by M. E. Brady
“I’m on the pill. My doctor put me on them to regulate my period,” she admitted with regret.
Gianfranco studied her as the silence between them lengthened. He couldn’t put his finger on it but he was sure that she was hiding something from him. He felt guilty that he had hoped he had made her pregnant. He knew if she were pregnant that she would agree to marry him, fair or not, it was what he wanted more than anything. He didn’t want to send her away.
When Katelyn felt the sun’s warmth on her face, she glanced up and was met with the ebony eyes she had just been dreaming about. “I guess this is one of those awkward moments when you’re not sure what to say. If you want to know whether or not, I regret anything that happened between us, the answer is no, in case you were wondering,” she added.
He smirked and laughed at the same time. “I have absolutely no regrets either. In fact, last night was a wonderful surprise and I hope a promise of more to come.”
Katelyn reached for her bag and took out a photo that she had kept hidden in a special compartment. It was taken on the night that he gave her the ring from the reservation. She stared at it, thinking. Just like before, he walked out leaving her feeling unfulfilled. I can see how much that ring meant to him. I fantasized that it meant forever for us. I had always believed that it meant more to him than he shared with me, but I was wrong.
She remembered that night as she reached up to his neck to touch the chain he wore there. It was a gold chain with a wooden ring dangling from it. She knew it had to have some kind of significance to him because it was an odd thing to have hanging on a chain. She was afraid to ask about it in case it was from a former lover, a lover he hadn’t been able to forget. Gianfranco caught her by the wrist and kissed the palm of her hand gently, rapturously.
“Do you remember Kevin ever talking about his trip to an Indian reservation with Jake and me?” he asked. As she nodded, he proceeded to tell her a story about an elderly Indian woman who had given them blocks of teakwood to carve the rings from and warned them of the significance of each of the rings. Gianfranco told her that they had to wear the rings close to their hearts until they each met the right woman and gave their ring to her. He undid the clasp, reached toward her neck and placed the chain and the teakwood ring around her neck, its rightful home.
“This is where this ring belongs. I promise you, that when you’ve finished college, I’ll come back for you. If you still want me, we’ll talk about our future then,” he said as he leaned up on one elbow. Those last weeks were the most memorable of her young life.
Gianfranco fought long and hard with himself about how to end their relationship. It was becoming more and more apparent that she grew more infatuated with him as each day passed and he was becoming dangerously guilty of committing crimes against her emotional youth. She’d reached the age of consent but was not nearly ready for the kind of commitment he wanted from her. She needed time to become the woman she needed to be before he had the right to ask her to take a vow of forever with him. It would take everything he had within himself to offer that time to her and he knew he had no choice. He loved her enough to let her go, hoping that she’d come back to him.
Gianfranco Broccolini thought about the large painting he had hanging in his office and other than himself no one was aware of its meaning to him. It was of a tree with a large nest in it with a single beautiful bird. In the distance was another singular bird, flying in the air, away and free. There was an inscription on the bottom of the painting which read, ‘If you love something set it free. If it comes back it was and always will be yours. If it never returns it was never yours to begin with.’ He bought the expensive painting because he thought of Katelyn each and every time he looked at it. He had almost given up hope that she would come back to him. He wondered if it was going to work between them since he had all but blackmailed her into this marriage.
Chapter Eleven
A soft knock on the door brought Katelyn back to reality. It had to be Jenny. She carefully pulled herself together and threw on a robe. “Momma, are you awake?” Jenny asked. “I can’t sleep,” the little voice called out.
Katelyn ran to the door at the sound of her child’s distress. “Honey, what’s wrong? When I left your room you were sound asleep.” She didn’t notice him standing there at first but he had obviously heard their child cry out too. He didn’t speak at all; he was letting Katelyn handle the situation but, true to his word, he wanted to portray a united front. He would be there to offer his support regardless of what Katelyn thought. “Momma, promise me that Daddy is not going away again. I had a dream that he went far away and he never came back to us,” she stated as little tears streamed down her pouting face.
Gianfranco sprang into action, lifting her little body up into his arms, carrying her to Katelyn’s bed. He reassured her over and over again that they were a family now and nothing would ever come between them again. He had Katelyn lie down next to them to reaffirm what he had already said. It didn’t take long for Jenny to fall back to sleep and Katelyn hoped that it was for the night. His silence was worse than anything he could ever possibly say to her. He sat watching Jenny sleep for a long time without saying anything. He seemed to be thinking of just the right words.
“I want to apologize for what happened before. What I did and what I said to you was wrong. I promise I won’t let it happen again. I can’t explain my behavior toward you or why it happens. I do know that when I’m around you, I lose all control of my emotions, good, bad or indifferent.” He stood up and took her with him. He guided her over to the window and held her silently in a loving embrace as they stared out at the mountains together.
“I still think that Brody is going to be a thorn in this marriage if you continue to see him but I’m not going to forbid it. More than anything, I will try to control my jealousy. I know you won’t believe this but I’ve never had this problem with any other woman. I’ve never been the jealous type. If anything, I’ve been known to be just the opposite.” He kissed the side of her neck as she rested her body against his own. Being so close to him this way felt right. “Why can’t it be like this all the time between us?” he asked enjoying the intimacy. Katelyn turned to him and gazed up at his face, emotions bubbling over.
