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“That’s not true that it’s nothing,” Marc said in a firm voice that brooked no argument. “I?
??m sure it was everything to that young girl. Because of you, she wasn’t alone. And I’m sure your presence allayed her fears.”
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. It felt nice to be praised, even though she wasn’t certain she deserved it. After all, Angela had been the brave one.
“It was such an honor to be at her side and witness such a precious miracle.” Charlotte darted a glance at Marc. “And believe it or not, she’s giving the baby my name as her middle name. Rose Charlotte.” She shook her head, still in disbelief that a baby had been named after her.
“I think it’s a wonderful name, full of strength and beauty.”
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed. Why did it feel as if Marc was giving her a compliment? She was acting silly. Almost like a schoolgirl with a crush.
She looked across at Marc. If she was going to have a crush on someone Marc made a very reasonable subject. He was extremely good looking. Her bias against him had blinded her to his good looks and easy charm. With each and every moment she shared with Marc she felt more and more ashamed of the way she’d treated him. She had viewed him as an unscrupulous manipulator. How very wrong she had been.
She locked gazes with Marc. He leaned forward across the table, his eyes full of intensity as he regarded her. “I’m just going to say something. I might be all kinds of crazy, but I think there’s something brewing between the two of us. I’ve felt it for a while now. And I know you might still think I’m a jerk, but I like you Charlotte. I like you a lot. And I want to see you…go out on a date with you. A real date. One that’s planned and not just a coincidence of running into each other or being in the same vicinity. So what do you think?”
* * *
Marc couldn’t take the suspense of waiting for Charlotte’s response to his statement. He had been a bit wordy, but once he’d started talking it had been difficult for him to stop. Charlotte had been on his mind non-stop all day. And he wasn’t going to ignore these feelings any longer. He knew it might be awkward because of the past, but he also knew life presented a person with opportunities. Being with Charlotte was an opportunity he just couldn’t ignore.
God, please let Charlotte feel the same way as I do. Let her see we might have something worth taking a shot at exploring. I’ve been alone for a long time now. And Charlotte might just be the one I’ve been waiting on.
“I feel something too.” Charlotte ducked her head down and twiddled with her fingers. “I tried to ignore it, but the feelings are still there. Last night pretty much cemented it.”
“Was it me or the chocolate cherry shake?” Marc joked, trying to ease the tension.
Charlotte looked up at him and smiled. “Can I say both?” she asked with a humorous tone.
“Here’s the thing. I think God works in mysterious ways. We sometimes think we know it all, but in the end, we really don’t. No offense, but I never would have imagined we would develop feelings for each other. Before I got to know you I was under the misassumption that you were this entitled society princess. I know now that’s not true.”
“I don’t want to say out loud the things I thought about you,” Charlotte admitted. Her cheeks looked flushed. Marc had the sense she was deeply embarrassed. “Forgive me,” she said in an almost whisper.
“There’s nothing to forgive. Don’t you see, Charlotte? What’s happening between us is real. We both thought the worst of each other. God is working through us, showing us not to make assumptions or judgements against people. That’s exactly what we both did.”
Charlotte looked at him with wide eyes.
“We could ignore it, but I think it would be a colossal mistake. My life is pretty crazy at the moment with dad’s illness and work, but I think we all can make time for the important things.” Still, Charlotte hadn’t said a single word. He pressed on. “I want to take you out on a date. I want to get to know you better. What do you think about that?”
“I-I would very much like to go out with you, Marc.” Charlotte’s voice was low, almost as if she couldn’t believe the words coming out of her own mouth. “I have to admit I’m a little floored. This is the last thing I ever expected.”
Marc reached out across the table and squeezed her hand. “I know exactly how you feel. And I respect your feelings. I know how close you are to Case…and Fancy. But I honestly believe some of the greatest things in life happen by serendipity.”
Charlotte nodded her head. “Serendipity. I love that word.”
“There hasn’t been much of it in my life.” Marc made a face. “So I’m ready to embrace it.”
“If we…go out I think we should keep this quiet for a bit. I hope that doesn’t sound awful or like I’m trying to hide anything.” Charlotte gazed at him with worry emanating from her eyes.
A wave of relief washed over him. He’d been thinking the same thing. He didn’t want a bunch of people bombarding them with their opinions about a possible relationship between them. They were stepping out on a limb of faith. They certainly didn’t need anyone raining on their parade. And it was entirely possible that they would go out on one date without it going any further. There was no sense in telling everyone when it could lead them on a road to nowhere.
“No. I get it,” Marc said, his tone meant to reassure Charlotte. “I don’t like secrets, but I think this is just being cautious and mindful. Considering the fact that I’m working for Savannah House and my past history with Fancy and your brother, it makes a lot of sense.”
He didn’t have the heart to add that his family wouldn’t be too thrilled at the idea of him dating a Duvall. His mother in particular had a bad taste in her mouth after the Fancy-Case debacle. Marisol Cabron felt her son had been given a raw deal in the situation whereas Fancy had come off smelling like a rose. Marc had relayed to his mother countless times all the ways Fancy had suffered major fallout. In particular, Case ending his engagement to Fancy. His words had fallen on deaf ears. Because Marc’s reputation had taken a hit, Marisol had bought into the idea of Marc being used as a scapegoat.
He chuckled at the thought of his mother, the fierce grizzly Mama bear.
Charlotte let out a huge sigh. “Thanks for understanding. I figure the less complicated the better.”
Marc winked at her. “Sounds like a plan.” He drained the last bit of his coffee from his cup. “I should really get back upstairs to Pops. How about if I call you tomorrow and we can figure out some plans.” He pulled out his cell phone to add her number. Charlotte nodded and they exchanged cell phone numbers.
