“I know,” Case acknowledged. “I don’t want you to keep apologizing. It’s not necessary anymore. I just wanted to let you know what was going on with me. My whole life I’ve been taught that the Duvall pride was something to be respected at all costs. You wounded my pride, Fancy. It felt like all that time you spent with another man meant I wasn’t enough for you.”
Fancy considered her words carefully. She wanted to be open and honest with Case, but she didn’t want to alienate him. “I was in a bad place. You were spending so much time out of town and traveling for work. There were so many times you would call me from the airport and cancel our plans due to a business trip. And after a while, we weren’t even communicating very much anymore. It felt like you didn’t need me. Or want me.”
“How could that ever be true?” Case whispered, his words sounding like a caress. “You were my everything. Every hour I spent out of the country was in order to build our future as man and wife. And in my defense, it was hard to communicate through a seven-hour time difference. I thought you understood that.”
“I did,” she said. “But at the same time I felt as if you were slipping away from me.”
“I could barely breathe when you weren’t around me, Fancy. Never in a million years were you losing me,” he said in a voice filled with tenderness.
“Until I did lose you,” she said, letting out a wounded cry.
He dipped his head down and placed his lips over hers, startling her by the sudden movement. His lips were warm and inviting as they moved against her own. She sank into the kiss, knowing she might never get the chance again to kiss the man she loved. Fancy felt Case drawing her nearer and she reached up and placed her hands on his shoulders, steadying herself against the onslaught of emotions coursing through her. She felt so safe in Case’s arms, even though it was a little bit like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute. Despite the risks, it was a little slice of heaven. She was free falling. Plummeting. Sharing this kiss with Case felt like a flash of lightning out of the blue. As the tempo slowed, Fancy prayed that the kiss would go on and on.
As they pulled apart, Fancy whispered his name against his lips. For a moment they stayed close, the sound of their light breathing resonating in the silence. The moon hung above in the sky, glowing like a phosphorescent pearl in the onyx sky. Fancy wished this moment could stretch out for a few moments longer, if only to cherish it all the more.
Her mind was whirling with the ramifications of this one moment in time.
Had Case truly forgiven her? Was it possible that they could go back to their former relationship? She knew that might never be possible. How could they ever put the shattered pieces of their relationship back together again?
It was crazy for her to allow herself to dream that dream. Sometimes a kiss was just a kiss.
“I think we should go back inside. You’ve worked incredibly hard for this moment. It’s time to take your bow.” Case held out his elbow and she looped hers through it. She raised the hem of her dress so it wouldn’t get stained by the garden residue. She wasn’t sure how long this moment would last between she and Case, but she now knew what it felt like to have a true Cinderella moment. Just a little while ago she had been down in the dumps and broken. Like a true Prince Charming, Case had come to find her in the gardens and given her the best gift possible.
For the first time in two years, a kernel of hope blossomed inside her. And even though she knew that it was a long shot, she was a big believer in the power of prayer. For so long she had prayed for a crack in Case’s armor. And now, tonight, he had not only continued to offer her an olive branch, but he had kissed her. And it hadn’t been a pity kiss either, she thought triumphantly.
The kiss had been sheer perfection, filled with emotion and romance and tenderness.
And she knew without a shadow of a doubt that when she laid her head down for slumber this evening, she would dream about kissing Case.
“Some people shine like the sun. It’s noticeable when you’re in their orbit, because suddenly you feel a lot brighter when you’re around them.” Olivia Renault Rawlings
Chapter Six
Case stood to the side of the room and watched as Fancy, Callie, Olivia, Hope, Morgan and Charlotte gathered together to make their speech in the jam-packed living room. It was a wonderful sign, he realized, that so many invited guests had turned out tonight. The party sizzled with energy. Excitement buzzed in the air. The chatter tonight was all about how Savannah House was going to be in high demand with clients. Some were predicting that it would serve as a popular honeymoon or wedding ceremony location. Everyone agreed that it would be an amazing getaway spot.
