“So tell me Rory, what’s it like living in Gabe’s great-grandfather’s Hunting Lodge? It must be somewhat of a change from living in the cottage.” Eliza spoke softly, her voice kind and soothing.
“It’s been good. Gabe has shown me around the large place and I’m starting to get used to it. It’s especially helpful now that Gabe has hired Mrs. O’Toole our cook.”
“That’s so good that you have her to help you. Gabe has been telling me how much he admires you.” Eliza commented.
“Really, he said that?” She was surprised. Gabe didn’t always say what he was feeling, and it was nice to hear that her husband had complimented her to his own mom.
“Oh yes, whenever I talk to Gabe lately he’s mentions little details of what you’re doing. I can tell by his tone of voice that you are very special to him.”
If only that were really true. Even with Gabe’s recent toe curling kisses, she knew their agreement. This was a marriage based on convenience, not love. Gabe had made that quite clear right from the start. But, she couldn’t help but be drawn to the warm and cozy picture Eliza painted of a couple that loved each other.
Rory wished it could be true for them.
“He has spoken of your talent for writing and that you’ve written quite a lot of romance novels.” Eliza whispered to her. “I’ve already read two of your romance novels and I quite liked them.”
“Thank you for saying that. I’m happy you’ve enjoyed reading them.” Rory couldn’t help but smile. It made her happy that her own mother-in-law liked the books she’d written. “My aunts tell me they’ve liked my books too but it feels extra-special to hear it from you.”
“You’re sweet Rory, just like Gabe said. My son also told me that when you went to Argentina on your honeymoon, you helped to get a woman away from the man who was using her in his human-trafficking schemes.”
“Well, it was Gabe’s private investigator who discovered the man’s background and to have charges laid against him. But, yes Gabe and I had Maria as a maid in our room at the resort and so it was so good when she was finally freed from that terrible kind of slavery to that man.”
Eliza expelled a breath sighing heavily. “I’m so glad you were there. Gabe tells me you also have contracted your work with sea plants to their family.”
“Yes. Maria says it’s been very helpful for her family. But it’s not just that I’ve helped, Gabe was also very helpful in all of this. He too was convinced of Maria’s innocence and wanted to do what he could to help her. Gabe is the most kind and generous man I’ve ever known.”
Eliza chuckled softly. “He is. Gabe’s been like that all his life. He’s always done whatever he could to protect and help the innocent. But even more so after his father passed away.” Gabe’s mom’s voice shook as she told the story, but she continued.
“He would come to Walker’s Island and do what he could to protect the animals who were innocent. One time there was a boat that got lost in a storm and ended up on the shore of the Island. It was Gabe who found them almost drowned on the beach and he helped the man and woman to get to the Lodge. Grand told me later that Gabe was the one that cared for them, helping them to get better after their near drowning.” Rory could hear the pride and a glow of love in Eliza’s voice as she spoke of her son.
“Gabe was quite shaken up by the incident as I recall. He told me later it reminded him of what happened in middle school.” Eliza sighed heavily before continuing. “Gabe’s good friend Billy and he hung around a lot together those years. But one year Billy had been bullied into being part of a dare by the popular boys in school. They wanted Billy to dive off a cliff into the rushing river below. None of them had ever dived there before, but Billy had always wanted to be noticed by the popular guys, so he went along with it. Gabe told him not to do it. But Billy dived into those icy waters and died on impact.”
“I didn’t know that. I’m so sorry.”
“It was hard on Gabe. After his father and Billy both passed away, those years were a really difficult time in his life.”
“What happened to Billy’s family?”
“Gabe went to their house after the accident, but Billy’s parents didn’t want to see him. So, he tried to talk to Billy’s younger brother Danny. At first Danny didn’t want anything to do with him. He shied away from Gabe and only spoke when asked a direct question. In fact, Danny was mean to him at first, telling Gabe that he was going to abandon him and leave him just like everyone else did. But Gabe persisted and eventually he and Danny became good friends, playing basketball and other sports together. Eventually, Billy’s parents came ‘round and realized that Gabe hadn’t been part of the group of guys that had encouraged Billy to dive that day.”
