by JoAnn Durgin
Heather stared down her father. “We’ve all done things, especially when we’re young, that we regret. None of us are perfect. Not even you.”
Jeremy snorted. “Doesn’t one of those Ten Commandments say something about respecting your mother and father?” Raising his glass of scotch, he toasted her. “Here’s to my darling daughter, as acerbic as ever.” He guzzled down his drink.
“I don’t mean to disrespect you, Dad, but denigrating Chase’s character isn’t right or honorable. I’ve seen Chase put himself at risk and push aside his personal wants and needs to chase down kids and haul them out of a potentially harmful situation. I’ve seen him praying for kids in a hospital ER waiting room while several young lives hung in the balance. His life as a youth pastor isn’t just a job to him, and it isn’t a means to an end. No, he doesn’t make much money, but I couldn’t care less about his bank account. It’s about more than financial rewards. With Chase, being a pastor is a calling, and it’s his passion. It’s his lifeblood. It’s as much a part of who he is as building casinos is what you’re all about. He’s dedicated, he’s fiercely protective and loyal. Surely you, of all people, can appreciate that kind of dedication.”
She snapped the lobster tail for emphasis. Within seconds, she popped a bite of the succulent meat in her mouth and savored it.
Jeremy didn’t eat but simply watched her. A slow smile creased his face, a face with a few more deeply etched lines in the past few years.
“What?” The man was up to something. He was nothing if not cunning.
“Your defense of Chase just now is worthy of one of those top attorneys I pay an insane amount of money to keep on retainer.”
Heather shook her head. “Was all that a test of some kind?”
“No. Chase has a police record. That’s fact. Minor infractions. No felonies.”
After stabbing a baby artichoke, she took a bite and chewed slowly. “What you’re telling me is that Chase was a borderline juvenile delinquent. And what I’m telling you is that it doesn’t matter to me and it shouldn’t to you, either. He’s risen above the past. If nothing else, his background and experiences have helped shape the man Chase is today and gives him more street cred with the kids in his youth group.”
Jeremy laughed. “Street cred? Now you’re talking the lingo? I’ll ensure that Chase’s record is obliterated. No one ever has to know.”
Heather bristled with irritation. “That’s not necessary. I’m sure Chase wouldn’t expect you to do such a thing.” That came out more snappish than she’d intended.
“You can’t tell me he’s proud of it,” Jeremy said, digging into his vegetables. “Your sincerity shines through, and it’s obvious my favorite ballerina loves the man. Bravo, sweetheart. Well done.”
“I’m not sure whether I should thank you or be spitting mad at you for interfering in my life.”
“Believe it or not, I care about you. I always have.”
“It’s not a matter of caring,” she murmured. “If Chase embarrasses you in some way, I can’t help that. I’m sure you’re also aware that Chase’s father has a gambling problem that’s landed him in jail numerous times.”
“I am.” Jeremy took a drink of water with lime and surveyed her above the rim of his glass. Lowering it to the table, he appeared to be considering his next words. “Which is why I’m prepared to offer him a job.”
Heather sputtered. “A job?” Had she misheard?
“Your mother informed me of the man’s unfortunate circumstances.”
“David isn’t a charity case.”
“Isn’t he?” Jeremy dug into his lobster tail again. “From what I know, the man has no job and only has a roof over his head because his late wife had the smarts to leave a substantial insurance policy. Paid for Chase’s education, as well.”
“For one thing, I doubt he’d accept a job from you since you build casinos, the root cause of his addiction.”
Jeremy stopped eating. “You can’t believe I’m to blame for another man’s failings.”
“I’m not blaming you.” She blinked away tears. Her father rose from his chair. She watched, wide-eyed, as he moved around to sit in the chair closest to hers and stretched his hand on top of the table, palm facing upward. “Take my hand. Please.”
After only a moment’s hesitation, Heather placed her hand in his. Jeremy wrapped his fingers around hers and held on tight.
