Paradise Found

by Nancy Loyan

  “You’d actually do that? If it’s possible.”

  “I can be very persuasive.” She smiled.

  “I’ve tried and failed.”

  “Animosity runs deep between you and your father. I think he’d shoot down anything you’d suggest and you’d do likewise. Non?”

  He chuckled. “You know my father quite well.”

  “Not that well, Daemon.”

  The waiter arrived with their beverages.

  “Does my father know of your intent to incorporate philanthropy into his business?” Daemon sipped his drink.

  “Not yet. I thought, with us working together, he’ll have to accept it.”

  “Us working together?”

  “After all, we’re after the same goal of preserving the Islands for future generations.”

  “Am I hearing you correctly? Seems to me, you’ve changed your entire business plan.”

  “We have our children to consider.” She took a sip of her soft drink.

  Daemon cleared his throat and lowered his voice. “Victoria, I know that Justin is your son.”

  She gasped and stared at him. He knew. “How?”“Justin told me.”

  “He told you?” Her heart raced and she grew flush. Justin told him.

  Daemon nodded. “You’re Justin’s mother. Bessye was his grandmother. Jacques LaGrande is his grandfather.”

  She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “Justin wasn’t happy to hear the news.”

  “The boy’s damned upset. He has a right to be, having a family sprung on him after all these years.”

  “He had to be told. I realized that after I met Jacques. The identity of my father had been kept from me until I uncovered love letters after my mother’s passing.

  Just knowing who my father is has answered so many questions and has given me a peace of mind.”

  “Justin needs some time for all of this to sink in. He’s a teenager, a time when finding one’s identity is strong. Having another mother enter his life just adds to the confusion.”

  “You love him?” Victoria met his concerned gaze.

  “Yes. Justin reminds me of my youth. My father was never around and when my mother died, I may as well have been an orphan. I can relate to him. I’ve tried to be a positive influence for him.”

  “That’s why he’s confided in you.” Maybe one day, her son would confide in her.

  “All of a sudden you appear out of the blue and you want your son, a baby you literally gave away, to love you? Victoria, love has to be earned.”

  “I know.” She had to earn his love as well.

  “I can try to help. After all, I consider Justin the son I never had.”

  Victoria took a sip of her drink, wishing it were something stronger. She needed courage. Setting down her glass, she met Daemon’s gaze. “There’s something else you need to know. I’m going to have a baby, our baby.”

  Daemon jumped up so fast he almost knocked over his chair. Hands grasping the edge of the table, he stared down at her. His eyes were on fire, his face flush. “What?”

  There was a tremor in his voice.

  “I’m pregnant with your baby.” There, she said it. She tried to remain poised and calm, though her nerves were as rattled as his.

  He dropped into his chair. “How do I know it’s mine?”

  “How dare you insinuate that I’ve had other lovers.” Her nervousness morphed into anger.

  “My father?”

  She leapt to her feet. “You bastard.”

  “Better me than my baby, if it’s indeed mine.”

  She was shaking. “It’s yours. Try counting backward.”

  Tears formed in her eyes and there was a catch in her voice. “I just wanted to inform you of your being the baby’s father. I intend to have this baby and raise it, regardless of your participation. As for Justin, he’s my son and one day he’ll accept me.”

  Daemon stood, reaching over to grasp her arm. He could feel her trembling and felt like a cad for accusing her of having other lovers. Yet, what was he to think? With the strange melodrama unfolding around him, he didn’t know what to think any more.

  He remembered their last coupling and how they had foregone birth control. The consequences of that one night of passion were here to haunt him. Yet, the feelings erupting within him were not anger but of love. Victoria was going to have his child. A love child. She was also the mother of the young man he considered a son. Victoria was the only woman he had ever loved. His future was standing before him.

  Victoria shrugged him off, looking away. “Daemon, you can believe what you want. It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does matter. I love you.”