A knot formed in her belly. Rory realized how was much like Danny she was. She had been innocent and naive, in need of someone to care for her. Small incidents drifted to the top of her mind like the brushstrokes of a painting coming together. Gabe had always rescued the innocent. It’s what he did throughout their childhood together and now since he came back to the Island. He’d married her to save her from the person who was trying to harm her.
“Is Gabe still friends with Danny today?” The knot in Rory’s belly grew bigger, afraid of the answer.
“They’re not as close as they once were.”
“Maybe Gabe got tired of Danny’s prickly and fearful ways and lost interest in their friendship.”
“Well, as Gabe got into High School he got busier, but they still continued to play basketball once a week. When Gabe started college they drifted apart, each busy with their own lives. They have a passing friendship, but both Gabe and Danny each have other friends now too and have moved on with their own families.”
A strange chill swept down Rory’s arms settling in her stomach. She made every effort to hide her misery from Gabe’s mom.
All of her husband’s wonderful and encouraging words to her had been only to make Rory feel better about herself. But, the truth was Gabe hadn’t really accepted her as she was, not really.
To him, she was a naive and innocent Island girl who was helpless and needed to be rescued.
Gabe didn’t really believe she was the best thing that had happened to him. Just like Billy’s younger brother whom he had rescued and helped Gabe would one day abandon her too.
Memories of what she’d read last night in her mother’s diary came back to haunt her. Edward and I have been married for three years now. Still no child. I’m saddened by that. My biggest fear though, is that my husband’s attention has started to drift elsewhere. I saw lipstick on the corner of his shirt when I did the laundry yesterday. And he’s not at home as much as he once was. I very afraid he’s abandoned me for someone else.
Her own father had drifted away from her mom, discarding her as not important. Rory’s fears came back. She was convinced Gabe’s interest would wander and his feelings for her would fade, perhaps they already had.
A deadness spread to from Rory’s heart down to her legs. She was numb inside. It was like all her hopes and dreams for anything more between her and Gabe had been tossed aside.
Somehow she made it through the rest of their time at the spa and did her best to enjoy the light meal and tea they had at their Catherine’s favorite tea place.
“Now we will go shopping for tonight.” Eliza called for her driver to pick them up to take them to her favorite designer stores. “We’ll stop here, please Henry. I’ll text you when we’ve finished shopping.”
“I’ll be waiting, Mrs. Stevenson.”
They walked along the boulevard and began shopping at a store that had quite a collection of Oscar De La Renta clothing. Rory followed Eliza down the aisle where the eveningwear was located. Rory’s jaw hung down as she looked at the prices. One dress cost two months wages.
While Bella and Elle looked in the other aisle, a woman who worked there came to help them.
“We’re looking for a beautiful evening gown for my daughter-in-law. Could you s
how us some ideas of what you think would look good on her?” Eliza smiled at the associate and nodded at Rory.
“Of course. Follow me to the very special dresses. There are a few there I think will be beautiful on her.” The lady had a slight French accent and seemed to glide across the store as she walked.
Rory followed Eliza and the woman from the store, feeling a little intimidated by all the luxury that surrounded her. She’d never been in these high-end stores in her life. Nor had she worn designer clothing. Being here in this store together with Gabe’s mom and her two sister-in-laws, made her realize how far apart their worlds really were.
The lady from the store carried a few dresses in her hand and at Eliza’s nod she was shown into a spacious dressing room.
Rory went outside the dressing room with each new dress she tried on. It wasn’t until the last one that Eliza gave her a big smile. “That deep purple color looks beautiful on you Rory. The Venus off-the-shoulder tulle is a beautiful look on you and it hugs your slim figure perfectly. What do you think Rory?”
