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“As of late, that’s true. But I love you more.”
I swallowed. As I searched his face, I found nothing but sincerity and the love he professed. How had I gotten it so wrong? Or was this just lip service, now that I’d confronted him?
He drummed his fingers on the edge of the desk. “I considered everything you presented with as much attention as what anyone else said. Hell, you were the one I confided in about how dire things were with Carter Energy.”
He had. I’d even rubbed it in Easton’s face.
“But you didn’t say a word about naming Mulaney CEO before you did it.” I pushed to my feet.
“There was nothing to discuss. I wanted you and Easton to have the time to spend with your mother. And”—he white-knuckled the edge of the desk—“I couldn’t choose between my sons.”
I staggered back and gripped the chair for support. “What?”
“You’re both equally qualified, just in different ways. But more than that, I couldn’t pick one of you over the other when it’s a job you should do together.”
“You think I could be CEO?” I asked incredulously.
“Of course. I didn’t make you a VP because you’re my son. You earned the position.” Pride radiated from him.
I leaned on the chair, not sure I could stand on my own. “You rejected every computer program idea I brought to you except EXODUS. And you only allowed that because I’d already done it and Easton liked it.”
“You know why I said no?” His chin lifted. “It intimidated me.” My brows hit my hairline with the admission. He ignored that, soldiering on. “I didn’t understand it, and I knew it was so far above me that I couldn’t learn.” His shoulders slumped. “I was too stubborn to admit that or even try, so instead of conceding my weakness, I brushed you off. That was wrong. It was a terrible thing to do to you, diminishing your creativity like that. I’m sorry. I have no doubt, if we’d have implemented a lot of your advanced ideas, it would have not only helped the company but our relationship as well. Obviously, you’re very good at what you do,” he finished wryly. “I had no idea you’d licensed any of your software to the big companies—or anyone else for that matter. I’m impressed you had the wherewithal to do that, and I’m a fool for not giving you a chance.”
“I’ve made as much off my software as I have my oil investments.” I still had this need for his approval even though I’d lost everything. My quest for revenge had been expensive.
“I’m proud of you, son. You’ve accomplished so much, despite my hindrances. They weren’t always intentional, even if they appeared that way.”
He clutched the edge of the desk, but it seemed like it was to stop himself from reaching for me. I wanted him to. I was tired of him holding back with me.
Somebody had to make the first move. I settled next to him against the desk and covered his hand with mine. A sharp gasp of surprise escaped him, but he flipped his palm up and gripped my hand.
My heart thumped. “What I did was dramatic, but I’d had enough,” I admitted, squeezing his fingers. “I was sick of Mulaney being more a part of this family than I was.”
His grip on me tightened, his expression somber. “I can’t even begin to express how betrayed, hurt—hell, I can’t even comprehend what you did. I was building it for you and your brother so you’d have something solid you could do together. I considered myself the luckiest man in the world, and that was one of the reasons.
“Carter Energy was important to me. You know that oil runs through my veins. It interests me, intrigues me, and after all these years, it hasn’t gotten old. I shouldn’t have expected you to have the same passion for it I do. What was most important to me was that you, your brother, and your mother were happy and healthy. I would have given up the company in a heartbeat for any of you. If it could save your mother . . .” His eyes clouded.
“I don’t love it, Dad. I tried because I thought it would make you happy.”
His chin dropped to his chest, as if the gravity of my words had finally sunk in. “I had no idea how far apart we were. I used to tell Loretta I couldn’t believe my sons were my best friends. I’m not gonna lie. I’m having a hell of a lot of trouble seeing things your way. I did respect you. I did value your opinion. I can’t see what I did that was so awful you’d do what you did to our family. Now I find out I have a grandson you’ve kept from us for years.” He shrank in on himself as if he didn’t have the energy to deal with me any longer.
“Not that it makes a difference, but Iamsorry. I became consumed with revenge, and I didn’t think it all the way through. What I really wanted was to be rid of Mulaney.” I squeezed his hand. “I meant to hurt you—I can’t take that back. And Mama, she’s made me realize how precious life is. If you can ever find it in you to forgive me, I’d really like a shot at a relationship again.”
I gave him a solemn look and left the study before he could give me hope or shatter what little of it remained.
Chapter Forty-Five
Sonya
“This isalotmore work than taste testing.”
It was the second day of Trish’s food truck grand opening, and we were way busier than we’d expected. Yesterday, we’d sold out of everything in three hours. I was stunned even though the menu was awesome and the food delicious.
Trish had done very little advertising so we could work the kinks out and get the hang of things. There had been no time for that. We’d both gotten a crash course in the food truck business, but we were doing okay.
“Customer.” She nudged me in the ribs as an elderly woman approached, bundled in a long red cashmere coat with a black scarf wrapped around her neck.
“How can I help you?” I asked with a bright smile. Here, I got to pretend to be thrilled to wait on customers, but it hadn’t taken long for that to become genuine. Most of the people we met were pretty cool, and they were raving about Trish’s food.
