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Charles’s lids lowered the smallest amount. “Is that it?”
I shook my head. “I want your blessing to marry her. She can tell me no if she wants, but I want a yes from you.”
“Marriage doesn’t mean you’re back in the family.”
“I never expected it too. I know the rules of banishment. They’re irreversible. I’ve heard it probably once a year since I turned seventeen.”
“That’s because you push me like you’re doing right now. You’ve never been able to let things be. Rules? You don’t follow those either.”
“Nope. I get that from you. You taught me to never give up. To go after what I want. Fay is it. She’s the only thing I need. Take my stupid penthouse. Take the cars, whatever you want. Unfreeze my bank account and transfer everything over to you. None of that matters.”
“Oh, really? How do I know for sure?”
“I’m giving you everything,” I laughed. “Have you ever loved something so much, nothing else mattered?”
Charles paused. “Yes, I have. So, you love her? This isn’t just obligation or jealousy you feel? Before, you were worried about the suitors. Perhaps you just don’t want another man raising your child.”
My eyes met Fay’s coming back to Charles.
“You’re damn right I don’t. This isn’t about that.”
Fay had her elbows on the table and her fists at her mouth. Her eyes were watchful. Hopeful?
I continued. “This is not how I wanted her to hear, but yes, I fell in love with her months ago. If I can spend more time here, maybe she can fall in love with me as well.”
Charles pushed his chair from the table, waving over Parker.
“She either loves you now, or she never will. If she doesn’t, then you don’t have my blessing. You won’t force her. You can move in, but you will leave her be. If she does love you.” Charles turned to Fay. “Maybe start planning a wedding now. I don’t have much time left.”
“Not much…” I stood, watching as Fay stood as well. “How much time are we talking, here, grandfather? I was under the impression the treatments were working and you were getting better.”
“I was. I’m not anymore. The cancer’s spread. Time just ran out.”
“Master Ch—"
“No, Fayette.” He waved towards her as her tears spilled over. “You will not be sad for me. I’ve lived my life, and it’s been a damn good one. It’s time the two of you start living yours. I’m going to my room. Let me know what you decide.”
We remained quiet as Parker pushed him from the room. Fay slowly returned to her chair, a blank look on her face as the tears continued to fall. I walked over, lowering at her side as she held to her stomach.
“Are you okay?”
“No. I thought—I guess I suspected this was coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
“No, it doesn’t.” My mind was racing as the news tore into the man I’d become. I wasn’t the same Aimon who’d been raised by that tough, old bastard. But the wounds the old me carried still remained. Barely. Something had happened in my own transformation. Accompanied by the change of my grandfather since he’d trapped us in that room, it was like he was a completely different person as well. That made things complicated. It made me even angrier that I didn’t know how to feel. I felt everything. It was all there, colliding and ricocheting off each other, causing a huge mess inside of me.
My hand grabbed Fay’s, and I flipped it over, kissing her palm. “Take a walk with me to the garden. I think some fresh air would do both of us good.”
“I’d like that.”
Fay stood, keeping hold of my hand as we headed through the main entrance area. The two men at the front door were ready as we approached.
“Lady Fayette and I will be taking a walk in the gardens. We’ll need her jacket. Can you also make sure the lights are on?”
“Yes, Master Aimon.”
“Oh, no. It’s just Aimon now.” I laughed, seeing them look at each other.
“No, Sir. We were informed upon Master Carmelo’s arrival home that your status was returned.”