“I’ve never worn something so beautiful. I do love it.”
“Perfect. We’ll take it.” Eliza Stevenson spoke decisively to the associate who was eagerly waiting by the time Rory slipped out of the dress and into her walking clothes.
Before long everyone had bought their evening dresses and the accessories they needed. Bella and Elle also helped Rory find some wonderful designer shirts and pants in colors that enhanced her natural creamy complexion.
As soon as Eliza’s driver picked them up, they leaned their heads back against the seats very tired from their full day.
Rory was happy when she got back to Gabe’s condo. Walking in the door though, he wasn’t back yet from wherever he’d gone to. It looked like any conversation would need to wait until tonight.
“Yes I have a few conferences coming up where I’ll be speaking. All my trainings and conferences schedule you can find on my website…” Gabe spoke to a few people who had seen his recent interview on the Winny O show.
He was about to share more details, when his gaze was captivated by a woman looking beautiful in a deep purple gown standing in the middle of the room. Rory was a beautiful vision.
“Sorry everyone, I need to go. There’s someone I need to talk to.” Gabe swallowed as he walked toward his wife.
He had returned to the condo only a few minutes before they needed to leave. He had spent the afternoon catching up with his brothers. Then as his driver drove them to the benefit gala, he had been so busy prepping for his speech that he’d all but forgot about his wife.
However the biggest reason he’d kept busy, was because getting closer to Rory was scared him. On some level, the intimacy that had began with Rory during their week in Argentina had brought his deep seated fears to the surface. Gabe had a whole new awareness that his new wife was chipping away at the walls he had carefully placed around his heart.
Tonight, Gabe knew he needed to try to do what he could to fix things with Rory.
“You look stunningly beautiful. Sorry I got caught up in yet another conversation and left you alone.” He walked up to her and kissed her cheek.
Large violet eyes widened as her gaze lifted to his, uncertainty in her gaze.
“I understand. A lot of people want to talk with you.” Her forced smile and her cool tone of voice, convinced him she didn’t really understand at all.
“Rory, can we talk later?”
“Sure.” Tucking her hand under his arm, he led her toward a table near the stage where most of his family were seated with their hosts Cyrus and Anna Noble.
“Rory, it’s so wonderful that you’re here.” Eliza stood and kissed her on the cheek. “You remember Cyrus and Anna from your wedding?”
Rory held out her hand as she greeted them. “Yes of course. It’s nice to see you again Cyrus and Anna.”
His wife smiled, nodding at his grandparents, mother and brothers and their wives. Gabe could tell she was nervous and he lightly squeezed her hand to reassure her.
They ate their meal together, mostly bantering back and forth. Gabe sensed that Rory wasn’t her usual self tonight. They would need to talk later.
Soon Cyrus made his way onto the stage. “We’re here because we care about what goes on in our neighborhoods, our state and our nation. We all want to give back. Many of us have had the privilege of aiding many causes like helping orphans and aiding the fight against poverty. However, at tonight’s gala, the donations will be to help victims of human trafficking. Someone who has recently been in this fight is here to share with you his story. Please welcome, Gabe Stevenson.”
“Thank you Cyrus.” Gabe shook his hand and stood behind the microphone. “You’re here because you want to end human trafficking. I can tell you from recent experience, that it’s a battle worth fighting.”
He paused and looked over the large crowd gathered. Everyone was listening with rapt attention and it inspired him tell his story. “Here’s my story of the battle we just fought against this horrible crime. My wife and I recently went on our honeymoon to a port town in Argentina. We thought we were going for some funned sight-seeing, but it turned out to be much more than that.”
“My kind and compassionate wife, saw that our maid Maria, was fearful every time she would come to our room. One day Rory observed a man getting very angry with Maria and she could tell our maid was filled with fear. When my wife asked her what was wrong, Maria didn’t want to say anything, but my wife pressed her for answers. Maria finally said that she couldn’t say anything because if she did, the man would hurt her family.”
