by Noelle Adams
Kelly frowned in concern. “Really? I’m sorry. Most people are drinking champagne, but I guess a few people wanted—”
“Oh, there’s nothing to be sorry about. It’s my issue, not yours. The smell of it makes me…panic. Just something from the past I can’t seem to completely get over. My husband was going to see if he could take care of it, but if he can’t, it’s really no big deal.” The other woman walked over and extended her hand. “I’m Etta.”
“Kelly.”
Etta gave her a playful smile as she sat down beside her. “I know who you are, of course. You’re the new bride.”
Kelly felt that sliver of guilt again. “Yeah. I’m sorry we haven’t met before. The party is so big, I don’t know half the people here. My grandmother and Peter’s mother invited everyone. Even some of the Damons are here, if you can believe it.”
Etta’s eyes sparkled in a very appealing way. “Really? You know the Damons?”
“Only Benjamin and his mother. We grew up in the same neighborhood. My sister actually dated Ben in high school.”
Benjamin was the nephew of Cyrus Damon, a billionaire with a corporate empire that stretched around the world, an army of old-fashioned hotels, clubs, restaurants, and tea houses, each held up the same standard of excellence. Cyrus also had three other nephews, although Kelly had never met them.
“I’ve met Ben’s wife Mandy too, a few times. She’s so sweet. And Harrison really helped my sister out before she got married,” Kelly continued, since Etta seemed interested. “It was because Ben asked him to help, but I know she really appreciated it. She said he was a great guy. Deanna said he and his wife were supposed to be here tonight, but I haven’t seen them yet.”
“I’m sure they’re around somewhere. So, if this is your celebration, why are you hiding in this room with me?”
“I’m not hiding,” Kelly said, surprised by the other woman’s bluntness but kind of liking it just the same. “I just needed a little break. It’s…it’s overwhelming.”
“The party or the marriage?”
Kelly gave a little shrug. “Both, I guess.”
“I haven’t met your husband yet, but I’ve got a pretty good intuition about people. I can tell just from looking at him that he’s got a really good heart.”
“He does.” Kelly felt a warmth spread out from her heart.
“And he’s obviously crazy in love with you,” Etta added.
Kelly’s cheeks grew hot, and she started to argue with this statement before she caught herself. She could hardly go around at their wedding celebration and declare that her new husband wasn’t in love with her.
If Etta saw her embarrassment, she didn’t say anything. “What is he like?”
“Oh, he’s great,” Kelly replied, relieved by something easy to talk about. “He’s really smart and funny. He started college late because he went to travel around the world for a few years. He’s been everywhere. His family has a lot of money, but he won’t take any of it. He’s determined to do everything on his own merit.”
“That’s definitely unusual. What does he want to do?”
“He’s in hotel management. He wants to buy a property and turn it into a hotel or bed and breakfast. He’s been working like crazy and saving up for years, so he can make a down payment after he graduates.”
“Well, your brother-in-law does hotels, right? He could help.”
“He could, but Peter won’t take that kind of help. He’d feel like he hadn’t earned it.”
“So he doesn’t want any investors at all? It’s pretty hard to run a business like that without accepting any financial help.”
“I know. He knows that too. I think he’d accept investors if it was really a business arrangement. He just doesn’t want help from his family or people he feels might be obligated to help him out. Don’t ask me to explain it, but he’s really serious about it. He only wants to succeed on his own merits.” Kelly sighed, thinking wistfully of Eden Manor and how perfect it had been for Peter. “We actually found a house that would make the best bed and breakfast, up in North Georgia. But he doesn’t think he can afford it, and he won’t let his parents or my brothers-in-law help him out with it.”
“Oh.” Etta looked thoughtful. “Maybe he can find another investor, one he wouldn’t feel was obligated.”
“Maybe. I hope so. He’s worked so hard, and I know he could make a success of it.” Kelly suddenly realized how much she’d been talking to this stranger. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to ramble on about him.”
“That’s okay,” Etta said with a knowing look. “I think it’s a pretty common thing to do about a new husband.”
Kelly was trying to think of something to say in response, when a very handsome man came striding into the room without warning. He was tall and fit with dark hair and lovely chocolate brown eyes. Although she’d never met him, Kelly recognized him immediately.
Harrison Damon. As if their conversation earlier had summoned him.
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” he asked, his eyes on Etta. “They’ve put the beer away, so I think it’s okay for you to come out.”
Kelly jerked in surprised and turned to look at the other woman.
Etta gave her a look of guilty amusement. “I’m sorry. I was very bad.”
Kelly looked from Etta to Harrison, who had sat down beside her and reached for her hand. They were obviously married. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I should have. I know. But it’s sometimes strange to go around announcing to the world that you’re married to a Damon.”
Harrison was smiling, although he looked slightly confused. “Were you pretending not to be trapped in this unfortunate marriage with me?”
“Yes. And she was talking about how great a guy you are and everything.”
He turned his eyes to Kelly and reached out a hand with a cultured civility that made her feel very special. “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself before. I’m Harrison Damon. We haven’t met, have we?”