“I failed your mother and you, and for that, I’m sorry. It was never my intention to cause you such hurt. I hope one day you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”
A tear slipped down Heather’s cheek. Her father’s statement made her heart happy. Soul happy. She dabbed the moisture from her cheek and forced a wan smile. “Of course, I forgive you, Dad. I just never expected you to ask. It’s like a minor miracle is taking place right here in the middle of Antonelli’s.”
The sound of Jeremy’s quiet laughter eased Heather’s unrest.
“So, do you have any room in your plans for marriage and children eventually?”
Heather narrowed her gaze as he moved back across the table to his original chair. That question surprised her. “If the opportunity presents itself, yes.” She wondered why he’d asked. Please, Lord, don’t let him have another man lined up for me. Wouldn’t it be just like her father to try and direct her away from Chase by dangling some highly connected business associate in front of her?
God help him if he had someone waiting in the wings or lurking nearby in Antonelli’s at this very moment, ready to simply happen along so Jeremy could invite him to join them for dinner.
She shrugged. “I’m not concerned. The way I see it, I have plenty of time. Things are going well with Chase, and I’m happy, Dad. I hope you can be happy for me.”
“Do you want to marry Chase?”
She snapped up her chin. “Who said anything about marrying him?”
“He did.”
Chapter 25
~~♥~~
“Excuse me?” Heather swallowed down the bite of crostini topped with homemade ricotta, hoping she wouldn’t choke.
“Your young man came to see me in my office.”
“Chase came to see you?”
“He did. Chase told me he’s in love with you and wanted to know—when the time is right—if I would give my blessing for your hand in marriage.”
Blood rushed to her ears and Heather lowered the bread to her plate, trying to come up with a response. Taking a deep breath, she met Jeremy’s gaze. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him you’re a grown woman capable of making your own decisions. If that’s what you want for your life, then you’d freely accept his proposal.”
“I’m sure there’s more to it than that, Dad. It can’t be…”
“That easy?” With a chuckle, Jeremy sat back in his chair and drained his glass of scotch. His routine was to imbibe three drinks—one before, one during, and one after dinner. Then he’d have strong caffeinated coffee with dessert, specially brewed at his request.
“I was impressed by Mr. Landers. He’s got a good head on those broad shoulders. Well-spoken and confident considering his background. He’s also quite a handsome man. You’ll have very attractive children.”
“Dad!” Aware she’d spoken too loud in the reserved quiet of the restaurant, Heather lowered her voice. She could admit she’d dated men in the past based on their physical looks. No wonder the relationships hadn’t lasted long. Drew was probably the least attractive of them all and yet his underlying motivation for dating her was to get to the man sitting across the table from her now. Most likely, a number of the men who seemed interested in her only wanted to get their hands on her trust fund.
“One of the things I’ve learned, in business and in life, is that dwelling on past mistakes isn’t productive,” Jeremy said. “We need to learn from them and move on. I know nothing I can say or do can make up for the past. But I want to try.”
Heather’s eyes widened. “What are you s
aying?”
“I’m changing the focus of my business. I’m selling the casinos and opening hotels, starting with one downtown, six blocks away from where we’re sitting at this very moment. I’m in talks with a developer to erect a fifty-story, high-rise hotel. We’ve secured investors and the financing, and we’ll begin construction sometime early next year.”
“That’s…wonderful. Congratulations.” Heather lifted her chin. “Let me guess. It will be called The Montague?”
Jeremy chuckled. “You know me too well. That’s exactly what it will be called. It’ll be a distinctive landmark on Indy’s landscape and will be a premier hotel for fine accommodations and dining. If David Landers is willing, I’d like to offer him a job in the hotel—not in the bar, of course. We’ll find a suitable place for him. Matter of fact, since we’re still talking long-range for my hotel, I’m sure I could pull some strings and get him a job in another hotel until The Montague opens.”