“I don’t know what to say to you. I know how well-intended your words are but how can I be sure that Jenny and I won’t get hurt?” she asked. “Perhaps, if we were married in name only, it might work out better. We seem to always hurt each other when we let our physical relationship dictate to us.”
He was taken aback at first because he had no intentions of keeping his hands off her. She was going to be his wife in every way. However, she was right; they had to build on their trust for each other if their marriage was going to work. He had to prove to her that he could keep his jealousy at bay, that he wouldn’t use her body whenever it suited him and then just walk away.
“You have my word that I’ll not touch you again unless you instigate the touching. Is that fair enough?” he asked mischievously pecking the tip of her nose with his lips. “However, I must warn you that I’m a weak man and if you decide to have your way with me, I’m not immune to you.”
She smirked in disbelief. “What about the ball? If Brody asked me to dance would you be alright with it?” He looked at her impatiently but understood the question.
“I made you a promise and I won’t go back on my word. In spite of what you may think of me, I’m not a cad. I’ll keep my word.” He still held her in his arms; and without hesitation she hugged him. They had reached neutral ground at last.
“I think we should lie down next to Jenny. She needs to know that you’re not going anywhere,” she said questioning his willingness to stay with her. Katelyn knew that what she was asking of him was difficult but for Jenny this night was important. It was going to be a very long night. It would test them both beyond what either of them thought they were capable of handling yet, for their child, they had to try to accomplish this one task
without any sexual contact.
It wasn’t the first time that she had awakened to an empty bed this week and she was sure it wouldn’t be the last. The only puzzling thing this morning was that she remembered going to bed last night feeling totally unfulfilled, hurting with want for Gianfranco, yet this morning she felt as if she had been made love to all night. It was as if her dreams of him were real and he had taken care of all her sensual needs. Was it a dream? Her body was telling her just the opposite.
She could hear commotion downstairs and knew that everyone was awake and walking about. The ball was today, and she was sure that Sylvia had a big day planned. It wasn’t easy putting this event together and Katelyn was sure that there was still plenty to do before tonight. Mrs. Footy agreed to take care of Jenny for the evening so that problem was solved. She wasn’t sure Mrs. Footy would take Jenny earlier, if Sylvia needed her help, but she would make the offer to help.
Katelyn took a shower, put on her sweats and went downstairs to offer her services. Jenny was recruited into helping sort out ribbons. Everyone was busy and didn’t seem to notice her as she walked into the kitchen. She stood there for a moment and watched all the excitement. Life was good and she had very little to complain about.
“Dig in, I’m sure we can find something for you to do,” Sylvia said after spotting her. They worked for about an hour or so before Kevin arrived back at the ranch. It was only then that she found out that Gian Franco had left for New York earlier in the morning.
“What do you expect?” she asked herself as she stared at her reflection in the mirror later that afternoon. Here she was wearing the most provocative gown she had ever worn in her life and the man she wore it for had promised never to touch her again, unless she asked him to. “He left the ball in your court. You get to make the next move,” she repeated aloud to her reflection. She wasn’t aware that anyone had entered the room until she saw Kevin’s reflection behind her in the mirror. He stood back from her, glowing openly with admiration for his sister.
“You look positively stunning in that dress. I’m almost afraid to see the reaction you’re going to get from other men tonight. I’m almost tempted to lock you in this room tonight,” he teased. Katelyn loved Kevin and hated the miles that kept them apart.
“I’m a big girl now, Kevin, or haven’t you noticed?” She said lifting the tie that was dangling lifeless around his neck and adjusted it for him. “Now, that’s better,” she added.
“It’s what sisters are born for, other than causing their brothers to lose sleep all the time,” he teased holding her by the shoulders.
“You wouldn’t have to worry if you would just stop feeling that it’s your job to protect me. I can handle life all by myself.” Kevin smiled and dropped his hands.
“You’ll never be too old for my protection, Irish. You only have to call me and I’ll be there for you. I love you and if I haven’t told you lately, I’m very proud of you and the way you’re raising my niece. I do have some bad news for you, though. Gian Franco just called; he’s trying very hard to make it tonight but he’s not sure if he can. I guess you’re going to have to settle for me,” he mocked lovingly.
She sat down on the settee at the end of the bed. It should hardly matter if Gianfranco can make the ball or not. Didn’t they just decide that their relationship was changing? Didn’t he agree with her that a physical relationship would be a mistake? Katelyn couldn’t help but feel disappointed at what was and what should have been.
“Katelyn, I’m sure if he could help it he’d be here. I think the reaction you’re having is interesting because it wasn’t at all the reaction he thought you’d be having. He was convinced that you wouldn’t mind it at all if he didn’t show up. As a matter of fact, he was laughing when I suggested that it would upset you to have to go alone,” Kevin retorted watching her and studying her reaction.
