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“Why?” She wasn’t expecting me to answer back, and she stares at me with disdain.
“Because you are to be married regardless of any indiscretion that may have occurred.”
“I never mentioned an indiscretion.”
I stare at her through narrowed eyes because obviously mom knows more than she’s letting on.
“Don’t narrow your eyes at me, Abigail. You will not disrespect me.”
She throws me a withering glare and then sighs.
“Mary called this morning before we left. Apparently, Jefferson told her that he was a little wild last night and you found out and were angry. He was concerned and decided to give you some space while you simmered down. He is such a gentleman. You don’t find many like him, Abigail, so congratulate yourself on finding a respectable man.”
I stare at her in shock and as I catch my father’s eye, he shakes his head.
“What else did Mary say, Anna?”
I’m not sure who is more surprised that he spoke, me or my mother, because daddy always keeps out of domestic issues as he calls it.
She recovers well and says sharply, “That Jefferson is worried he has ruined things. He will do anything to make it better.”
“What did he do?”
My father’s voice is sharp and offers no room for argument and mom falters before saying with a dismissive wave of her hand, “He had too much to drink in the Ortega club last night. He was a little inappropriate with the staff and fears photographic evidence coming out. Apparently, someone at the club informed Abigail and now he’s afraid she will not agree to the engagement.”
My father stares at me and I register the anger in his eyes as he says slowly, “Inappropriate. I see.”
I hold my breath as he directs his next question to me.
“Who sent you the evidence?”
I don’t know what to say and shrug. “It was anonymous.”
I hate lying to my father, but if I tell him who really sent it, he will never allow me to date the guy. At least that’s the story we’re going with, although that seems like a far-fetched scenario right now.
“Show me.” He holds out his hand for my phone and I say quickly, “I deleted it.”
My mother nods her approval. “Thank goodness for that. Finally, you demonstrate common sense. No, it’s best to forget all about the unfortunate incident and now you need to make it evident that you forgive Jefferson at brunch.”
My father sits back in his seat looking thoughtful and as the car pulls up outside Seagrasses, I’m grateful for the opportunity to escape this conversation.
We head inside and I cringe when we are shown to our usual table and Jefferson is waiting for me, my chair pulled back beside him.
It’s almost as if he’s got guilty tattooed on his face as he whispers, “I’m sorry, honey.”
I ignore him and smile at his mother and father politely.
Mary peers at me with concern and I can tell they are anxious because this marriage benefits both families and any scandal attached would impact everyone around this table.
I’m surprised to note two empty seats on either side of my father and the Judge obviously notices them too because he says with interest, “Are we expecting anyone else?”
Before my father can speak, I hear the husky voice from my nightmares.
“Good morning, Mr. Kensington. Mrs. Kensington.”
I freeze along with Jefferson beside me as the voice addresses his parents. “Judge Stevenson, it’s been a long time, and this must be your lovely wife, Mary.”
I almost can’t look, but as my head turns, I meet the dark, dangerous eyes of the man I desire more than my sanity and hate with a passion.
