The panic and urgency is something I have never seen in my mother. It’s disturbing.
I grab her arms and ask, “What’s wrong?”
“Gabriel, just get her.”
“Where is she?”
“She’s at the Rollins Mansion. Go, Gabriel.”
I leave her there and hurry to my car. I am so unnerved. What could have her so frightened? Maybe it’s that she thinks I turned Fallon away and she’s losing her to the Rollins. But why? All I know is if Mom is scared, I need to get to Fallon now.
I make it to the Rollins’ mansion in record time. I tell the valet to leave the car running; I won’t be long. I make my way through the house to the dining room. That’s where I see Fallon; she is smiling while Miles is whispering in her ear. It makes me furious, but then I notice Senator Rollins is also watching – not with joy, though; curiosity. I decide to make my presence known and step in where I can be seen.
“Gabriel?” Senator Rollins stands and addresses me first.
“Hello, Senator. How are you this evening?”
“Fine, fine. But as you can see, we are having a family gathering, and I’m sorry, but we weren’t expecting you.”
“I’m not staying. I just came to collect my fiancée.”
I make sure my words are heard throughout the room. Fallon’s back stiffens, and she looks like she is ready to kill.
Angelle stands and says, “Gabriel, what the hell are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about Fallon being my fiancée, and I’m here to bring her home.”
Senator Rollins addresses me again. “Really? Miles and I were not aware Fallon was your fiancée. My apologies.”
“That’s perfectly fine. We just got engaged, and we haven’t officially announced it yet, but she should have told you and your son at least.”
I walk over to Fallon’s chair, then bend down, kiss her cheek, and say, “Dear, it’s time to go.”
Before I can pull Fallon’s chair back for her to stand, Miles jumps up, gets in my face, and tells me she will not be going anywhere. I find this amusing, the boy standing up to me. Fallon stands and puts her hand on my chest, like a warning, yet calming effect.
I smile at Miles. “Boy, you should sit back down before I decide not to listen to my lady’s warning.”
“Miles, sit!” his father barks. At least he knows what I’ll do to his precious son if he gets in my way.
Fallon goes to apologize to Miles, and I send her my own warning glance, which she heeds.
Angelle looks to me and says, “You will be sorry for this, Gabriel.”
I throw her a warning glance back, then lead Fallon out by her elbow. On the drive, we never speak a word. We are both trying desperately to calm ourselves.
Once back at the mansion, I drag Fallon out of the car and into the house. As she starts her rant of cursing me out, I nudge her towards the great room, where I can now see my mom is sitting. She doesn’t say anything to either one of us.
Fallon screams, “How fucking dare you!”
“How fucking dare I?”
“Yes, Gabriel, you have no right!”
“I have every right. You are my fiancée!”
“No, dammit! I am not! I told you no. When will you get it through your thick, pig-headed skull?!!”
My mother finally takes an interest in our argument. “What the hell are you two screaming about?”
She stands and walks closer to us with her arms crossed, expecting answers.
“I gave Fallon a ring a couple of days back.”
“And I told him no!”
My mother shakes her head. “What are you saying? Why the hell would you do that, Fallon?”
“Because your pompous son gave me a ring without asking me to marry him. He just assumed I would jump at the chance to be his wife. Well, I won’t. I deserve better.”
My mom starts to laugh out loud. “Son, what were you thinking? No woman, not even one I brought for you, wants to be treated like a whore, waiting for her master to give her a treat. Did I not teach you better than that? Damn, son, if you want her to be your wife, then you should at least ask her.”
She goes back to the sofa and sits down to watch the show. What the hell, now I have to perform for the both of them. Fine!
I walk closer to Fallon and kneel on one knee. “Fallon, I know you’re not sure about me, or even about us, but I am. I will do anything in my power to protect you and make you happy. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Instead of jumping up with joy, like you’d expect most women to do with a proposal, she just stands there, shocked, staring at me. Then her head lifts and looks at my mother.
After a few seconds pass, she looks back down at me and says, “Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, Gabriel, I will marry you.”
I stand, but I don’t know what to do. Should I hug her? Kiss her?
My mother stands and gives me a hug, then hugs Fallon.
“Mother, I want this wedding to take place in one week.”
“What?” My mom says. “That’s impossible, Gabriel.”
“I don’t care. Do what you have to do, but you do it – or so help me, I will bring her up to the courthouse and make it official. I will only wait one more week to have my bride.”
She nods her head. “I’ll get it done, son.”
“Oh, and Mother, make it small. And the whole Rollins clan will not be attending.”
My mother nods her head again and says “Fine. I will leave you two alone to celebrate.”
I wait for her to leave, then look to Fallon and see she has turned her back to me.
“Fallon, what made you decide to say yes?”
“I don’t know. I guess because you finally asked me.”
“I meant it. I will always protect you, and I will try to do anything to make you happy.”
“I know you meant it, Gabriel.”
“Look at me. I’m glad you have finally realized you are mine, and in a week we’ll make it official.”
“Gabriel, I have always known I was yours, but I hope you realize that makes you officially mine, too.”
“Trust me, Fallon, I know already I am yours. Be ready...in a week I’m coming for you.”