  She spun around to face him. “Don’t. Don’t talk about love. You’re just saying that because of the baby.”

  “I’m saying it because it’s true.”

  The sincerity in his eyes told her that his words were genuine. Daemon loved her. The question was whether she loved him. She knew the answer but had denied it enough to make it seem false. Maybe being pregnant was playing havoc with her emotions. Victoria, the strong and independent career woman who never needed anyone, loved Daemon. She just couldn’t admit it. Yet.

  “So much has happened so fast that I can’t think straight,” she said. “My mom’s death, the job, Jacques, Justin, the baby, and you … “

  “Let’s take things one step at a time,” Daemon said, placing a hand on her shoulder. The warmth in his touch was comforting.

  She stared at him as her favorite Chinese proverb came to mind, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Since returning home she had taken many steps.

  “I would like, very much, to meet your father. I think it would be a good time for Justin to meet his grandfather as well. To plan for the future, we should reconcile with the past.” Daemon thought of his own father. He and Alexander were due for a serious talk. First things first.

  The sail to Ste. Sabastian Island was uneventful. Justin had at first been uncomfortable being alone with Daemon and Victoria. His sloped shoulders, awkward stance, and quiet manner was unlike the Justin Daemon had grown to love. Daemon knew that there had been a great deal for the boy to digest of late. Yet, more was to come. Thrust upon the teenager was a mother he had never known and a grandfather he was soon to meet. There was the new sibling as well and the fact that it would be born of the union of Victoria and Daemon. Daemon knew Justin had respected him and looked upon him as a role model. What kind of role model was Daemon, now that he had fathered a child out of wedlock? He who had preached of avoiding Island ways and taking the moral high road? Do as I say, don’t do as I do?

  Daemon pointed out the simple timber frame cottage built in the center of the clearing amidst a garden of rainbow-hued flowers, a tropical paradise of blooms and squawking birds. “He lives well for a hermit.”

  “He has created his own utopia,” Victoria said, breathing in the perfumed air.

  Justin lingered behind them, looking about in contemplative silence.

  They approached the veranda with its wicker furnishings and pots of exotic blooms. Daemon was impressed at how well maintained the grounds and building were in a remote location where guests were few. He had expected the environment to be shabby and overgrown.

  Jacque LeGrande strolled out the front door to greet them. He exuded a casual sophistication. His white linen slacks and cotton short-sleeved shirt were neatly pressed.

  Daemon had expected someone like Hemingway. Instead, the dark eyed, silver haired man with chiseled features resembled an aging Hollywood star. LeGrande extended his hand and Daemon was impressed with the strong, confident grip.

  “Jacque LeGrande,” he introduced.

  “Daemon Wells, a friend of Victoria’s,” Daemon replied, glancing at Victoria who stood nearby with Justin.

  “And the young man?” LeGrande asked, perusing Justin with an air of recognition.

  “Your grandson, Justin,” Victoria said.

  “I su
rmised as much. Boy, there’s no mistaking that you’re a LeGrande.”

  Justin smiled sheepishly. Daemon took it as a positive sign.

  Legrande took the boy’s hand and before Justin could respond, LeGrande had him in a tight bear hug. “Grandson. What a marvelous surprise.”

  The elder man was beaming as he released the boy and led him toward the door. “Lunch has been prepared. My house man cooked up some tec tec soup, grilled macro and some ladob for dessert.”

  The Island specialties were welcome after the sail and trek to LeGrande’s secluded home. The luncheon conversation consisted of Island stories told by LeGrande in the same flowing, descriptive narrative as his notable writings. Justin seemed enthralled by his famous grandfather.

  Victoria seemed at ease and, so far, the visit to Ste. Sabastian Island was turning out to be better than Daemon had anticipated. As Victoria turned to meet his gaze, he could sense her contentment.