Gabe shook his head and paused looking over the crowded room. “Most of us have not been in that position where we are forced to do something because if we don’t someone will harm our family. But Maria was and because my wife persisted in getting answers, we found out the man’s name. When the police looked up his records, they discovered that not only was he involved in human trafficking, but also in drug smuggling and other illegal activities. Now this man is behind bars and Maria is safe with her family once again. Because you have given to this important cause, many more people like Maria, will be set free and can return home to their families once again.”
Gabe paused letting the importance of his words sink in. “Cyrus and Anna Noble our hosts tonight, have decided that tonight’s proceeds will go to Stevenson BeSafe foundation and the SafeHouse where we have helped many people who have been forced into slavery against their will, to get healthy and back into society. My mom was a victim of human trafficking years ago, but my Dad helped rescue her. My father has since passed away, but like my mom always tells us, she likes to imagine her husband looking down from heaven with a smile lighting his face tonight telling us, you’ve done well. And you have. Thank you for joining with us in supporting this cause.”
Loud clapping began and people stood to their feet.
Gabe stepped off the stage and walked toward his family’s table. People shook his hand on the way back telling him that his words had helped them have greater compassion towards victims of human trafficking.
It seemed to have struck a chord with people at tonight’s benefit, and for that he was grateful.
“You did good, son.” Granddad thumped his elaborately carved wooden cane at his side.
“Made me tear up, Gabriel.” Grandmom had pulled out a tissue from her purse and was dabbing her eyes. Gabe reached down to kiss her cheek.
“You always make me proud.” His mom hugged him and kissed his cheek.
His brothers gave him good-natured fist bumps as he passed them walking toward his own seat at the table.
He sat down beside Rory and said, “Well?”
Gabe couldn’t believe he was more nervous to hear his wife’s response than he was to speak in front of a roomful of people.
“You did really well, Gabe. Your words touched a lot of people. I’m very proud of you.” Her violet eyes were misted with tears as she spoke softly.
> “Thank you. I needed to hear your words most of all.” Gabe whispered in her ear, pleased when a blush stained her cheeks.
He got her attention and even got a reaction, but his only regret of the evening was that he wasn’t on the receiving end of Rory’s beautiful smile. He needed to figure out a way to bring it back.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the little girls room.” Rory whispered to Gabe. He was in between conversations with one of his brothers and everyone else was talking with Cyrus and Anna.
“Of course.”
Rory walked into the washroom glad that it was quiet. Thoughts swirled round and round in her head of Gabe’s kind words about her when he talked tonight, but then returned to the his Mom’s story of how her son protected the naive.
Being here tonight with all these well-dressed society people, Rory became even more aware of how naive and unsophisticated she was.
Returning to wash her hands, she sighed looking forward to this day being over. Most likely she was just tired and overthinking things.
All of a sudden a woman walked into the washroom and Rory caught a glimpse of low cut red evening gown with a slit that was cut high up on her thighs.
“You came here tonight with Gabe Stevenson.” Her green eyes flashed, waiting for an answer.
“Yes. I’m his wife.” Rory was about to introduce herself, but the woman in front of her continued talking almost without taking a breath.
“I’d heard that Gabe married, but didn’t think he’d actually do it.” There was an unfriendliness to her tone that made Rory wary. “You’re certainly not model material, makes me wonder what he saw in you. Where are you from?”
“I grew up with my three aunts on Walker’s Island.” This conversation was beginning to feel more like an interrogation than a conversation. Rory continued to grow more uncomfortable with every passing minute.
“Ah, yes. I’ve heard about you from friends. They told me Gabe married a poor little Island girl with no class or culture.” She shook her head from side to side, red hair swaying with every movement. “Well you won’t stay married to Gabe for long. He needs a woman who will help him get to the top with him, not drag him down. Someone with more to offer than you. When he finishes with you, I’ll be there waiting.”
The Billionaire's Marriage Promise Page 15
