“No, no. I came here to speak with Mr. Murdoch.” I cleared my throat. “Is he available?”
“He’s in his study. Follow me. Let’s see if he’s off that conference call.”
My knees trembled as I walked through the foyer.
A foyer.
Who was I kidding? I didn’t belong there.
How would I ever be able to provide Penny with the life she deserved? The life she was used to.
Maybe I was making a mistake.
Maybe I should’ve set Penny free and let her find someone else. Someone in her circle. Someone better suited for her.
But when I thought about what that meant—losing Penny forever—I just couldn’t do it.
My heart swelled when I pictured Penny’s sweet face, those brown eyes looking up at me with love and adoration.
She loved me.
Maybe love was enough.
“Mr. Murdoch?” Annette rapped her knuckles on the open door. “I have a special guest here to speak with you.”
Mr. Murdoch smiled when he saw me. “Cole, come in. Thanks, Annette.”
I held my head high and strode into his office.
“Have a seat, son.” He gestured to the stiff leather chair that faced his desk. “What can I do for you?”
“Well, uh ... I ... I love your daughter, sir. Very much.”
His eyes narrowed as his smile faded. “She’s very taken with you too.”
I nodded. “I came here because I’d like to ask for your blessing.” My throat tightened as I dug into my pocket and pulled out the small black velvet box. “I’d like to ask Penny to marry me, sir.”
Mr. Murdoch’s eyebrows lifted. “Well, then. Let’s see this ring.”
I leaned over and slid the box across his desk.
He popped the lid open and rolled his lips together. “It’s not as small as I expected it to be.”
My stomach dropped. “It’s not as big as I wanted it to be either.”
He waved his hand and set the box down in front of him. “It’s not about the size of the diamond.”
Was he kidding?
I couldn’t stop the tilt of my head.
Mr. Murdoch grinned. “You seem surprised.”
“With all due respect, sir.” I swept my arm around his lavish office. “It looks like the size of the diamond matters very much.”
He chuckled. “What I mean is, the size of the diamond doesn’t matter if the quality isn’t there. I’d much rather have a one-carat with a perfect quality over an over-sized, showy diamond that has visible flaws.”
He clasped his hands over his stomach as he leaned back in his chair. “That’s the thing about marriage: You don’t want anyone to see the flaws. The cracks, the imperfections. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the quality of the marriage.”
I sat up straighter. “I will do whatever it takes to make your daughter happy, sir.”
“I know you will, son. I have no doubt. But I can help. I can make things easier for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re a hard worker. I know the long, grueling hours you put in at those construction sites. You have a good work ethic. I respect that.”
“Thank you.”
I sensed a catch coming.
“But you don’t make good money there, do you?”
Ah, there it was.
“What are you getting at, sir?”
“I’d like to hire you. My company works with contractors and architects. We’re breaking new ground all the time. I could pay you the salary you deserve.” He leaned his elbows on his desk. “The salary worthy of my daughter’s hand.”
Thirteen
Callie
“Damn, Callie.”
I roll my eyes and smile. “Stop.”
“Don’t act all shy now.” Josie smacks her palm against my ass. “You’re going to be turning heads in this outfit tonight. Better get used to the attention now.”
I glance down at my pale-pink tank and white, frayed denim shorts. “It’s just a tank top.”
“It’s not just a tank top. It’s the perky tits, and the flat stomach, and the thighs without cellulite.” Josie gestures to herself. “I used to have all that before four kids sucked the life out of me.”
“You still got it, babe.” Dan strides into the room and wraps his arms around his wife. “Look just as good as the day I met you.”
“Eww, guys.” Brandon’s nose scrunches as he walks toward the couch. “Get a room.”
I ruffle his hair as I sit on the edge of the armrest. “Trust me, you don’t want them getting a room. Not unless you want a new baby brother or sister.”
Josie points her index finger at me. “Don’t you wish that on me, Callie Kingston.”
Dan chuckles. “Seriously. We’re at capacity.”
Brandon looks up at me. “If they have another kid, I’m coming to live with you.”
I wrap my arm around his shoulders. “You can stay with me any time, B.”
“And Callie has a dog,” Dan says. “The boys are trying to convince us that we need a dog.”
“I need a dog like I need another hole in the head,” Josie mutters.
I laugh and turn to Brandon. “Why don’t you come by and walk Maverick? He’s got a ton of energy that I’m sure he’d love to get out.”
Brandon springs to his feet. “Really?”
I nod. “I can even pay you like a dog walker. Come by every day for the rest of the summer.”
Brandon flings his arms around me. “Thank you, Callie! This is gonna be epic!” Then he takes off running into the hallway, no doubt to tell Miles about the exciting news.
“Those boys love you, you know,” Josie says.
“And I love them.” I stand and smooth out my shirt. “You ready to head out?”
“Go,” says Dan, shooing Josie toward the front door. “Get out now while you still can.”
Once we’re in Josie’s car, I relax against the leather seat. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
“Me too. Feels like forever since I’ve been out of the house without the twins attached to each hip.” She reaches over and squeezes my knee. “I’m glad we’re doing this.”
I’d been anxiously awaiting a visit from Josie after Cole left my house last week. He’d stormed off after seeing the bruise on my cheek, and I was sure he was going to out me to his sister. Lying about the marks on my arm were one thing, but I wouldn’t have been able to talk my way out of it if Josie had seen my face.
But Cole kept quiet.
And the bruising faded.
Like it always does.
When we pull up to the restaurant, Josie hands her keys to the valet. We opt for a high-top table near the bar and order drinks and appetizers.
“How’s your garden coming along?”
“It’s great, thanks to your brother.” A small smile tugs at my lips. “He helped me get it started. Gave me some pointers and brought over a bunch of supplies.”
“He’s very handy.” She’s quiet for a moment, pondering as she stares down into her wine glass. “He has a big heart. Always loved helping people. Everyone on our block in our old neighborhood adored him.”