It was clear to him that if the girls could keep up the enthusiasm, diligence and their own devotion to Savannah House, it would be a smashing success. He predicted that they would be booked solid for months and months in advance.
Running an inn was no small feat. Although he knew these women were up to the task, it wasn’t going to be a journey free of bumps and bruises along the way. They would need one another to make things run as smoothly as possible.
“Welcome everyone to Savannah House. It’s our supreme pleasure to have such a large group of supporters here tonight,” Callie began. She gestured around the room with her arms. “Do you love what we’ve done to the place?”
Everyone began whistling and applauding. Fancy was beaming as if a flashlight was lighting her up from the inside.
“Please make sure you have a glass in your hand. Champagne and sparkling cider are being circulated by the men in the gorgeous white tuxes,” Callie instructed, flashing a wide grin at the audience.
Olivia moved forward and began speaking. “In renovating Savannah House in preparation for its relaunch, we have been blessed in the renewal of our friendships and the strengthening of the bonds that Miss Hattie surely knew we had established. This has been a true labor of love for the six of us.”
“While we’re celebrating the relaunch of Savannah House and welcoming you all to make reservations for a stay here, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention our mentor, Miss Hattie Alexander.” Fancy paused for a moment. Case could tell her emotions were getting the best of her. And she wasn’t the only one either. Charlotte was dabbing at her eyes. Olivia blinked back tears.
“Miss Hattie was an amazing woman,” Fancy continued. “When we were young girls she put us to work here at Savannah House and showed us what it meant to work hard toward a goal. She pointed us in the direction of our futures by believing in our potential and teaching us life lessons that we carry around with us each and every day. Because of her, the six of us stand here this evening as co-owners of this amazing, fantastic resort.”
Charlotte linked arms with Fancy. “And we cannot wait to see the dawning of a new age for Savannah House. We have so many things up our sleeves for the coming weeks and months.”
Hope stepped forward. “We pledge that we will carry on Miss Hattie’s legacy and make her proud of our efforts. Without her, none of this would have been possible.”
Morgan raised a champagne glass high in the air. “To Miss Hattie. And Savannah House. And to all of you, for your support and love.”
Everyone raised a glass in the air as the room exploded in cheers and celebratory shouts. Case thought his chest might explode with pride. He looked over at his parents, who were beaming with happiness. It was nice to see them so joyful and engaged. His father, Lincoln, was usually so consumed by the Duvall family business that he couldn’t see straight. Perhaps he was learning to lighten up a bit and enjoy his private time. Unlike Uncle Lionel—Callie and Luke’s father—who seemed to want to live, breathe and eat Duvall Corporation. Case noticed Luke standing by the entryway with an uneasy look etched on his handsome features.
Hmm. Case wondered what was going on with Luke? He wasn’t standing by Violet, who was in the front of the room, seemingly enjoying every moment of the celebration.
On a hunch, Case made his way to the back of
the room. He planted himself next to his cousin.
He leaned in to talk in Luke’s ear. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “You seem wound up tonight.”
Luke scowled at him. “I didn’t say anything was wrong,” he snapped. “Why does everyone keep asking me that?”
Case smirked at him. “Probably because you’re walking around here as if you’ve lost your best friend and your dog died. Again…what’s up?”
“I don’t want to be here tonight, okay,” Luke acknowledged. He fidgeted with his bow tie with jerky fingers.
“Why not? Callie and Charlotte have worked hard for this acknowledgment. Not to mention the other girls.”
“I know that,” he said with a sigh. “I just can’t take being run over by the Duvall machine anymore. I’m being pushed around at work to do Duvall family business and now—”
Case frowned. He could see the tell-tale signs of stress on his cousin’s face. “Now what?”
“Dad is pressuring me about asking Violet to marry me. And he had the nerve to order me to announce it tonight.” Luke’s jaw trembled. His fists were clenched at his side.