“I’m not upset at all. Everyone that knows Gianfranco is aware, that someone of his caliber will always put business ahead of pleasure,” she said sarcastically. She stunned even herself with her spoiled sounding remark. It never occurred to her that she would switch places with him and become jealous of his work. She wondered if it was work-related or another woman. After all, she had never insisted that he be faithful to her. How could she be jealous? She convinced him that they would not have a physical relationship, unless, as he insisted, she initiated it. She decided she would address that flaw in their arrangement as soon as he returned.
“Katelyn, that’s not fair and you know it’s not true. Gianfranco would never put business ahead of you and his little girl. I know him better than anyone and I can tell you that for sure, for him, his family will always come first. He’ll find a way to be here tonight if whatever he’s dealing with in New York can be resolved.”
“Promises are made to be broken, Kevin, weren’t you aware of that?” she asked with tears threatening. She couldn’t believe her saying. Why am I feeling so emotional? Maybe her period was coming; that would explain her odd behavior. “I’m sorry, Kevin, I don’t know what’s got into me. I don’t mean to be so negative.”
“Let’s wipe all these tears away, go to the ball and have a good time. I’m sure Gianfranco won’t let you down. Besides, you’ll have a good time anyway. You’ll know a lot of the people attending. What do you think? Are we ready to show off our new duds to our waiting fans?” Kevin took one more look at Katelyn and noticed the lone piece of hair that had come loose during her melt down. He fixed it for her and smiled. “I remember doing this for you as a kid. Your curls never stayed where they were meant to. Jenny is a lot like you.” He hugged her and they headed downstairs where they were greeted with hoots and howls.
“It wouldn’t be unlike him to show up in the midst of everything,” Kevin said as they joined their other guests.
Katelyn gave a patented sigh as she followed Kevin into the waiting crowd of friends in the foyer. There had been no tears or regrets as she left Jenny with Mrs. Footy. It seemed her daughter enjoyed the idea of spending the night baking and making candied apples with the housekeeper. Mrs. Footy knew just what to do to keep Jenny happy and entertained.
It was time for Katelyn to decide what kind of marriage she expected from a union between herself and Gianfranco. She needed to make it clear to him just what she expected from this marriage. She would think about it tonight while she was alone with plenty of time to evaluate their future.
“Momma you look like a princess. Is Daddy going to meet you at the ball?” Jenny asked excitedly. “You could be Cinderella and he could be the prince,” she added.
“Honey, I’m not sure if daddy can make the ball tonight.” Katelyn bent down to try to reassure Jenny that her dad had not left them but to a seven year old, she only understood that he had left them again. “He’s in New York on business and he might not be able to fly back tonight but he’s going to try,” Katelyn promised.
Katelyn knew that no matter how right she thought her decision to keep Jenny from Gianfranco had been, she realized now that she had been wrong. It was obvious that Jenny was having a very difficult time accepting Gianfranco had to leave town on business. Fear was written all over her face. She wanted to believe he was coming back but she was afraid to put her trust in him.
Katelyn took out a card from her bag and handed it to Jenny. It was all the telephone numbers where Gianfranco could be reached at any given time. She told Jenny that if she wanted to she could call him if she got scared and he would talk to her no matter what he was doing or how late it was. She explained to Jenny that very few people had his private numbers. She went on further to explain that he wanted to be sure that they could reach him anywhere and anytime if they needed to. Her mother’s words of wisdom seemed to offer comfort to her for the time being; she took the card and put it in her little pocket.
Kevin hired cars for the evening to avoid having anyone drive after drinking. The ride to the country club was surprisingly quiet. The ballroom was packed when they arrived. Al
l of the state’s most influential people were in attendance. Katelyn spotted Brody almost immediately. He was standing in the midst of a group of men talking politics as usual. He was taller than the other men; even if he hadn’t been taller, he had an aura very similar to that of Gianfranco and it was what separated him from the other men. She wondered when Nellie would make her entrance. If nothing else, she thought, she had their reunion to look forward to tonight. Brody must have felt her presence because he turned, looked in her direction and smiled as he excused himself from the pack of men.
“You look absolutely stunning,” he said as he greeted Katelyn. She thanked him and together they entered the larger ballroom that was already alive with laughter and music. She took a quick glance around the room to see if Nellie had arrived but she was nowhere to be seen. She wasn’t comfortable keeping what she knew from Brody but her sixth sense told her it was for the best that he remained ignorant, for now. She wanted to believe that after tonight, the man she had grown to love as a dear friend would find the happiness he deserved.
“Everything is so elegant. I don’t think Sylvia forgot a thing. Do you know where you’re sitting?” she asked. “Will we be sitting together by any chance?” she added as they made their way to the table that held the place cards.
Brody made his way through the crowd of people and picked up both his card and hers as well. They were sitting with Kevin and Sylvia just as he expected they would be. He did notice a card for Gianfranco Broccolini too but he knew, from speaking to Kevin, that he probably wasn’t going to be able to make it. He held the cards in the air and signaled to Katelyn that they could go inside and take a seat. He escorted her to their assigned table but not before introducing her to the many people who stopped him along the way.