“Why would you do that?” Heather said. “If you’re not responsible for his failings, why are you doing this? As a favor to me because of my relationship with Chase?”
“In large part, yes. Why else would I do it? Without your relationship with Chase, I wouldn’t know about David. Sweetheart, think about it. At his age and with a lengthy jail record—no matter that the offenses are minor—no one will employ him. If they did, it’d be in some substandard business. He also has a friend, Charlie something or other, who could use a job.” He waved his hand. “I may not be a Christian man according to your definition, but I can use my influence to help a few people who need it. The best I can do is offer them a job. They’ll have to prove themselves worthy, the same as anyone else. If they don’t cut it, then they’re out. But if they succeed and don’t get into trouble, they’ll stay on the payroll.”
He got to Chase. Her heart plummeted. “You’ve already discussed this with Chase, haven’t you?”
While she was happy to think Jeremy was willing to help Chase’s dad, another part of her cringed to think he’d somehow have a hold on Chase. He’d been controlling her actions for most of her life. When she’d finally managed to get out from under her father’s control, he’d gotten hold of the man she loved. She felt sick and hoped she wouldn’t throw up right there at the dinner table. She moved her arm over her stomach and took a few deep breaths.
Her father studied her closely. “Is it a problem if I had?”
“No, not really.” Liar. Warmth infused her cheeks. “I think it’s a very generous offer.”
“In all honesty, I didn’t think of it until after Chase came to see me. I can admire a man who looks me in the eye and states his case clearly and with conviction. And he did things the proper way by asking my permission for your hand in marriage. Matter of fact, I’d hire Chase, too, if he wanted. But something tells me he wouldn’t accept.”
“I don’t believe he would,” she murmured. “Tell me this, Dad. When exactly did Chase come to speak with you?”
“A couple of weeks ago. You’ll be happy to know I gave him my blessing. As soon as you kids set a date, let me know. I’ll hire the best wedding planner in the city.”
Joy in the morning.
Her eyes blurred. “I’ll let you know.”
Chapter 26
~~♥~~
Later the Same Night
“Miss Heather, can you come down to the church?” Gabe sounded worried.
Heather set the dish of food on the floor for Méowyn and glanced at the clock. Nine o’clock.
“Tell me what’s up, Gabe.” She leaned one hand on the counter and closed her eyes. She was already on emotional overload from the dinner with her father. Would this day never end?
“Some guys were hassling my boys in the back parking lot and it got a little ugly. One of the dudes pulled out a knife and got Chase.”
Heather gasped. “What? Where is Chase now, Gabe? Is he okay?”
“Nah, he’s here. Calm down, Miss Heather. Chase is good. Really. I didn’t mean to get you all upset. He treated his hand and bandaged it himself. It finally stopped bleeding, and he insists he’s okay. Still, I think Preacher might be better if he had a little TLC from his woman, if you know what I’m saying.”
“Of course. I’ll be right there. Thanks for the call.”
Within minutes, Heather was on the highway, headed downtown. She slowed a bit when she realized she was going twenty miles over the posted speed limit. She’d gotten two tickets in the past year, and she didn’t need another. Maybe she should get a different color Jeep.
Maybe you should slow down, Lead Foot.
“Go away. Not the time. Chase is hurt and I need to go see my man.”
Twenty-five minutes later, she screeched to a stop in the church parking lot. Glancing around the dark lot, she questioned the wisdom of coming to this part of town alone at this time of night. No one was around, and Chase’s Ford Explorer sat in its usual spot. Hopefully, he was inside. Standing outside the church and pushing that buzzer didn’t seem the best thing to do. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Chase’s number.
“This is Chase.” He sounded as exhausted as she felt.
“Do you need to go to the hospital, you stubborn man?”
“Hi, Beautiful Dancer. I think I’ll live. How did you even find out? Who snitched on me?”
