Chapter 32 #3
“Clearly not the reality, given the diamond on her finger after all these years of pining for each other,” her father stated. “Well, go on, apologize for sticking your nose into Lizzy’s love life. You know how I hate meddling.”
“I have no regrets whatsoever,” Jane smugly said. “I did nothing wrong.”
“Just like every one of them Gardiners on your mama’s side of the family, beatin’ the devil around the stump—no doggone accountability.”
Putting her shoulders back, Lizzy smiled tightly, mustering her strength by squeezing William’s hand.
She gazed into his eyes: soft, peaceful, encouraging, emotionally strong, protective.
Absorbing his good energy, she felt empowered, stating, “Well, then, that’s that.
I love you, Jane, but I’m done. Live your life, but you can’t do it as part of mine. ”
“I’m not leaving New York,” Jane protested, face red with anger.
“That’s your decision. I hope you can find strength in yourself to be successful in life and love, because I won’t be propping you up or making excuses for you anymore.
Although you can’t see it, you took advantage of my kindness and loyalty for years.
And out of childish jealousy and rage, you betrayed me in your attempt to destroy all I have worked for and cared about.
In the process, you hurt Guy, too.” She knew Jane wouldn’t own up to the accusations and would have likely gone gaslighting ballistic if not for Big Tom’s presence.
None of this drama mattered. William, her rock, sat beside her, and he—and her survival—were paramount.
William squeezed her hand in support.
“Son, are you still going to press charges?”
“Like I said, that depends on whether or not Jane leaves New York.”
Dismissing the agent of chaos, Lizzy looked at William, then grinned, loving how her sister pouted, having no choice but to witness what was about to unfold.
“There is something else, sir.” Kissing Lizzy’s hand, he said. “This is long overdue. I’m in love with your daughter, and I plan on making her very happy until we take our last breath. May I have your blessing to marry her?”
“Hmm. You put the cart before the horse. Shouldn’t you have asked me before you put that colossal thing on her left finger?”
“I apologize, sir. I was ... a little excited about it. Lizzy and I have waited a long time to be together.” William gave her a look of love that burst her heart.
“I can appreciate that. At least you had the common decency to ask for her hand, not like that other fella. Anyway, going to the end with that species is a looong time spent in hell on earth, trust me on that, son. I hope you got a lot of sanity and a little bit of money saved,” Big Tom said.
“A little of both and a lot of love, too.”
“As for makin’ a woman happy ... they’re never happy, but you just spin your wheels tryin’.”
“I’m up for the challenge.”
“So, you promise to respect my Lizzy even if she can be a bit stubborn?”
“Always, and I love her stubborn streak. It keeps me on my toes.”
“She’s a formidable opponent.”
“I don’t mind a good match of wits.” He winked at her.
“Good. So, you’ll make me some little buckaroos?”
“We certainly will try.”
“And how about work? What is it you do for a livin’?”
“I run my family’s investment capital firm.”
“A numbers boy. I like that. It means you’re level-headed with good common sense. Then, that leaves only one more question.” Big Tom pointed at William. “Now, consider your answer very carefully because it could be a deal breaker. Who’s your favorite musician?”
Stroking his chin, her father’s steely gaze examined William.
“Oh, that’s easy. It’s a tie between Keith Urban and George Strait. I love country music, especially Strait’s “Troubadour.”
Big Tom’s face lit up. “I don’t know much about that Urban fella’s new country sound, but the puuure music of George Strait ...” He shivered. “Does things to me, and that ‘Troubadour’s’ my all-time favorite! Ladybug, this big city boy’s a keeper.”
Her heart skipped at the smile on William’s face and how he had remembered all the key details she’d fed him about her father in preparation for their meeting.
“Now, Will, if you just practice a little financial austerity, you’ll be alright for the future.
No need to go buying more expensive things like that big diamond or the suit you’re wearin’ to impress me.
I saw your shoes—they’re Eyetalian leather.
Get yourself a trustworthy pair of kickers and they’ll see you through to the end. ”
“Yes, sir. I’ll even get a hat.” He glanced at Lizzy with a naughty smirk. “And I’ll be sure to watch every dollar I spend, but I can’t promise I won’t spoil your daughter like she deserves. She’s spent too much of her time and money taking care of everyone else.”
“I agree, but don’t be foolish.”
“Dad! He’s a billionaire!” Jane fumed, green with envy.
A wide smile lit her father’s face, then he slapped William on the back.
“Well, then, spend away. Lunch is on you, son! Welcome to the family!” Big Tom winked at her, then smiled.
“And as for you, Janie girl, I can’t have you raisin’ cain against these two lovebirds.
I’ll be taking the first flight outta Kennedy tomorrow, and by hook or crook, I expect you on it.
If you’re not there, then you should expect to be cut off from the monthly money your mama makes me send you for doing absolutely nothing but look pretty while tryin’ to find a husband.
It’s been seven years, and the rate of return on this deal has me seein’ red.
At least your accomplished sister had the common sense to land a one-percenter. ”