Deceived by You

by Marilyn Williams

  “I can’t believe we’re engaged,” she said.

  “Me either. I wasn’t sure you would accept my proposal.”

  Ava sat up in the bed. “Because of our conversation about marriage. I thought it was too soon.”

  “Yeah, but I wouldn’t allow that to deter me.”

  She scooted closer, resting her head on his bare chest. “I’m glad you didn’t, because I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”

  He stroked her hair away from her face. “So am I.”

  “So, did you have actual business to take care of here?”

  “Two weeks ago, I’d spoken with Trent about inspecting the location, and I thought it would be the perfect cover for a surprise proposal.”

  “Wait a minute, you put all this together in two weeks?” She lifted her head off his chest.

  “With the help of the staff. I purchased the ring months ago.”

  “I love it. It’s gorgeous. How many carats?”

  He lifted her hand. “Fifteen carats, emerald-cut diamond set in platinum.”

  “And it’s a perfect fit. How did you know my size?”

  “Don’t laugh,” he smiled. “I used one of those finger measurement things from my jeweler. I waited until you were asleep and slipped it on your finger.”

  She laughed. “You didn’t?”

  He nodded his head. “I did. I started with six, and that was much too big. Next, I tried size five, and it still wasn’t perfect. Four and a half was the magic number.”

  “I can’t wait to tell everyone beginning with my mom.” She reached for her purse on the floor beside the bed. Her phone was still inside. Justin slipped from underneath the covers and entered the bathroom, while she scrolled through her phone for her mother’s number. She checked the time before hitting the dial button. Nine here, so it’s noon in Florida. Ava listened to the trill of the ringing phone after the fourth ring her voicemail picked up. Can’t leave news like this on a message. She hung up and called Tess and Meghan and received no answer. She moved off the bed and entered the bathroom. “I can’t get in touch with anyone.”

  Justin stood in the mirror, brushing his teeth. He spat into the sink and wiped his mouth with a towel. “It’s Saturday morning. People have errands to run and things to do.”

  “I guess you’re right.” She shrugged.

  “You have plenty of time to share our good news. Do you want to order room service or go out to eat breakfast?”

  She moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Room service. What time is our flight?”

  “One o’clock.”

  “Good. That means you have time to join me in the shower before breakfast,” she said.

  “I can’t think of a better way to start the day.”

  ∞∞∞

  “I wish we could’ve stayed longer,” said Ava, she and Justin just arrived in San Diego and were on their way home. She sat on the passenger side, still beaming from ear to ear.

  “We’ll try to make another trip before you officially become a JTH employee.” He exited the interstate towards their home.

  Ava smiled at the thought of working with her husband-to-be. “When you offered equity shares in your company and said you wanted us to be partners. You literally meant it in every sense of the word.”

  “I did. I’m still growing my company and envisioned breaking off into other subsidiaries such as residential high-rises, business parks to build and sell. I want you involved every step along the way.” He turned into their driveway and rolled down the window to punch in the code for the security gate.

  “Home sweet home,” said Ava. “I think I’ll lay out on the terrace with a good book.”

  “I have contracts to review. If you’re up to it, we can go out later for dinner.” He put the car in park and cut the engine.

  “You’re not parking the car in the garage?” He rarely ever parked outdoors to protect his paint job from the elements.

  He shook his head. “No, it’ll be fine here for a few hours.”

  Ava shrugged her shoulders and exited. She helped him remove their bags from the trunk and rolled them to the front porch. Justin slipped in the key and stepped back to allow her to enter. She placed her suitcase near the front door and set her purse down on the entry table. She rounded the corner to enter the living room.

  “Surprise!!!!”

  Ava stood frozen as both of their mothers Corrine and Evelyn, Tess, Meghan, Chase, and to her surprise Nina was in her living room with handmade posters with Congratulations written on it. “What are you guys doing here?” She hugged her mother and fought back tears. Her mother hugged her tight in return and kissed her cheek. Ava turned towards Justin, who wore a wide grin on his face. “Is this also your doing?”

