“Well?” Matthew spread his arms wide. “What do you think?”
“I was afraid we were totally off the rails there for a moment. I’ll be honest, when they brought you up, I thought you’d outed me for a second, and I couldn’t believe you’d ever do that.”
“I’d never.” He kissed her on the nose. “I will never do anything to upset you, and if I do, we’ll get through it.”
“Thank you, Matthew. I swear I should be counting the number of thank you’s I’ve given you in the short time we’ve known each other.”
“And I hope I give you daily reasons to continue. I cherish every moment with you.” He put his arm around her and walked her toward the exit. “I feel like we’ve known each other our whole lives. And that’s not the case, but you are the woman who seems to make everything in my life make sense.”
“I’ve never seen myself as a damsel in distress, but here you are again rescuing me.”
“You’re the most capable woman I’ve ever met.”
“You bring me a peaceful balance.” As the words came out of her mouth, she realized she’d been praying for that for a long time, not exactly knowing what it was supposed to even look, or feel, like. “Thank you.”
Her life was changing, she could feel it.
“Can I drive you home?” he asked.
“I was hoping you would.”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Whitney got out of Matthew’s car and texted William and Carina:
WHITNEY: I survived.
Since the show was local, there was no way they could catch it from where they were. It would re-air later, but by then, hopefully, she would have already explained everything to her parents.
Thank goodness this was behind them now. She got in her car and drove over to her parents’ house to wait for them to get home. This would be the hardest part. Facing her father, and praying he understood why she had to do what she did.
She owed him an explanation and a promise, but she also wanted to know where she stood in her role and her future at the firm running the divorce and family law business. Would she ever truly have free rein to adjust the business model? The law was simple, but the way they ran their business could change for the better.
My life is changing.
She’d been sitting on the couch, staring out the window for over an hour.
She had the link to this morning’s television program up on her laptop, waiting to play it for them. She’d recited her commentary over and over.
“I have to be the first to tell them about it.”
The little voice in her head reminded her she couldn’t control anything but her own actions.
If he’d heard about it from someone, and she knew that was a possibility, she’d defend herself. She felt confident about why and what she did. Dad didn’t have to accept it, but she hoped he would.
She’d made sure Carina was not involved, to protect her if things didn’t go as planned.
The sound of a car coming down the road got her attention. She jumped up on her knees, and this time it was the limousine.
“Finally.”
William and Carina got out of the back seat and walked to his car, with an overnight rolling suitcase rattling behind them. She’d half hoped he’d come inside, but he wasn’t that great of an actor, so it was probably smart that he didn’t.
Dad got out and put his arm around Mom’s waist. They were still so in love after all these years. Things had been so touchy she hadn’t even really said much about Matthew to Mom yet. Surely, she’d take credit for the match if it lasted.
She stood, waiting for them to come into the house.
