The Redemption(77)

Rochelle’s eyes target me, asking the question again, silently between us this time. “I think you should stay. I’m not sure how long this will take. You can rest up for tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“I have big plans in store for us.”

“In that case, I’ll take a nap, so I can enjoy these big plans.”

My mother clears her throat as she passes us. “Save that kind of talk to when your mother is out of the room.” She laughs, but stops and turns toward me. “Follow your heart…” Her eyes land on Rochelle, and she says, “I’m very glad to have seen you again.”

Rochelle smiles. “It was really nice to see you again as well.”





“My apologies, Mr. Caggiano,” the lawyer speaks directly to Gage. “I can’t proceed with you in the room since the will is confidential and only allowed to be read to the beneficiaries.”

Gage’s mouth is hanging open. The shock of being told our father was not his makes his face go red with anger.

I reach over toward him, but he stands up. “What the f*ck?” Staring at my mom, he says, “You were a whore and I’m the bastard who has to suffer for it.”

I stand abruptly, at the ready if I need to kick his ass. One more comment like that and he’s going down.

“Gage,” my mom starts.

He pulls the door open. “I don’t want to hear it.” The wall takes the brunt of the impact when the door hits it.

The time seemed to pass in an orderly reading of a list, one item at a time. When it was all said and done, the car ride was silent as my mother and I returned to the house. After settling my plans for later with a few phone calls and staff help, I awoke my sleeping beauty with a kiss. Her eyes slowly blinking open and happy to see me. “How did it go?”

“Well.”

“That’s good,” she whispers.

“I want to take you somewhere.”

She nods and then sits up, rubbing her eyes. “Are jeans okay or do I need to change?”

“Never change. You’re gorgeous just how you are.”





We walk from the back of the house down the large steps to the crushed granite path. Rochelle smiles, which causes my own. I veer to the left, off the path, and through a grouping of pink flowers, taking her on a short cut. We’re both careful not to crush any as we hop over the bushes. Her laughter draws me to look her way, her beauty captivating my heart entirely.

I’m nervous for some reason, but I keep guiding her. A few more steps and she’ll see it. She stops, another smile gracing her stunning face. The greenhouse is ahead, trees and tall bushes making for a dramatic presentation. The front is covered in a vine of Purple flowers and the entrance is lit by the setting sun, making it more magical, even to me.

“Dex, it’s even prettier in person than from the window upstairs.”

“I’m glad you like it.” I walk forward and open the door for her. Following her inside, I let the door close on its own. Moving to the other side of the center row of plants, I copy her slow, but steady pace as she admires the flowers blooming all around. I don’t bother with the flowers and admire her instead.

She says, “This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.”

“My grandfather let the gardener do whatever he wanted. This was the gardener’s private sanctuary.”

“It’s where he kept the good stuff.”

“Yeah, it’s where he kept the good stuff.”

I hear a small gasp and look over at her. She says, “Dex, did you do this?”

The table for two is draped in linens and set with the finest china and crystal. A vase of pink flowers is in the center. “I arranged it. Does that count?”

“Yes,” she says, nodding. “That totally counts. It’s beautiful. Are we having dinner out here?”

“I thought you might like it.”

“I do. So much.” She comes to me, wrapping her arms around my middle and resting her cheek on my chest as we both look at the display before us.

It wasn’t meant to be a big deal, but somehow I realize at the same moment Rochelle does, this is a very big deal. And I’m not talking about the dinner or the little touches, or the surprises I still have in store for her. Being here with her, like this, is a big deal.

“Champagne?” I ask. I feel her nod against me and when she holds me a little tighter, I embrace her fully. “You okay?”

“More than okay. Thank you for doing this. I’m really touched.”

“C’mon before you get me all sentimental too.” I grab the champagne and pop the cork. After pouring her a glass, I set it on the table and pull her chair out, wanting to impress her. When I sit across from her, we toast, “To good times and even better company. Cheers.”

Dinner is served in three courses. I want us satisfied but not stuffed. There’s more planned for the evening ahead. After dessert, the table is cleared by the staff and the champagne bottle is replaced with a bottle of wine. With our glasses in hand, I escort her to the back part of the greenhouse where the heat sensitive and specialty plants are kept. I open the door and as we walk under the arbor, I spin her around, keeping her back to the surprise. “I wanted to thank you for coming here.” Before she can say anything, I kiss her, then slide my tongue down her neck, stopping to suck just enough to taste, but not enough to leave a mark. “You taste edible.”