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“Yes, sir.”
The house is quiet. The girls are at camp, not due home for another two hours, and Jax must be napping.
“Why don’t you go and let the cook know we’ll have dinner at eight. She can feed the girls when they’re home from camp. But I’d like some quality time with you tonight.”
I nod. “I think I’ll take one of the kayaks out for a bit, if that’s okay with you.”
“Fine. I don’t worry about you going anywhere without the girls. I have some business to conduct anyhow.”
“So nice of you to not keep me locked up in a tower.”
“Now, Daphne, I’m not a monster. How many times do I have to tell you that this is all for the good of our family? You have your freedom. After that stunt you pulled with Meredith, did I take your phone? No, I didn’t. I believe you can learn from your mistakes. Once we are fully reconciled, you’ll be able to resume your normal life here. It’s just going to take some time.”
—
Later that evening the girls are in the media room watching a movie, Jax is down for the night, and Jackson and I are dining alfresco on the deck. It’s a gorgeous evening, just a slight breeze, and the air redolent with the smell of the sea. There are candles, wine in crystal glasses, and a beautiful table set. Anyone looking on would be envious. I’m still thinking about the phone conversation Ihad before coming down to dinner, and it fills me with hope. After the botched attempt to get away, I had given up the idea of imposing upon Meredith again. Jackson threatened her, warning that if she helped me again, he’d have her charged with aiding and abetting a kidnapping. But I’ve found that women are willing to take all kinds of risks when it comes to helping another woman. So now I have a new plan in place, one that I feel sure will succeed. I need to give it a few days, lulling Jackson into a false sense of security and making him believe that I’m starting to come around to his way of thinking.
“I have to admit, you’ve gone all out tonight,” I say.
“You’re worth all the trouble in the world.” Even though the staff did everything, he has no problem taking all the credit.
“Cheers,” I say as I lift my glass to his.
“To many more beautiful evenings,” he replies.
I take a small sip. I can’t afford to have my senses dulled around him, although after tomorrow when I have to start taking the medication, I’m not sure how much in control I’ll be. “How did your business calls go today?”
“Fine.”
“Tell me, what’s your next venture? Now that Parrish Industries is gone, are you planning a new company?” I’ve been wondering how he’s affording to keep up his lifestyle. The FBI took most of his assets, but if I know Jackson, he has money hidden somewhere.
“I’ve got some deals going. Looking more into passive income these days. I don’t need to go into the office every day. Get back into that rat race. I’m ready for a nice home life with you and the kids.”
“That does sound nice. I guess maybe you’ve changed. The old Jackson loved the rat race. Being out there conquering the world.”
He takes a bite of his lobster, gazing at me for a few moments. “That’s what I keep telling you. Ihavechanged. I had a lot of time to think while I was in prison. And I realized I was cruel to you at times.”
At times?Talk about revisionist history. He was nice to me at times would be more accurate. “Go on.”
“I know I was a control freak. I thought if I made sure everything was a certain way then nothing bad would happen. It was wrong. I promise, Daphne. This time will be different. We’ll be the golden couple that everyone’s envious of.”
“I want to believe you, but you have to understand I still need some time. There’s a lot of water under this bridge. You scared me, and you humiliated me. How do I know you won’t do that again?”
His cheeks color slightly, and I can see his temper right under the surface. He tries to hide it with a smile and a gentle tone. “I guess I’ll have to earn your trust back. Prove it to you. But you have to give me a chance.”
“How do you suggest I do that?”
“For starters, a little affection? I’m not asking you to move back into our bedroom yet, but I thought we were headed in the right direction. I can still feel your lips on mine from that night on the porch. That’s why I was so hurt that you tried to leave.”
I feel really bad about what I’m about to say, but Meredith will understand. “It wasn’t my idea. Iwasstarting to have feelings for you again and when I confided that to Meredith, she convinced me that you could never change. She encouraged me to try to get away.”
His eyes light up, and I know he believes me. “Oh, Daphne. You don’t know how happy that makes me. She’s just jealous! Always has been. You have to promise me to cut her off. She’s trying to poison our relationship.”
I nod. “I already have. I don’t want anything to get in the way of my family.”
He reaches across the table and takes my hand in his, his thumb caressing the top of mine. “It’s going to be so wonderful. I’ll give you time, but I hope it won’t take you long.”
I squeeze his hand. “You can’t put a timetable on trust. I need to go at my own pace. That’s the first step in earning my trust back. Letting me.”