Chapter 11 #2
“I guess it’s just that times have been changing, and these days, I’m more aware of things that I didn’t give much weight to before.
Again, mental illness is a big thing in society today, and I think it’s beneficial to highlight Meriwether’s issues.
It’s not fair, nor right, to sweep them under the rug, and I’d rather be open and honest. Hell, we probably shouldn’t have a baby seeing that mental illness can be inherited,” Jordan says in a rueful tone. “I’ve been going about this all wrong.”
I blink, completely taken aback by this turn of events.
“Okay, so it’s your forebear’s mental illness that’s driven you to change your mind.”
Jordan thinks for a moment, those bronze features pensive.
“Yes, but there’s more too. Again, the world is different these days.
It’s a terrible story, but I want to acknowledge that Meriwether hired a free African-American man as his valet during the journey.
After Meriwether died, John Pernia’s wages were in arrears because my forefather was in so much fucking debt.
Pernia continued on to Monticello to ask Thomas Jefferson to pay them, but was refused, and the man later committed suicide. ”
I pause.
“Holy cow,” I say, stunned. “That’s a lot.”
Jordan looks tormented again.
“Exactly,” he says in a low tone. “There’s a dark side to all this shit, and no one really focuses on it.
Why would we? They’re national heroes. But all of them, from Jefferson to Washington to Lewis, were also products of their times, which meant they were enslavers, misogynists, and brutal and violent in some cases too.
There’s no reason for me to act as if Meriwether Lewis’s blood is the be-all, end-all when it’s not.
He was tormented, depressed, and likely an alcoholic. His line can die.”
I stare at Jordan with shock. My ears ring as my heart thumps because is this for real? Has the alpha male given up his iron grip on the past?
The gorgeous billionaire nods, suddenly reaching for my hand.
“I hope you’ll forgive me, Juliette, because I’ve fucked up.
Big time. I was blinded by my determination to sire an heir, and when that heir died, I decided to breed one upon his fiancée.
But now, I know I was wrong. That shit doesn’t matter.
You matter, sweetheart, and what you want is relevant and of first priority.
I don’t expect you to look past what I’ve done, but I hope you can forgive me at some point in the future. ”
I nod, pulling my hand back.
“It’s fine, Jordan. I forgive you already,” I say in an even tone. “But I have a flight to catch, so this isn’t the time to get into details. I need to go.”
Jordan shakes his head, his expression suddenly desperate.
“Stay,” he growls, catching my hand in his big one. “Don’t leave me, Jules.”
Gently, I pull my hand from his grasp.
“I have to,” I say in a quiet tone even as my heart lurches. “My visa’s expiring in a week, and even if I started applying for a work visa with your company now, it would take a while. I’m not sure I can stay in the United States while we wait. So I have to go.”
But Jordan’s expression becomes harsh then.
“We won’t go the work visa way,” he rasps. “I’m going to get you a different kind of legal status. I’m getting you a green card via marriage.”
I stare at him, my heart thumping hard in my chest. Oh my god, is this really happening?
“What?” I whisper. “Don’t play with me, Jordan.”
The huge man shakes his head.
“No, I’m not. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now.”
Then, he slithers off his chair to take one knee before me in the airport terminal. I’m nominally aware of passerby gasping and pointing, but all of my attention is focused on the huge man before me, his blue eyes burning with urgency as he takes a velvet box out of his pocket.
“Juliette, I’ve fucked up so many times during our relationship that I’m the definition of a walking fuck-up.
But what gives me hope is your grace, forgiveness, honesty, loyalty, and love.
And you do love me,” he growls, traces of the arrogant billionaire showing through.
“There’s no point in denying it, baby girl. ”
I smile softly as Jordan continues.
“I was on a hare-brained scheme to force the world to my will,” he rasps.
“I’ve always been like that and it practically led me into a fucking hole this time, which was losing you.
But fortunately, I’ve come to my senses and realized that nothing is worth that.
Not my ancestors’ line, not our so-called aristocratic lineage, and certainly not something as mundane as the Lewis name, which a billion other people share.
Instead, the most precious jewel in my inventory is you, Juliette.
I adore you beyond all reason, and you’re the one who’s made me re-assess my life.
So will you, Juliette Lechain, marry me?
Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, and stand by my side for the rest of our days together?
Please, honey, say yes because I picked this ring out for you. ”
Then, my eyes go round as Jordan flicks open the velvet box to reveal an enormous diamond inside.
“I picked this out with you in mind, sweetheart,” he says in a low tone trembling with emotion. “I know my son gave you that heirloom ring, but I think it’s time to break with the past, don’t you agree? I want this to be new, and all yours. So will you, Juliette? Will you marry me?”
I pause for a moment, my heart in my throat. I adore this man so much, and yet I’m still afraid, and the fear makes itself known.
“But what if I don’t get pregnant?” I ask in a low voice. “Ever, I mean?”
Jordan shakes his head, that azure gaze intense.
“Then it doesn’t happen,” he growls. “It’s fine. I don’t have to continue my line, and I’m not going to put that pressure on you again, sweetheart. If we live our lives together, just you and me, it’s fine. I don’t need more than that.”
That’s when my defenses crumble and hot tears begin slipping down my cheeks.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” Jordan says with alarm. “Oh shit, have I fucked up? Oh shit, oh shit.”
“No,” I manage through gasps. “It’s fine because I say yes, Jordan. I will be your wife.”
With that, Jordan gasps with relief before pulling me into his arms. He takes a seat on the uncomfortable airport chairs with me in his lap while holding my curvy form close.
Again, passersby are staring at us like we’re lunatics, but maybe we are.
Maybe in this crazy thing called life, Jordan and I are absolute bizarros who have taken the path less chosen.
But what I know is that I’d rather walk that path with this man over any other person in the world.
The alpha male is handsome, confident, kind, generous, and treats me well.
Yes, I was once engaged to his gay son as a beard, which then morphed into an urgent baby-making scheme.
But now even that’s off the table, and we’re in love for real.
I clasp the huge man close while smiling through my tears.
“I adore you, Mr. Lewis,” I murmur. “Always.”
“Je vous aime, ma chérie,” he rasps in my ear before seizing my mouth with a passionate kiss. “Pour toujours.”
With that, the door swings open to a bright and glorious future filled with love, happiness, respect, and everything that I could ever wish for.