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“You had an affair…and blamed it on him! You were the reason I was whisked away in the middle of the night and kept away from Jensen. You, not him!” Kate bellows, the tears streaming down her face once more.
“Affairs are a part of marriage, Kathryn. The sooner you realize that the better. Did you think Charles was faithful to you the entire time? With your forlorn eyes and your solitary disposition?” She laughs humorlessly. “He was probably screwing his secretary before the ink was even dry on the prenup.”
“It wasn’t Daddy who forced me to work for him, it was you.” It wasn’t a question. She already knew the answer.
“Of course, I did. You needed something to do besides sit around and cry over the boy you left behind. Real estate gave you something to focus on until you were a wife. Then you could sit at home and spend Charles’ money,” Annabelle says, matter-of-factly.
“I didn’t want to be a housewife,” Kate insists.
Again, Annabelle rolls her eyes. “This I know. You always wanted to mess around with that art stuff that was never going to take you anywhere. Marrying Charles was the only way for you to make something of your life.”
Now I’ve had enough.
“That’s where you’re wrong. Kate has always been the most beautiful, most courageous, most fascinating girl I’ve ever known. Even with paint speckles on her skin, there was a light in her eyes that shone brighter than the sun. You dimmed that light by denying her the chance to live her life as she saw fit. All I’ve ever wanted to do was bring out the sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face,” I say to Annabelle, but turn to face Kate. “She’s amazing, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. You can’t provide her with any sort of life.”
“I can provide her with everything,” I state, holding her gaze. “Because I love her.”
Kate smiles the warmest smile I’ve ever seen. “I love you too.”
Then she’s in my arms and her lips are pressed to mine. It’s a kiss that begins the rest of our lives, one that bridges the gap between our past and our future. This kiss is everything, because she is everything.
“Fuck, I can’t believe you’re really mine,” I tell her, tracing her lips with my own.
“As long as you want me,” she answers, a smile on her delectable lips.
“Well, that works out pretty fucking great for me, considering I’m thinking forever.”
Her eyes light up like fireworks in July. “Forever it is.”
My lips descend once more, my tongue sliding easily against hers. She’s pressed against my body, which is already very well aware of the fact I can feel every dip and every curve. My cock is hard, aching with need, and ready to show her just how much I fucking love her.
“You two are actually perfect for each other. You’re both dreamers.” Annabelle’s words pull us out of the happy little bubble we’ve found ourselves in.
Kate stands up straight and turns. “Mother, I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“You’re kicking me out?” she bawls, dramatically. Her eyes fill with tears and her hands cover her mouth.
And the Oscar goes to…
Before I can give her a piece of my mind, Kate says, “Yes, I am. If you can’t support me and the decisions I’m making with my life, then I think it’s time you went back to New York. Besides, you’ve been lying to me about Daddy, and I’m not ready to move past that yet.”
As if flipping a switch, the tears dry up and her hands rest on her hips. “Fine, Kathryn, have it your way. Don’t call me, crying, when you realize you’ve made a mistake.”
“The only mistake I’ve made is letting you control my life for as long as you have. That stops now. I’m where I want to be, with those I want to be with. Those who love me.”
“Love is a mirage, Kathryn. You’ll learn that sooner or later,” she says, glancing up at the second floor. “My bags are upstairs.”
“I’ll get them,” I answer, practically sprinting up the stairs two at a time. The moment I step inside the room, I can feel the change. Annabelle’s things are strewn all over the place, taking over as if she were moving back in.
Ain’t happening.
I grab the three pieces of luggage that probably cost more than my truck and toss them onto the bed. I start shoving clothes, personal toiletries, and whatever else I see that doesn’t belong to Kate in the bag, not even caring they’ll wrinkle. I hit the bathroom and closet, making sure I have everything that looks out of place. Once I’ve completed my task, I head back downstairs, a bag in each hand.
“That was fast,” Kate quips, a secret smile on her face.
“Just doing my duty and helping,” I reply, throwing her a wink before flying back up the stairs for the third and final bag.