Fallon
As soon as I hear the door close and I know Gabriel has left, I collapse to the floor. I have no more strength to hold myself up. My fate is sealed. I will be Mrs. Gabriel Stern. With my past behind me, my future is now what I fear. I pray I can survive it. Tears are now free falling down my face as I cry for my past, my future. I especially cry for the love I might never have from Gabriel.
I didn’t hear her, but I feel her. She wraps her arms around me and pulls me up. In her arms, I’m pulled towards the sofa, where she coddles me and pets my hair; the mother’s touch I have always wanted and needed.
“Fallon, please don’t cry. I’m here now. I will always be here for you.”
“Catherine, I’m so scared. I love him, Catherine. I do.”
“I know, dear, I know.”
“He doesn’t love me, Catherine. He won’t allow himself to fall in love with me, and one day he will resent me for it.”
“No, Fallon, he does love you, he just hasn’t figured it out yet. I know my son, and he has never looked at another woman like he looks at you.”
“That’s lust, Catherine, not love.”
“You’re wrong, child. I know lust, and although he definitely looks at you with lust, if you look deeper, Fallon, there is love, too. I promise you. Look deeper.”
“Why won’t he just admit it and allow it to happen? Why must he torture me?”
“Because he’s scared too, even more so than you. He watched his father dwindle down to barely a man, and he blames me for it. He doesn’t know the truth, and I don’t want him to know the truth. He’s scared you will have that same power over him. See, Fallon, he is scared you will destroy him.”
“I would never do anything to hurt him. Ne
ver.”
“I know, Fallon. His father was not the man he thinks he once was. Gabriel is nothing like him, and once he realizes that, my child, then and only then will he show you how much he loves you.” She stands. “Come on, Fallon, let’s get you to bed. You have a busy day tomorrow. We have a wedding to plan.”
Catherine walks me to bed, helps me get under the sheets, and kisses me goodnight. She then leaves me to my dreams.
24
Gabriel
I drove around for hours. I had to leave. At the time I needed to get away from her, but now I can’t seem to bring myself to go to my house. I just keep going in circles. Maybe if I see her just one more time, I could go home and finally sleep. After the day I’ve had, I am completely exhausted, but I still can’t find my way to bed. I need to see her.
With the decision made, I find myself back at the mansion. I climb the stairs and quietly open Fallon’s door. I find myself watching her sleep. Her hair is spread over her head on the pillow, and her face looks tear-ridden. She’s been crying...why?
She stirs, then I hear her whisper my name.
“Gabriel.”
My God, I love hearing her say my name. Is she dreaming of me? She stirs again and starts to get restless, like her dream is turning bad. I see one tear fall. I can’t help it; I need to hold and console her. Maybe I can help soothe her.
I take my suit jacket off, then my shirt and pants, and by the time I’m finished I walk around to the other side of her bed. Getting under the sheets, I scoot over to where she lays. As I embrace her, she stirs more and again whispers my name.
“Gabriel?”
I answer, “It’s me. Just sleep. I’ll be here for you, I promise.”
She turns and wraps herself around me but never wakes.
With her head on my chest and her breathing returned to normal, I find a peace only she has ever been able to give me, then slowly drift off to sleep.
Fallon
I awake with a sense of loss. I know Gabriel’s gone, but I can still smell him all over me. I know he climbed into bed with me last night. I did nothing but allow him to hold me. I needed him here with me, and I have a feeling he needed me, too. It was the best night of sleep I’ve ever had. No nightmares, no dread; just peace. I wish he wouldn’t have left. I would have loved to know what it felt like to wake up in his arms.
I dress and make my way to the kitchen, where I see Catherine; I’m shocked to see her cooking breakfast. She seems happy as she gracefully moves around the kitchen like a pro. Like she cooks every day. She turns and joyfully greets me.
“Fallon, good morning. I hope you slept well. You just missed Gabriel.”
“Good morning, Catherine. You look cheerful today.”
“Ah, yes, I am. All our hard work has paid off. We have a wedding to plan, and in record time, thanks to Gabriel. I have the finest wedding planner coming over in about an hour, and I have the stylist coming over with dresses for you to try. Everything will be handled swiftly.” She brings a full plate over to me and says, “I let most of the staff go for the day. I didn’t want any wedding information being leaked. Besides, I wanted to cook for my new daughter.”
“Thank you, Catherine, for everything. I’m not sure where I would be if it weren’t for you. I owe you everything.”
“Just be loyal to this family, make my son happy, and give me lots of grandchildren.”
I choke on my food, and we both laugh. I think it’s the first time I see Catherine let out a carefree laugh.
We both blush, then she asks, “I didn’t know Gabriel was here. I thought I heard him leave last night. He came back, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he came and held me while we slept.”
“Good. Very good. Have you two –”
“No, Catherine. I am still a virgin, and I think Gabriel plans to keep me that way till we’re married.”
She starts to laugh again. “That’s why he can’t wait for the wedding. That’s what the rush is for. My son must be going crazy. I have heard he hasn’t been with anyone since Brittany, and for my son, that is like being a saint. I thought maybe you and he were, but now it all makes sense.”