  “I knew you missed your mother and friends. I couldn’t think of a better time to bring everyone together.”

  Ava turned and gave Tess and Meghan each a hug. Next, she turned her attention to Chase and thanked him for being there. She gave Nina a polite smile and wave. They all swarmed her and asked to see the ring. She beamed as they oohed and aahed over the eye-blinding bling.

  “I have a bottle of bubbly if anyone is in the mood to celebrate?” Everyone cheered. Justin asked Chase to join him downstairs and Nina tagged along with them. Ava and the other ladies settled in the living room.

  “How did he pull this off?” asked Ava.

  “I believe I can answer that,” said Corrine. “Justin called last week. He had finalized the plan to propose and wanted your friends and mother to be here as a surprise to you.”

  “Wait, we were supposed to go art shopping,” said Ava.

  “That was my cover story.” Corrine continued to explain that Justin flew Evelyn, Tess, and Meghan in. Chase picked them up from the airport and brought them to the house where Corrine waited for everyone to arrive. She came to their house an hour after she and Justin had left San Francisco.

  Ava shook her head. “It’s been one surprise after another.”

  “Did he tell you he flew to Florida to ask for my blessing?” asked Evelyn.

  “No. When did he do that?”

  “About two months ago. He showed me the ring and asked for my permission to propose. He’s a fine young man, and I have no doubt he’ll be a wonderful husband.”

  Ava couldn’t believe her ears because of her mother and Justin’s rocky beginning. It was wonderful to hear her praise him.

  “Evelyn, let’s give the girls some time to catch up. You don’t mind helping out in the kitchen, do you?” asked Corrine. She and her mother left her to speak with Tess and Meghan in private. “I can’t believe any of this is real guys. I was clueless the entire time.”

  “Was it completely romantic?” asked Meghan.

  “From beginning to end. I’ll tell you more later. You’re both staying over, right?”

  “Of course, we’re not leaving until Monday morning.”

  Ava cut her eyes over at Justin, who just emerged from the cellar with Chase and Nina in tow. “What’s going on with you guys?” she asked, Meghan.

  “With Chase? Nothing much. We’ve seen each other a few times.”

  “I told her she’s letting a good thing go,” said Tess. “You can tell he’s into her.”

  “Come on over, guys!” Justin yelled from the kitchen, waving them over.

  Ava ran over and stood beside Justin. He poured champagne into crystal flutes. Everyone reached for a glass and lifted them into the air.

  “I would like to make a toast. If you don’t mind, son,” said Corrine.

  “No, go ahead.”

  “Ava, you are a kind and wonderful young woman, who had the guts to put yourself in the middle of years of family discord, and as a result, I’ve reconciled with my son. I want you to know I’m proud to have you as my future daughter-in-law.”

  “Aw, thank you, Corrine,” responded Ava, smiling.

  “Very kind words, mother. Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to share in
the celebration of our engagement. Each of you, in some small way, is responsible for this wonderful lady and I being together.” He lifted his glass higher in the air. “To friends and family.”

  Everyone lifted their glass in unison. As everyone mingled, Nina approached Ava to asked to speak in private. Ava took a sipped of her champagne before setting her glass down. She motioned Nina to the other side of the kitchen.

  “I must say, I’m surprised to see you, because I know you’re displeased with our engagement,” said Ava.

  “What if I said you’re wrong?”

  “I would find that hard to believe. You’ve made it very clear you don’t like me with Justin.”

  “I guess he didn’t tell you about our talk.”

  “What talk?”

  Nina cleared her throat and folded her arms against her chest. “We cleared the air about what happened at the board meeting, and we discussed you. I didn’t believe your relationship would last, so I felt he would regret allowing you to come in between him and Chris.”

  Ava shook her head. “Unbelievable.”

  “That was before. Justin is a part of my family, so that means you are too. We both love Justin, but you are the woman he wants to marry.”