“Gabe called me. He seems to be the one to make these types of medical-related calls. I’m outside in the parking lot, sitting in the Jeep. Let me in?”
“I’ll be right down. Stay put until I get there. I’ll call you when I’m on the other side of the door.”
“Thanks.” She dropped her phone back in her pocket and breathed out a sigh.
“Let me see your wound,” she said five minutes later as she stood beside him in his office.
“It’s nothing, really. Just a little skin wound. It bled, and then I put some antibiotic cream on it. It’ll be fine.”
“Stop being so stubborn.”
He resisted when she tried to unwrap the bandage.
Heather stared at him. “What exactly is your problem?”
“I said I’d take care of it, and I will. If it looks infected, I’ll take myself to the ER or a clinic tomorrow.”
“If this is about money—”
“It’s not about money.” Chase rubbed his hand over his forehead. “Why do you rich people always think it’s about money? I have insurance—good insurance—through the church. That’s the one thing they provide over and above.”
“You rich people? Is that what you think of me?”
“No, of course not. That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry.”
“I understand you paid my father a little visit.”
His eyes widened. “He told you?”
“Yes, he told me. We had dinner tonight where he couldn’t wait to tell me that you have a police record. No worries, the little girl defended you to her daddy.”
“Those were minor scrapes with the law, Heather. I hope your dad didn’t make me out to be some felon running from the law. Or a sexual pervert. How did he even find out? I won’t deny it if anyone asks, but it’s not like I go around freely volunteering that information.”
“He had you checked out after your visit.”
Chase snorted. “Isn’t that nice? Does he know my credit score, my social security number, my shoe size, too?”
“Chase, where is this defensiveness coming from? I didn’t jump in my Jeep and come all the way down here to argue with you. Forgive me for caring about you. I thought you might be bleeding to death. I can’t take the word of a 16-year-old kid, even though I appreciated Gabe’s call.”
They’d only had a few minor squabbles before but tonight she sensed tension bubbling beneath the surface, just waiting to boil over. She shouldn’t have come. She should march out of the church now, drive home, and get a long night’s rest. The Lord knew she needed it. She’d been burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle, for too long without a decent break.
�
��I’m tired, Heather. So tired.”
“You’re not the only one.”
When he moved his hand, she saw the dried blood on the white bandaging wrapped around it. She began to shake and couldn’t seem to stop.
“What’s wrong, baby? Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not.” She looked up at him with wide eyes. “I can’t seem to stop.”
He pulled her into his arms and held onto her, warming her with his body. “I’m glad you survived dinner with your dad.”
She laughed a little. “It wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but again, I didn’t handle it well. Chase, I can’t seem to help myself with that man. He puts me on the defensive, and everything he says gets me riled. I think deep down he means well, and he loves me, but his overprotectiveness and tendency to control everything in my life is maddening.”
“I thought you’d forgiven him.”
She pushed away from Chase and looked up at him. “I did, but I can still get spitting mad at him. You weren’t the one sitting at that table tonight, listening to his insinuations and thinly veiled accusations. Even perfect Pastor Chase might have been hard pressed not to fight back.”
“Perfect? Ha! Baby, I’m far from perfect.” He sounded aggravated now.
“Don’t baby me,” she growled. “I’m not in the mood.”
“Obviously not.” Chase blew out a breath. “Maybe we should call it a night.”
A sense of dread snaked its way into her subconscious. She started shaking again. “I’m not sure I can do this, Chase. I thought I could, but I don’t know.” Crossing her arms over her body, she walked away.
He came behind her and put his hands on her arms. When he tried to turn her around, she resisted.
“Heather, talk to me. We’re both exhausted and saying things we don’t mean. We’ve already come through so much together, and I thought we’d worked through the issue of your father.”
“Don’t you see, Chase? He’s always going to control my life. If you stay with me, my father will get to you eventually.” She held her tongue not to mention the part about Jeremy hiring David for the new hotel. That would serve no point right now.