“Oh, that reminds me, Catherine. I know you have the guest list all planned, but I was wondering if I could invite one person. I would like to have Brittany there. I know I’m not supposed to know her, but there must be a way to have her there. She’s my friend, my only friend.”
“I will think of something. Don’t worry, Fallon, I will make sure she’s there.”
“Thank you.”
The rest of the day is filled with the wedding plans. Catherine says with money, the impossible becomes possible. The overpriced wedding planner arrives telling us everything will be done the way we asked and for us not to worry.
Catherine informs her, “I never worry. I am paying you for a job, and I expect it to be done, or you will never work in this state again. And if you surpass my expectations, I’ll have two more sons who will marry soon. The press you will get from this wedding should be more than enough to scare the shit out of you. So please, for your own sake, do a good job.”
Shit. She just threatened the wedding planner without lifting so much as an eyebrow. She’s a master at intimidation.
By the end of our meeting, the plan is for there to be about a hundred of the closest associates in attendance. To control the press, the wedding will take place on the grounds. The flowers will be peonies in a mixture of varying soft pinks and ivory. There will be live music by a local band.
Before the wedding planner leaves, she shows me an article I’m told will be on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow. It tells of our upcoming nuptials and states no pictures will be given till after the ceremony.
With all the plans decided, we have a late lunch, then wait for the stylist to come with the dresses for me to try.
It’s the afternoon, and the dresses arrive promptly on time. There are three racks full. I have already decided since it is an outside wedding, I don’t want anything too big. I want something light and simple. I try on so many, and soon I try on one that is perfect. I look over to Catherine, and it looks like we’ve found the right one. It’s a white lace top dress with a plunging neckline, sheer lace, and long sleeves. The lace molds to my skin, showing off the perfect amount of cleavage. It’s a cross between being sexy and classy. The bottom of the dress is simple. It flows down and has a high slit in the front to the side and a small train. The seamstress tells me since I am full C cup, the dress will need just a few minor adjustments to make sure my breast will not become exposed. The lace will be formed to mold my top perfectly. A simple veil, shoes, and accessories are also chosen.
Later that afternoon, Zander and Liam arrive. They say they just heard the good news. I ask Zander if I can speak to him, then we walk into another room where we can speak in private.
I nervously start, “Zander, I was wondering if maybe...if...well, you see, I have no family or any friends. So, I was wondering if you would stand up for me?”
“Fallon, are you asking me to be your maid of honor?”
“No, no, not exactly. Just stand on my side of the podium.”
Zander says proudly, “Like I said, your maid of honor.”
I tell him with a chuckle, “I guess so, but I promise I won’t make you wear a dress or carry any flowers. If that makes you feel any better about it.”
“It does make me feel better, and I feel honored you asked. I would love to be your man of honor.” He then picks me up and swings me around. “It’s going to be great, sis, and it’s about damn time you said yes. If it were me, I would have had you kicking and screaming all the way to the altar. I wouldn’t have given you the chance to say no.”
I slap his arm and call him a big oaf.
That night and the rest of the week, Gabriel stays away.
Gabriel
I haven’t seen Fallon in days. I can’t be sure if I will be able to control myself around her anymore. It’s been hard to stay
away, especially after spending the night in her bed again. Not being able to touch her the way I want is nearly killing me. I thought about calling Brittany, but it just doesn’t feel right. I can wait, but Saturday can’t come soon enough.
Mother has been on the ball. She has all the arrangements made, and the guests have already RSVP’d. My tuxedo has been made. It’s just a waiting game now. Two more days and Fallon will be my wife.
Zander, Vin, and Liam meet me at the casino. We’re having a bachelor party tonight, but I asked them to meet me before it starts. They arrive right on time.
“Hey, boys!” I yell out.
Liam asks, “Hello, brother. You ready for tonight? What did you want to talk about, Gabriel? Why did you make us come early? You know we have plans to finish.”
“I wanted to ask you all to stand up for me at the wedding.”
I ask Vin, too. He might not be our biological brother, but he was raised with us almost all of his life. So, to us, he is our brother. And he is loyal to our mother to a fault.
“Zander, I’d like for you to be my best man.”
“Why, Gabriel, are you asking me, or just stating a fact?”
“Fuck you, Zander. Will you or not?”
“Sorry, brother, can’t. Fallon asked me to be her man of honor.”
All of us ask at the same time, “Her fucking what?”
“I am her official man of honor, and I take my role very seriously, thank you very much. I have already planned her bachelorette party, filled with male strippers and male prostitutes.”
I punch him in the gut, forcing the big guy to fall to his knees. “You better not have done any of that shit, or I’ll punch you again, Mr. Maid of Honor.”
“Ah shit, Gabriel, I was just joking. And call me what you want. I am secure enough in my sexuality to be whatever she wants me to be. As long as she wants me, I’m happy.”
I fucking punch him again.
“Son of a bitch!” Zander curses.
Liam jumps in and says, “Whoa, don’t talk about my mom that way!”
Now it’s Zander’s and my turn to jump his shit.
Art of Seduction Page 16