“No, we haven’t,” she said, shaking his hand. “But you really helped out Deanna with that contract. She still talks about it.”
Before she’d married Mitchell, Deanna had called in a favor with Benjamin Damon, and Harrison had come to Savannah to help negotiate the marriage contract. Back then, the Beauforts hadn’t been able to afford a few hours of a lawyer’s time.
A lot had changed since then. Occasionally, Kelly still missed the old days of her and sisters working together to make it in the world.
Harrison smiled, as if enlightened. “That was great fun. I can’t remember another contract I had such a good time negotiating.” He glanced back at the door into the ballroom. “Marriage has definitely improved her husband. I was just talking to him. I also met your husband. He helped me out with the beer. I was very impressed with him.”
Kelly somehow knew that Harrison didn’t give that kind of praise lightly, and she bloomed at the compliment, as much as if it had been given to her. “He really is great.”
“And did he tell you that he was going into the hotel business?” Etta asked.
“Is he?”
“Yes,” Etta said, before Kelly could reply. “He’s got a property in mind. He’s just looking for an investor.”
“Really.” Harrison’s eyes moved between his wife and Kelly’s face. Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card. “Tell him to call me.”
Kelly stared down at the card, flustered and excited both. “Thank you. I will. That’s so nice. I don’t know that he’d want it to be a Damon place, but—”
“Oh, I know. I wasn’t thinking of bringing it into the Damon fold. I do a few things on my own, you know.” He twitched his eyebrows at her, making the words teasing rather than reproachful. “I wouldn’t mind talking to him, though. He really impressed me.”
Kelly was almost hugging herself with excitement as she closed her fingers around the business card. She could hardly wait to see Peter, so she could tell him.
E
tta gave her a little smile, like they shared a secret. “He only says that when someone reminds him of himself.”
“Hey!” Harrison objected, as his wife and Kelly both laughed.
Nine
“What do you mean you told him about Eden Manor?” Peter asked, his voice low, but his face tightening into a frown.
Kelly had been so excited about her conversation with Harrison Damon that she’d started telling Peter the story as they were walking to their car after the party. Since several other people were making the same walk—including her sisters and grandmother—she’d told him discreetly, so no one else could hear what she was saying.
“I was just talking,” she explained, realizing Peter must have misunderstood and thought she’d made a point of going around and asking for money from any stray rich person she saw. “Not even to him. I was talking to his wife, only I didn’t know who she was, and she was asking about you, so I just mentioned it. Then she told Harrison, and he gave me his card to give to you. I think he was serious about possibly investing. It’s amazing, really.”
Peter had his hand on her back as they walked, but it didn’t feel affectionate as much as him keeping her close so they could continue their low-voiced conversation. “I don’t want to run a Damon property.”
“I know that.” She was starting to get annoyed that he was acting so displeased with such a great opportunity. “He knows that too. I told him. He said he does some things on his own. He’d just be a silent partner or something. Why are you acting so grumpy about it?”
They’d reached the car, and they both stopped, facing each other. “You know I want to do this on my own. I don’t need you going around soliciting donations for me.”
She sucked in a breath, feeling like she’d just been slapped. She was about to snap out a response when she saw her grandmother approaching. Instead, she slipped the business card into Peter’s pocket and whispered quickly, “Fine. Whatever. He told me to give you his card so I did. You can take it or leave it. I’ll know better than to try to support you again.” Her voice cracked on the last words, something she hated. She wasn’t an emotional person by nature. She didn’t know why being married to Peter was taking such a toll on her mental stability.
When Peter opened his mouth to reply, she turned away from him intentionally. “Let me open the door for you, Grandmama,” she said, with false cheerfulness.
Her grandmother was shooting suspicious looks at Peter, as if she somehow knew he’d upset Kelly. “If your husband was a gentleman, he’d open the door himself.”
This wasn’t fair. At all. Peter always went out of his way to open doors—not just for Grandmama but for Kelly too. His face twisted slightly, as if he was having to restrain himself from replying.
Even though she was exasperated with him herself, she couldn’t help but defend him. “Don’t be snippy, Grandmama. You know Peter is always doing things for you. He sometimes lets me open my own doors because he knows I’m not helpless.”
Her grandmother tsked her tongue, but didn’t respond, which was a relief. Kelly helped her into the front seat while Peter got into the driver’s seat. When Kelly had climbed in the back, she saw Peter giving her a questioning look in the rearview mirror.
She shook her head briefly, to indicate that the rest of the conversation would have to wait until they were alone. They drove home in silence, but Peter kept watching her through the mirror. It made Kelly very self-conscious, especially since she couldn’t seem to control her emotions.
It shouldn’t have hurt so much—Peter throwing her gesture of genuine support back in her face. She knew he was irrationally stubborn about accepting help.
But how could she be his wife, or even his friend, if he refused to let her help him at all?
It was only a fifteen minute drive home, but it seemed to last forever. When they finally pulled into the driveway, Kelly was exhausted and drained from trying to keep a natural expression on her face.