  Daemon knew he had choices. He could either break-up with Victoria and continue his self-imposed solitary lifestyle or marry Victoria and accept the skeletons in her closet. After experiencing the melding of mind and body he had with her, their expected baby and Justin, how could he go back to being a hermit? All he had to do was take one look at Jacque LeGrande’s craggy face to note the sadness, regret, and loneliness such a lifestyle brings.

  Years earlier, Daemon had determined that the Seychelles be his permanent home. He could only sit and ponder his future. The more he thought about things, the more he had come to the realization that he had a future far brighter than he had ever imagined. A smile formed on his lips.

  “I still can’t believe my grandfather is a famous writer,” Justin said with enthusiasm, arousing Daemon from his thoughts.

  Jacques smiled from across the table, pride glittering in his dark eyes.

  Daemon knew half the battle had been won. Justin was beginning to accept the family of his past. Victoria nodded, in silent agreement.

  “I brought along some photo albums I found amongst my mother’s things,” Victoria said.

  Daemon had wondered why she had insisted on lugging the huge tote bag.

  Victoria had memories she wanted to share with Justin, along with albums of photographs her mother had kept. She wanted him to get a feel for who she was and where she had come from. All the easier for trying to explain why she had gone and left him. She also wanted Jacques to know what he missed by abandoning them.

  “I’ll get the photo albums, if you’d like to see them. It may be one way for you to become acquainted with the past,” Victoria offered, standing.

  Justin’s gaze shifted from Victoria to Daemon.

  Victoria eyed the two men. Together, one could easily have mistaken them for father and son.

  “I’d … I’d like that,” Justin said.

  Victoria left the room and returned with an armload of leather bound volumes. She set them on the dining table in front of Justin.

  As Justin took a volume and opened it, Daemon winked at Victoria. He apparently thought things were going well. Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it would leap from her chest. Discussing the past with Justin had to be the most difficult thing she had ever done in her life.

  She sat, awaiting any questions Justin may have had. The boy did seem engrossed in the pages and a chuckle now and than reassured her. She had included photographs of Jacques LeGrande in the mix.

  “That’s grandmother and grandfather together when young?” Justin asked.

  “Yes. I’m the baby in grandmother’s arms,” Victoria said.

  “Hey, let me see that,” Jacques said, standing. He leaned over Justin’s shoulders to get a better view of the photographs.

  “I look like you, grandfather,” Justin said, glancing up. “And so does Mom.”

  “So, I’ve discovered.” She smiled. Her son had called her mom. Mom.

  Justin’s eyes sparkled. “My grandfather, the writer. Now I know why I love to write.”

  “There’s still a great deal to learn. In due time you will.” Victoria felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her chest. Justin was accepting the fact that she was his mother. All of her worries and the uncertainty of her decisions were vanishing.

  “I just wish I had met grandmother when she was alive,” Justin said in a wistful voice.

  Victoria clasped her hands and swallowed hard. “I wish you had. Unfortunately, she was taken away from us too soon.”

  “She had a kindly smile,” Justin said.

  Jacques cleared his throat. Victoria could see the glistening sadness in his eyes.

  Justin closed the last album. “You know, at first I thought this was a bad thing but it feels good to have answers.”

  Victoria smiled.

  “Does ma mere know of our meeting?” Justin asked.

  “Yes. She understands. I don’t intend to take her place. She’s the mother you’ve known most of your life. I won’t deny you or her that love or that relationship.”

  “Thank you,” Justin said with a grin. “I now have two mothers. I guess it makes up for not having a father.”

  “Hold on a minute,” Daemon said, standing. “You know, it’s interesting that you would mention that. Now that I know who Victoria’s father is, I can finally ask his permission for his daughter’s hand in marriage.”

  “What?” Victoria sat up in her seat, covering her mouth with her hands after the outburst. Daemon wanted to marry her?

  “You wish to marry Victoria, oui?” Jacques said with a sparkle in his eyes.

  “Yes, I love her.” Daemon looked toward Victoria with a wide grin.

