“Good,” I said. “Chandler’s been helping me with the legal side. Paperwork, structure, all the stuff that makes my brain want to melt.”
Raph’s mouth twitched slightly.
“He is effective in that regard.”
“He is,” I agreed. “But . . . I’m happy with the progress we are making.”
That felt bigger than it should have.
“I think this is going to work,” I continued. “Like really work. Not just for me, but for all of them.” The women. The ones who had been invisible. “Good pay. Benefits. Ownership . . . ” I shook my head slightly. “This will change lives.”
Raph studied me quietly. Like that mattered to him. Like I mattered to him.
Dad set his fork down and looked at me, his expression suddenly clear.
“I’m proud of you, Bells,” he said.
The words hit harder than they should have.
“Thanks, Dad,” I said softly.
He nodded, satisfied, then glanced at the clock.
“Well,” he said, pushing back from the table, “I’ve got to get to bed. Work in the morning.”
I swallowed a smile.
“Of course you do.”
His nurse, who was already a quiet, steady part of the rhythm of the house, stepped forward.
“Let’s get you settled,” she said gently.
He went without argument.
I watched them disappear down the hall, something warm settling in my chest.
This was what I had wanted. I had found stability, safety, and care for both of us.
I felt Raph move before I looked at him. His hand brushed mine on the table.
“I have to say. You’ve inspired me,” he said quietly.
“Oh yeah, how so?” I replied.
“There were so many things I thought I understood before I met you. It is hard to admit, but I was still so blinded by my privilege. I was talking to Chandler today about possibly implementing some of the things you’ve been working on across all of Renault Properties?"
“Really?”
He nodded. “I have all I need right here. I might as well share the wealth. It is in the beginning stages, but you are changing lives, Ma Belle.”
I reached across the table, taking his hand. “See, you're not such a beast after all.”
“I don’t know, I think you like it when I’m a beast.”
I smiled because he was right. I loved when he was beastly.
We didn’t rush upstairs.