She just wanted to go to bed. Except Peter would be right there in bed beside her.
They walked with her grandmother into the house, and Peter set down the flowers she’d brought back with her. Kelly was about to head to her room to change clothes when Peter reached out for her hand. “Do you want to take a walk?” he asked softly.
She understood the request and the significant look he gave her. He wanted to talk, to continue the conversation they’d barely started before. Kelly would prefer to put it off, since the discussion promised to be hard and she was already exhausted, but she couldn’t bring herself to push Peter away.
She stretched her arm out until he’d wrapped his hand around hers. “Okay. Do you need anything before we go, Grandmama? I’ll put the flowers up when I get back.”
“I suppose that’s acceptable,” her grandmother said in her typical imperious manner. She aimed a cool look at Peter. “Don’t keep her out too late or take her to a dangerous part of town.”
Peter visibly bit back a response, turning his face away to hide his expression.
“Grandmama, please,” Kelly sighed. She just couldn’t understand why her grandmother treated Peter this way. He’d done absolutely nothing to deserve it. “Don’t be that way.”
“And why shouldn’t I be concerned about my granddaughter? You’re the only one I have left.”
For some reason, the last words sent a shooting pain through Kelly’s chest. She almost strangled on a sudden rise of emotion as she processed the sentiment.
Her grandmother had three granddaughters, but two of them had already married and moved away. Kelly hadn’t. Kelly wasn’t supposed to. Kelly was all her grandmother had left.
“Let’s go,” Peter murmured, pulling Kelly toward him.
She nodded and waved goodbye to her grandmother, since she couldn’t bring herself to speak. She let Peter lead her down the front steps and the paved front walk until they reached the sidewalk. They’d moved out of sight of the house before Peter said, his voice rough and tense, “Don’t let her manipulate you that way.”
“She’s not manip—”
“Of course she is.” He sounded angry—angrier than the situation warranted. “She’s trying to make you feel guilty so you won’t leave her to live your own life. And it’s not right. I know you love her, Kelly, but it’s not right.”
“It’s just her way. She doesn’t mean any harm.”
“I’m sure she doesn’t mean any harm, but she’s going to do harm anyway if you let her push you around that way.”
“I don’t let her push me around. I’ve always stood up to her.” Kelly’s shoulders stiffened in automatic defensiveness. “You know I have. She’s not usually this bad. I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately, but I’m sure it’s just a passing thing.”
“It’s not a passing thing. She doesn’t like me, and she’s trying to get you to dump me. She’s going to keep doing it until she wins.”
Kelly felt more and more like crying, a fact she found infuriating. There was nothing to cry about here. “It’s not about you. It can’t be. We’ve been friends for years, and she’s always been perfectly happy for me to hang out with you.”
“But she’s never been threatened by me before. Now we’re married, and she’s afraid there’s a real possibility of me taking you away from her. You know it as well as I do. That’s the only explanation for her behavior.” He was clearly stewing about the situation, his muscles tense, his jaw clenched, his skin damp with perspiration although it wasn’t a particularly warm evening.
“But you’re not going to take me away from her.”
Peter flinched. And his tone was different as he muttered, “She doesn’t know that.”
Her grandmother thought the marriage was real. And the fact that it wasn’t—that it had always only been an accident—was inexplicably painful to Kelly. Peter was still holding her right hand, but she fiddled with his signet ring on her left hand.
Pretty soon, she would have to take it off.
She sho
uld probably just go ahead and take it off now, since everything was getting so complicated.
She didn’t want to take the ring off, though. She loved it.
They walked in silence for another minute, until they reached a small park, where Peter led her over to a bench. It was late, and the only people around were a few other couples walking and a homeless man on the sidewalk across the street.
Kelly sat on the bench, still holding Peter’s hand, and tried to get her emotions under control, the way she’d always lived her life before.
“I’m sorry about before,” Peter said without transition.
“Sorry about what?”
“About before. About Damon. I’m sorry I reacted the way I did.”
The apology should have made her feel better, but it just made a shudder intensify inside her, like something strong was growing, desperately trying to get out. She swallowed hard, staring in front of her, at a small fountain, rather than at Peter’s face. “Why did you?”
“I don’t know. It was wrong. I know you were just trying to help.”
She turned to look at him, recognizing some sort of emotional struggle in his expression. “I can understand not wanting to rely on your parents or take money from Mitchell, but why won’t you even let me help you.”
He cleared his throat. “I want you to help me. I do.”
“And yet you acted like I was sneaking around, turning you into a charity case.”
“I didn’t mean that.”
“I thought you trusted me more than that.”
“I do trust you.” His voice became more urgent, and he turned to face her. “Kelly, you know I trust you. I just spent so many years of my life with people assuming I could never do anything on my own, that the only reason I accomplished anything was because I was a Blake. It’s hard…it’s hard to get over that, even though I know I should.”
She was so restless that she slid her fingers in his grip, not trying to pull away, just needing to move. “When people love you, they want to help. It doesn’t mean they think you can’t do things on your own.”
His eyes shot quickly to his face.