  She heard the words but couldn’t determine Nina’s sincerity. Ava remained silent and allowed her to continue.

  “We found a way to get along before. So, why not try it again? I’ll start with an invitation to dinner. You and Justin can join Dale and me at our house.”

  Ava studied Nina’s eyes. Surprisingly, she seemed sincere. “If it makes Justin’s life easier for us to get along, then I’m willing to try.”

  Later that evening, after Corrine and Chase had left. Ava helped her mother get settled in the guest room. She didn’t expect to be entertaining in her home so soon after moving in. It’s a good thing she’d furnished most of the house. “Mom, you’ve been unusually quiet tonight. Anything wrong?” Ava sat on the bed beside her mother.

  “No.” She shook her head and reached for Ava’s hand. “I wish your daddy were here to see you get married. He would have like Justin.”

  Ava frowned. “For all the wrong reasons. He would’ve bragged to all his friends about how his daughter had hit the jackpot.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Mom!”

  “Okay, it’s true.” She shrugged followed by a laugh.

  “It took a while to get used to Justin’s lifestyle, and in some ways, I’m still uncomfortable.”

  “I’m sure it’s nice not to worry about money.”

  “That’s not why I love him. If he lost everything tomorrow, I would still be by his side.”

  “And he knows that. Although I didn’t approve of him at first, I’ve come to like him. He’s a sweet and caring person, but what’s most important, he loves and respects you. I just can’t wait to get a couple of grandbabies.”

  Ava stood. “On that note, you have a goodnight, and I’ll see you in the morning.” She hugged her mother before exiting the room. She found Justin sitting out on the terrace with and Tess. “Where’s Meghan?” asked Ava, sitting in the chair beside Justin.

  “Outside with Chase,” said Tess.

  “With Chase? I thought he left.”

  “He did. But he only made it down the street before he called Meg and asked to meet her outside.”

  Ava laughed. “She should just give the man a chance.”

  “They’ll figure it out.” Justin took a swig of his beer.

  “Hey, I didn’t get a chance to ask before, but how are you and Scott?” Ava asked Tess.

  “I wished we were as happy as you two,” she said.

  “He needs to get his priorities straight and stop backing that murderous freak!”

  Ava snapped her head towards Justin. His outburst had caught her off guard. It had to be the alcohol talking. “Scott is conflicted, but I told him not to allow his loyalty to Brandon to come in between you two.”

  “It’s too late,” said Tess. “He already has.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Ava.

  “I gave him an ultimatum, and he chose Brandon. He’s refusing to cooperate with the DA.”

  “He’s a cop,” said Justin. “It’s his damn job!”

  “A lot has happened, guys. Scott is on paid leave because he someone caught him removing a bag from the evidence room.”

  “What?!” Ava and Justin said in unison.

  “I know.” She lowered his head. “He feels a tremendous amount of guilt for helping us. He can’t live with the fact he’s played a part in what’s happened to Brandon. Now he is being investigated by Internal Affairs.”

  “Wow!” Ava sat stunned and in disbelief.

  “Unbelievable,” said Justin. “Well, Brandon will have his day in court, and we’ll make sure he spends the rest of his life behind bars.”

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  Justin arrived outside the gates of his father’s home after dropping his house guests off at the airport. He entered the gate code into the box and turned towards Ava. He could read the nervousness on her face. Her eyes hung low, and an anxious twitch had created a slight bounce in her leg. He reached over and stroked her arm. “Hey, it’ll be okay,” he said, as he drove the car through the privacy gate.

  “This isn’t a good idea, Justin.” She rubbed her palms down her thighs. “You can tell him about our engagement without me.”

  He placed her clammy hands in his. “No, soon we’ll be husband and wife. It’s time he accepted our relationship.”

  “Justin, the last time I was here, your father became so upset he had a stroke. We shouldn’t chance a relapse.”

  He cut the engine to the car and turned towards her. “Do you trust me?”

