what do you think, Erika?” Tag asked.
Erika pursed her lips and sighed. She glanced across the Pulse conference room at Gannon, Tag and Marlene Kingston, then leaned back in her chair and smiled. “I think an excellent job was done with this article and that we should definitely make it our cover story.”
Gannon lifted a brow. “In next month’s issue?”
Erika shook her head. “No. I suggest we go to a special edition. If we sit on this story we run the risk of Time doing it first. You can’t convince me that sooner or later someone won’t get suspicious about Senator Denton’s resignation like we did and start digging.”
Tag nodded. “Okay then, we’re in agreement,” he said excitedly. He turned to Marlene. “And I’ll add my kudos to Erika’s for a well-written story.”
“Thanks,” Marlene said beaming. “I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to do it.”
After Marlene left, Erika lifted an eyebrow and asked, “Where’s Peter?”
Gannon sighed. “I don’t know. This is another important meeting that he’s missed.” No one said anything, but Tag knew his brother was being forced to deal with an issue that he’d been avoiding. Peter Weston was simply not pulling his weight.
Tag stood. “All right then, it’s all settled,” he said excitedly. “Let the presses roll and let’s watch the sales flow in.”
Later that evening Tag joined Liam, Bridget and his cousin Scarlet at Une Nuit. Despite everyone’s smiles he could feel tension at the table the moment he sat down. “What’s going on?”
Releasing an affronted sigh his sister said, “Nothing, other than that earlier today I saw Cullen at the office and asked him how things were going at Snap and he almost bit my head off. You would have thought I was asking him for some deep, dark secret.”
“Personally, I think Grandfather’s challenge has got all of you on guard,” Bryan said, in defense of his younger brother as he pulled up a chair and joined them. “That’s why I’m glad I got out of the family business and started this place. Even then there was too much pressure at EPH. I don’t want to think how crazy things are now.”
Tag nodded. “Bryan is right. Granddad’s challenge has all of us tense. We’ve always worked together for the good of the company as a whole and have never been pitted against each other like this before. But we can’t lose sight that no matter what, we’re family.”
Liam took a sip of his drink. “I agree with Tag.”
Scarlet rolled her eyes, grinning. “You would, since your job as financial operating officer doesn’t align you with any particular magazine.”
Liam frowned. “Yes, but it doesn’t make my job easier when I have to do damage control with all four. Try doing my job.”
“No, brothe
r dear, you can keep your job,” Bridget said. “I don’t know of anyone who could do it better. It’s just that things are getting crazy already, just like Bryan said, and it’s only the second month. I don’t want to think what the summer will bring when things really begin to heat up.”
Bridget then glanced over at Scarlet. “And speaking of Summer…where is she?” she asked Scarlet regarding the whereabouts of her identical twin.
Scarlet took a sip of her drink before saying, “Summer’s excited about John returning to town in time for the ball tomorrow night and decided to go shopping for something to wear.”
Bridget smiled. “I’m glad that I’m not the only one who’s looking forward to the ball tomorrow night.”
Tag leaned back in his chair and thought of the evening he had planned with Renee and said, “I’m looking forward to the ball tomorrow night, as well.”
Renee looked in the full-length mirror that was on the back of her bathroom door, not believing the transformation a visit to the hair salon and an exclusive dress boutique could make. But she wanted to look as special as Tag had promised the night would be.
The day had started off promisingly when a prettily wrapped cookie bouquet was delivered to her at work. She had gotten a curious stare from Vicki, but as usual, her secretary had respected her privacy by not asking any questions. Tag’s card had simply said, Be My Valentine.
Then when she’d gotten home there had been the delivery of the Malone painting she had fallen in love with that Saturday she and Tag had spent together in Greenwich Village. She didn’t want to think how much Tag had paid for the painting and her first reaction was that there was no way she could accept it. But when she’d finally reached him on his cell he’d told her there was no way she could return the painting; it was hers to keep. He then bid her goodbye, promising to see her at seven.
She chuckled as she tossed her hair from her face. Instead of the straight strands she usually wore, her hair was a silken mass of curls that framed her face and tumbled around her shoulders.
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