  Victoria met Daemon’s steady gaze, absorbing the intensity and sincerity of his love. Shivers radiated down her spine and she had to rub her arms to quell the goosebumps. He loved her. He wanted to marry her, even after knowing of her past.

  “Of course, I’ll give you permission, Mr. Wells. I’ve heard a great deal about you and your helicopter service and resort enterprise. You and your family impress me a great deal. I couldn’t think of a better match.” He looked up at Victoria. “Of course, the person you really have to ask is Victoria. I wouldn’t want to agree to anything she found objectionable.”

  Victoria stared at the men, looking from one to the other as if observing a tennis match. She couldn’t believe what was happening.

  “Of course, Victoria and I need to discuss this,” Daemon said, glancing her way.

  “Just be sure to invite me to the wedding,” Jacques said with a wink. “I do intend to walk the bride down the aisle.”

  Chapter 25

  After a succulent dinner of grilled red snapper, Victoria joined Daemon on his deck overlooking the ocean. Sipping Dom Perignon while seated in Adirondack style chairs, they watched the sun set from amber gold, indigo to black. Daemon held her hand firmly in his and she knew that whatever disagreements they had in the past had given way to forgiveness and acceptance. Ever since they docked on La Digue, all the doubts she had about their future had given way to hope. Perhaps love could overcome all things. Dinner had been pleasant with talk centering on the success of Justin’s meeting with Jacques. Justin had insisted on flying “home” to Mah’e to be with Jovanna and his siblings at the orphanage. Victoria knew it would be difficult for him to leave them.

  “More champagne?” Daemon asked, releasing her hand and reaching for the bottle chilling in the sterling wine cooler.

  “Just a little. I shouldn’t be drinking.” Victoria smiled, handing him her glass.

  Daemon poured and returned the crystal flute to her.

  Victoria took a sip and realized that something was amiss with her glass. Bubbles floated up in the liquid but a sparkly object lay stationary on the bottom. Not an ice cube. She gasped out loud.

  “Something wrong?” Daemon asked, cocking an eyebrow.

  “I … there’s …” she mumbled, shaking the glass. There was no mistaking the huge diamond solitaire set in a gold band tinkling against the crystal. Her he
art fluttered at the surprise.

  “What?” He feigned ignorance.

  “There’s something in my glass.“ She lifted the flute.

  “Let me have a look.“ Daemon inspected the flute. “Seems you’ll just have to finish the champagne to get to the bottom of this.”

  Victoria downed the champagne and, after, tipped over the glass. The sparkling ring dropped into her palm and she trembled.

  “I’ll be darn.” Daemon shook his head. “I know Cracker Jacks come with prizes but I didn’t know that champagne did, too. Let’s see if it fits.”

  Daemon lifted the ring and buffed it in a cotton napkin. He took her left hand and slid the ring on her ring finger. “What do you know? Perfect.”

  His wink sent shivers down her spine. When he knelt down on one knee, tears began to mist her eyes.

  “Victoria Montcherry, I have a question I’ve been meaning to ask. Upon returning to the Islands I know that life has dealt you a series of changes. Some good, some not so good. Meeting you has turned my life upside down and inside out but in a positive way. In you, I have found my soul mate, my mind mate, my heart mate, my life mate. I love you. All I know is that the past is over and done but the future is ours for the asking. I’m asking. Will you marry me, Victoria and be my partner for the rest of this journey called life?”

  “Yes. Yes. I couldn’t imagine my life without you,” she said without hesitation. Ever since his quasi-proposal on Ste. Sebastian she had given her future, their future, serious thought. She met his steadfast gaze and looking into those fiery depths she could see her promise.

  She stood and fell into his intimate embrace. His lips met hers with passionate longing. Any doubts she had about Daemon vanished in his taste and touch. Victoria wanted him more than she had ever wanted anything or anyone in her life. Daemon was no longer just an island fling, her lover. He was her future.