Page 67 of Conflagration
“It’s not important where I’ve been or what I’ve been doing. All you need to know is I’m finally living my life for me. Dad, I know you didn’t expect me back for another four months or so, but go ahead and consider this my resignation. Tomorrow, I’m moving to Tennessee, putting the condo up for sale, and starting my new life.”
Her voice doesn’t waver once as she informs her parents of her plans, and she keeps her eyes on them at all times. I know this isn’t easy for her, but I’m so fucking proud that I could take her into my arms and kiss her senseless.
Victoria stands, glaring first at her daughter and then at me. “This is absurd! You don’t even know this man. Yet you’re uprooting your entire life? Aren’t you a little old for a rebellion, Ariana?”
“This isn’t a rebellion, and I’m not going to explain myself to you. I’m a grown adult, and it’s time I start acting like one. And for the record, I know him a hell of a lot better than I ever did Benjamin.”
Victoria slides her purse on her shoulder, giving Ariana one last glare. “You have no idea what you’re doing, and I will not be around to pick up the pieces when you realize this is a huge mistake.” With that, she turns on her heels and stalks down the hallway.
The three of us are left in silence until the door slams.
William slides a hand through his hair then looks at me. “I don’t know who the hell you are or how you’ve brainwashed my daughter, but you will not get a single cent from me if she goes through with this and marries you.”
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me. If he only knew. “Excuse me, sir, but I can more than take care of your daughter.”
He snorts and shakes his head in what I can only guess is disbelief. Wow. Her parents really are a piece of work. His gaze turns to his daughter, who meets his stare, hers never wavering.
“This is your last chance. I can look past this indiscretion, and I’m sure, in time, Benjamin will, too. Just stop this nonsense, go back to your fiancé, and we’ll forget this whole thing.”
“No,” she asserts. “This isnotan indiscretion. I’m not changing my mind. You either accept this, accept me, or you don’t. The choice is yours.”
“You have no idea what you’re giving up, young lady.”
She lifts her chin. “I know exactly what I’m giving up, and it’s not much. What I’m gaining? It’s immeasurable and more than I could ever ask for.”
With one last sigh, he shakes his head and stalks down the hallway, the door slamming yet again. She stares at the empty space he just occupied, and I cross the room, pulling her into my arms.
“Well, that was pleasant,” she says, looking up at me with a small smile. “Sure you want those two as in-laws?”
Leaning down, I kiss her forehead. “Baby, for you, I’d deal with the devil himself if I had to. They’ll get over it. And if they don’t, who gives a shit? You have me, you have your sister, and you have my family. They love you.”
“I know. I love them, too. And I love you. I know I said I didn’t want you here, but I’m glad you were. Even if you didn’t say anything, just your presence was calming. I like to think I’ve become stronger, Branson, but you give me strength, too. I don’t know if I could’ve gotten through that without you.”
“You could have. I don’t doubt it. But I’m glad I got to see it. It was kind of a turn-on. And you have to admit, it was funny as hell watching your dad think I’m some lowlife who needs his money. What are we—in the 1800s? Am I supposed to get a dowry for taking your hand in marriage?”
She laughs, and it’s a beautiful sound. It lets me know that she’s going to be okay.
“I don’t know if this is a good time to bring this up, but since your parents have already been kind of a downer, I have to ask…”
She looks up at me, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Did you get rid of that ring?”
A slow smile crosses her face as she slides her arms up my chest and around my neck. “I did, and I got the office gossip spreading the news that the wedding is most definitely off and it has been for weeks. He wasn’t there though.”
“I know,” I admit.
She raises a brow at me. “You know?”
“When your dad saw me and I produced the key you gave me, proving I wasn’t an intruder, he stepped out of the room to make a call. I overheard him telling Benjamin he needed to get his ass back in town.”
She groans, shaking her head before looking up at me. “Branson?” she whispers.
“Yeah, baby?”
“Let’s go home.”
AS MUCH as I want to load up the truck and head to Nashville after dealing with my parents, Branson reminds me of our dinner with Shane and Alyssa tonight. All thoughts of leaving fly out the window and excitement fills me at the thought of finally introducing Branson to my sister. Clearly, my parents were less than impressed, although I know that, if I’d properly introduced Branson, they would’ve fallen in love. Well, their version of love.