Case let out a low whistle. “Seriously? I had no idea you guys were close to marriage.”
“We’re not,” Luke said tersely. “I don’t love her. She’s a fine woman in her own right. But Dad’s agenda is crystal clear. Violet’s family is extremely wealthy. And her roots here in Savannah are firmly planted. He wants us to merge like a business, which is sickening to me.”
“I thought he’d learned something from what went down with Callie and your parents,” Case said.
“One would think so,” Luke drawled, a look of disgust imprinted on his face.
Luke and Callie’s parents, Lionel and Davinia Duvall, had been responsible for allowing Callie—their adopted daughter—to believe that her biological brother, Mac Donahue, had died in childhood. In reality, Mac had been in the foster care system until he was adopted by a loving family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Callie had been estranged from both of her parents after reuniting with Mac. It had only been recently that Callie had chosen the path of forgiveness with her parents.
“Is it possible that love will grow between you?” Case asked. Although he thought it was ridiculous to arrange a marriage between Luke and Violet for mercenary reasons, he knew all too well that some marriages grew into love.
Luke let out an agonized groan. “I’m not in a position to fall in love with anyone when I’m already in love with someone else.” Luke’s gaze swung toward the area where Fancy stood with her five closest friends. Case watched as Morgan’s eyes met Luke’s across the room. There was no mistaking the connection between them. It hummed and pulsed in the air. Case almost felt like an intruder.
Morgan darted her eyes in his direction. A stunned look crept over her features. Upon realizing that he’d witnessed the loaded glance they had shared, Morgan turned away. Luke let out a frustrated sigh. A person would have to be blind not to notice the romantic tension between them.
“Hey. What’s going on between you and Morgan?” he asked.
Luke, his eyes still trained on Morgan like a beacon, let out a strangled sound. “Leave it alone, Case. Some things are better left unsaid.”
Luke turned towards the entryway and made a quick path toward the hall. His movements were full of frustration and anger, as well as a degree of sadness that broke Case’s heart for his cousin.
Case let out a huff of air. He hadn’t been aware that all of this angst and emotion had been brewing under the surface. Luke had major feelings for Morgan, and judging by the look on her face, she reciprocated his cousin’s feelings. But for many years now there had been an expectation that Luke would marry Violet. The situation had all the potential of a powder keg ready to explode.
A marriage between Luke and the heiress to Foxworth Ironworks would be advantageous to the Duvall family, but it sounded like something out of another era. In his opinion, love was the only basis for a marriage. And if Luke loved another woman, then it would be a tragedy for him to sacrifice that love for a marriage based on a business merger.
He stared back toward the front of the room where Fancy stood, basking in the glow of her success. She was totally unaware of the drama between Luke and Morgan. Case was glad about that fact. Fancy deserved to shine, and he knew she would be working overtime to try and fix whatever was broken between Morgan and Luke.
Although he was tempted to go after Luke, he knew that if his cousin wanted to talk to him about the situation he wouldn’t have left the room in such a state. Curiosity tugged at him. Luke had sounded so passionate and firm about loving this woman who he suspected to be Morgan. Did she know Luke loved her? And was his hunch correct about Morgan loving Luke in return? And if so, was she willing to fight for his love against the machinations of Lincoln Duvall and his almighty empire?
Lord, please watch over Luke. He’s a good man. He deserves a future filled with love and not obligation. Love is hard enough to find, and if you’re very fortunate, to hold onto for a lifetime. Let Luke be able to embrace love. And if Morgan owns his heart, let them find their happy ending.
Embrace love. Why was it so easy for him to ask for things for Luke rather than his own self? Here he was, still pining after Fancy, but unable to allow himself to open himself up to the possibilities. Because she’d hurt him and he didn’t want to open himself up again to that crushing pain. Hadn’t Marc opened a door for him by confirming that he’d made things appear worse than they had actually been? Didn’t he have to assume some responsibility for allowing things to get so out of hand? Everything had unraveled so quickly. Pride and jealousy had consumed him, sweeping him away to a place that wouldn’t allow him to see clearly. He hadn’t been able to push past his own ego and wounded heart.
