“I know about her,” I admit, sitting back down. “I know she’s the reason my father treated you so disrespectfully.”
He doesn’t look shocked that I’ve uncovered the truth. “I haven’t told Demi because it’s been irrelevant.”
“Until my father shafted you. He had no right to treat you like that, and I’m shocked, because that’s not the man I thought him to be.”
“Your father was a good man, Charlie, but he was human, just like the rest of us. I forgave him a long time ago.”
“How?” I don’t understand how he could be so charitable.
“Because he did more good than harm. And he gave me a job after my wife died, allowing me to stay close to home so I could be here for Demi. I never forgot that kindness.”
“You’re a bigger man than me, Henry.”
“Oh, I doubt that’s true. You sell yourself short, young man. My sources tell me you’re continuing your father’s volunteer work.”
I nod. “I go to the women’s refuge center every Monday evening.”
I found out a lot of things I didn’t know about my father after he passed. Like how he donated huge sums to charities who work to protect women and children who have been subjected to abuse and neglect. I learned he and my mother volunteered at the local women’s refuge center every Monday for years, and I didn’t hesitate to step into their shoes. I know why my father did it, and I share some of the same guilt and remorse.
“You’re a good man, Charlie, and it helps to know Demi has you in her life.”
“Charlie?” Demi comes into the room wearing a pair of paint-splattered jean dungarees over a black tank and stained white sneakers. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun perched on top of her head, and she hasn’t a scrap of makeup on her face. A glittery gold streak paints one cheek.
I’ve never seen her look more beautiful, and I know now I’ve fallen hard.
“Hey.” I stand, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I know I’m early, but I was hoping to talk to you both.”
Her brow furrows. “Is everything okay?”
I take her hand, tugging her down beside me. “I hope it will be.” I lace my fingers in hers, staring into the warm depths of her eyes. A moment passes between us as we stare at one another. My heart thuds behind my rib cage, and blood courses through my veins. Butterflies swarm my chest, and the longer I stare at her, the more I realize that I’m head over heels in love with Demi Alexander.
It’s been a slow, gradual incline and then a sudden unexpected fall into this heady feeling.
“You look at my daughter the same way I used to look at her mother,” Henry says.
His words break our emotional eye lock, and we both turn to look at him.
“With an understanding that everything begins and ends with her,” he adds, smiling. I’m grateful he seems to approve and that he’s not wheeling off in search of a bat to chase me out of the house.
If he knew all the stuff I’ve been involved in, he’d do more than take a bat to me.
“It does,” I agree, looking at Demi.
Her stunning smile lights up her whole face, and when she scoots in closer, I open my arm for her, tucking her into my side, uncaring if she gets paint on me.
“What was it you wanted to discuss?” Henry asks. “I know you youngsters are in a rush.”
Demi glances at the clock on the wall. “Shoot. I need to get my butt in the shower.”
“Wait a sec,” I say, holding her tighter against me. “You need to hear this too.”
She shares a look with her father.
“The company will cover the costs so you can participate in the experimental drug trial,” I say, just putting it out there with no fanfare.
Demi’s eyes widen in shock. “How do you—”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
Henry shakes his head. “I appreciate the generous offer, son, but I’ll have to decline.”
“I thought you might say that.” I stare into his eyes. “This isn’t charity, sir. This is what you are owed. Your employment should never have been terminated. We both know that. Consider it a bonus on your severance package.”
“I can’t accept, Charlie.”
“Why not, Dad?” Demi beseeches.
“Because it’s not right, Demi. Charlie is not responsible for the decisions his father made, and I left of my own free will. No one forced my hand.”
“If you won’t accept it for yourself,” I say. “Accept it for Demi. Give her as much time with you as possible.”
He’s wavering, but he’s still not there.
“I could have done this much differently, and I was going to at first. I was going to make an anonymous donation and ask the hospital to advise you that you had been awarded the funds, but I’m sick of secrets and lies. I wanted to come in here and tell you to your face that we’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. For you and your daughter.”
I turn my face to Demi. Silent tears are streaming down her face. “Your daughter’s happiness is of huge importance to me.” I look over at Henry again. “As I know it is to you too. That’s why you’re going to accept.”
His Adam’s apple jumps in his throat. “I don’t know what to say, Charlie. This is—”
“Just say yes.”
He nods, and Demi jumps up, rushing to hug her father. “Thank you, Charlie,” he says in a choked voice.
“One other thing you should know.” I rub my hands over my black jeans. “And this one is on me. I paid off your mortgage, cleared your medical bills, and your student loans are no more, Demi.”
Tears leak out of her eyes. “Oh my God, Charlie. You shouldn’t have done that,” she croaks.
I rise. “I want to take care of you, starting with easing your financial burden.”
She launches herself at me, half-crying, half-laughing, stepping on her tiptoes to peck my lips. “You are crazy, Charlie Barron, and I’m crazy about you.”
CHAPTER 13
Demi
“I’m still in shock,” I admit from the passenger seat of Charlie’s Land Rover. “And I should probably be mad that you did all that, but I’m too freaking happy right now to care.”
He slides his hand across the console, squeezing my fingers. “It’s only money, and you should have come to me about it.”
“It’s only money,” I harrumph, shaking my head. “Only someone with endless pots of money could say something like that.”
“I can’t help that I come from a wealthy family, and it’s not something I’ll ever apologize for, but what good is money if you can’t help your loved ones out in times of need?”
My heart skips a beat at his words, the memory of the gorgeous flowers he brought for me, and his extremely thoughtful, generous gesture, and I’ve a sudden urge to tell him I love him.
I stare out the window in a bit of a daze as the realization dawns.
I’m in love with him.
And I think I have been for some time.
It’s been creeping up on me without me noticing.