  “With everything.”

  “Enough said.” He exited the car and moved to the passenger side to open the door. She stood before him with doubt written on her face. He placed her in his arms and kissed her forehead. “I promise if he becomes irate, we won’t engage. I’ll wish him well, and we’ll move on with our lives.”

  She nodded her head in agreement.

  They walked hand in hand towards the front door. Justin rung the bell. Moments later James allowed them in. “Good morning, sir.” James turned and nodded towards Ava. “Miss Sinclair, how are you?”

  “I’m fine and you?” she asked.

  “It’s been a bit of a morning,” he said.

  “How is he?” asked Justin.

  “In rare form.”

  He lifted a brow. “Meaning?”

  James turned his eyes upward. “How can I put this? He seems to be in a reflective state.”

  “Reflective?”

  “He woke this morning speaking about the past, and last night I found him sitting in his study perusing through old photo albums of you, Jack, and your mother.”

  “Really?” Justin and Ava traded a glance. “Where is he now?”

  “In his bedroom. I will let him know you and Miss Sinclair are here. It’ll be best if you wait in the parlor, so he won’t have far to walk.”

  “Thank you, James.”

  “What do you think?” asked Ava. “Your father doesn’t seem like the reminiscing type.”

  “He isn’t. However, I’ve heard stories of how a person’s personality can shift after experiencing a stroke.”

  “I’ve also heard it can change for the good or bad.”

  “Well, let’s see what we’re dealing with.”

  Justin waited along with Ava on a yellow Victorian style sofa in the parlor that was a room away from his father’s bedroom. His ears perked at the sound of the shuffle of his father’s house shoes hitting the hardwood floor. Within seconds, he entered the room wearing blue striped pajamas underneath a black cotton robe. His nurse must’ve dropped by because his hair was combed, and his face was clean-shaven. That’s something he’s unable to do on his own yet. His speech was back to normal, but he still has trouble with his motor skills.

  “Hey, dad.”
Justin jumped to his side and helped him to a chair. He set the cane aside and rejoined Ava on the sofa.

  Chris stared at the couple. “It must be important if you’re here ten in the morning.”

  Justin leaned forward while holding Ava’s hand. “I have news.” He cleared his throat and glanced at Ava before continuing. She stared off into the distance with nerves plaguing her face. “This weekend I asked Ava to marry me and she said yes.”

  Chris’ lips formed a thin line. He remained silent before turning his attention towards Ava. “I owe you an apology.”

  Justin’s eyes narrow, but he didn’t utter a word. Ava’s expression spoke for them both. Her eyes indicated her shock, but the twist in her lip revealed her doubt.

  “Jack’s death ripped this family apart and devastated his best friend.” Chris pointed towards Justin. “Shortly afterward, I divorced his mother and left a hole in his heart that had become impossible to fill.”

  Justin straightened his posture and watched his father with great intent. He was reminiscent of the man he once knew.

  “He tried to find outside interests and relationships to fill the hole,” Chris continued, “but nothing worked. When he called to share with me about the person who broke through that barrier and filled that hole in his heart, I didn’t respond like a father should have.”

  “Dad, you don’t…”

  Chris raised his arm towards Justin. “Son, please I need to say this.”

  Justin sat back and wiped his watery eyes. He turned towards Ava, whose eyes had softened. He could see she was on the brink of her own tears.

  Chris leaned towards Ava. “Young lady, I never thanked you for helping my son become whole. Instead, I allowed my selfish greed to view you as an obstacle. I ask you both for your forgiveness.”

  Justin turned towards Ava, who had become a puddle of tears. She rose to her feet and stood before Chris with her arms out. She bent over into an embrace as he remained seated. Justin wiped a tear as he watched the exchange, wishing he could capture the moment like a sentimental photo.

  “I wouldn’t be the person my mother raised me to be, if I didn’t forgive you,” she said returning to sit beside Justin. He reached for her hand and held it tight.