The verse from Song of Solomon nagged at him. “Set me as a seal upon your heart, upon your arm, for love is as strong as death, jealousy is as fierce as the grave.”
Fancy was sealed upon his heart. He’d been righteous and unforgiving and implacable. Fancy had clearly been in the wrong, but he’d been unyielding. Unable to forgive. And what had it gotten him but heartache? Pain. Loss. Loneliness. He was in the same exact boat as his cousin.
His heart ached as he watched Fancy in all her glory. He would be standing right beside her as her husband if things hadn’t gone so terribly wrong. If he hadn’t been so steeped in his righteous anger.
It’s not too late. A little voice buzzed in his ear. There’s still time to make things right. Or at least try. Otherwise, you’re going to regret it for the rest of your days.
For the first time in a long time, Case decided to lead with his heart. He prayed it wasn’t too late.
**
Fancy couldn’t remember a time when she’d ever felt more alive and vibrant. She felt as if she was glowing like the moon. This evening had been a triumph. She’d received endless compliments about her interior design work at Savannah House. For the first time in her life she felt accomplished. Modeling hadn’t ever given her this thrill. Not one single time. She knew it was because she’d used her creativity in redecorating Savannah House rather than her looks. Although she’d never believed herself to be in possession of any talents, that wasn’t true. She was gifted in this one area. Mama had been wrong. She was smart. And savvy. And she had a very keen sense of fabric and furniture and colors. And although most might not agree, for Fancy it was an earth shattering revelation. For the first time in her life she felt proud of herself.
“Darling, we’re so proud of you,” her father gushed as he quickly ate up the space between them. He enveloped her in his arms, practically crushing her against his chest in the process. Fancy didn’t care. It always felt so nice to be held in Daddy’s big, loving arms. She felt safe and protected there. And surrounded by his unconditional love.
“This place looks great, Fancy,” her mother said with a nod. June Tolliver was looking around with assessing eyes and soaking everything in. Fancy braced fo
r something negative to come hurtling out of her mother’s mouth. Although she loved her mother dearly, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she found flaws with Savannah House. And her.
“Thanks, Mama,” she said, sharing a loaded glance with her father. In return, Barrett Tolliver rolled his eyes, as if he too feared his wife might veer in a negative direction. They were used to it, after a lifetime of dealing with it.
June’s eyes swept over the parlor. She wrinkled her nose. “The only thing I don’t like is the color of that rug.” She shook her head. Her blonde curls bounced with the movement. “It doesn’t look high-end.”
Fancy wanted to groan out loud. “Mama, that rug was purchased at an estate sale from one of the doyennes of Savannah society. It’s valued at an obscene amount of money and I managed to finagle an incredible price for it. It’s perfect for this room.” Heat rose to her cheeks. Why did her mother always want to argue over every little thing? It was as if she had searched for something to nit-pick about.
Her father wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side. “I agree with you wholeheartedly, darling. It’s very elegant, just like you are.”
He pressed a kiss against her forehead. Her mother scowled at the two of them. Her cheeks reddened. “I shouldn’t be surprised that the two of you are ganging up on me. Business as usual,” she snapped. “Two peas in a pod.”
Fancy felt mortified. She could see a few people turning toward them at the sound of her mother’s slightly raised voice. Why did her mother have to spoil this magical evening?
“Mama, calm it down,” she hissed, feeling her cheeks reddening.
“June, don’t start,” her father said, his tone full of warning.
All of a sudden, Case appeared at her mother’s side. “June,” he said in his most charming voice. “You look lovely this evening. If I said it once, I’ve said it a million times. You could pass for Fancy’s sister.”
The Last Kiss (Secrets of Savannah Book 3) Page 10
