She only wanted him. “I don’t want your money, Trevor.”
“What the fuck do you want, Allison? Because I can’t figure it out. What else do I have to offer you? You say you love me and then leave—”
“I didn’t leave. You told me to stop interfering and then took pleasure in reminding me that I sold myself to you. You practically kicked me out the door.”
He quirked a brow and looked down his aristocratic nose at her. “Is that right? Things become difficult and you run?”
“You’re crazy, you know that? You told me you didn’t love me. You told me that you wouldn’t change.” She rubbed her forehead and watched small waves drift across the pond. “You don’t want a family. Marriage terrifies you. What the hell was I supposed to stay for? So you could continue to punish me? Push me until I snapped?” She dropped her hand and met his gaze. “What, Trevor? What was I supposed to stay for?”
His breath was choppy and his chest rose and fell as the muscles in his jaw jumped.
She waited. Waited for him to say something, anything to make her stay. Ask me to stay. But he remained silent and his expression told her nothing.
“I’m giving the money back, Trevor. Please just keep it.” She turned and walked to the stone path that led to the house.
“Uruguay.”
Her heart faltered, and she froze, her back to him.
“Uruguay,” he repeated.
Biting her lip, she spun around. “I’m not trying to hurt you.”
“Don’t leave me, Allison.” He almost whispered the words.
She knew this was huge for him. But still, she wanted more, needed it. “Why should I stay?”
“My world is empty without you. I want you home. With me.”
“I want the whole package, Trevor. Love, kids, a dog.”
He swallowed and nodded. “I want that with you too. But you’ll have to show me how it’s supposed to work, because I’m fucking clueless. And I draw the line at cats.” He strode toward her and, when he reached her, swooped down and claimed her mouth with his own. His hands moved over her cheeks, caressing them. When he broke off the kiss, his thumbs teased her jaw. “I have trouble with the words, Allison, but the feelings are there. So listen carefully. I am less than nothing without you. I’m a better man when you’re here. I love you. Do you understand me? I adore everything that you are.”
She caressed his forearms. “I love you so much.”
“Never leave me again. I forbid it.” He paused. “Please.”
She grinned. “Okay. But I’m going to call you out on your bossy bullshit.”
“Naturally.” He dropped his hands from her face and wrapped an arm around her waist. “You know, I thought you’d be here three weeks ago, when I first put the money into your account. What took you so long?”
“I haven’t looked at my bank statement.”
He shook his head as they walked toward the house. “I have so much to teach you about business. Rule number one, always read your bank statement.” He stopped and peered down at her. “And if it’s all right with you, I’d like to start a cancer foundation in your mother’s name.”
With tears in her eyes, she nodded. “You’d do that for me?”
He smiled. One of his rare, genuine smiles. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, Allison Campbell.”
Epilogue
Two years later
The bride wore white and carried pale pink roses. The blooming flowers gave the conservatory a mixed floral scent. The fountain tinkled gently as the couple recited their vows.
It was a tiny ceremony, just family and friends.
Allie squeezed Trevor’s hand and watched her dad and Karen kiss as man and wife for the first time. Brynn was the maid of honor.
After she and Trevor eloped two years ago, and the weeklong lovefest that followed, Allie invited her family, Karen, Mags, and Nigel for a celebratory dinner. Sparks flew between her dad and Karen, and with Brynn’s blessing, they began dating again.
Monica stood to one side with her friend, Evan, an English major she’d met on campus. He was preppy and funny. Allie liked him very much and hoped they’d become more than friends someday. But Monica’s eyes kept straying to Cal Hughes. Pixie’s son was in town for the weekend. With long hair and wild eyes, he was full-on bad boy—and he had the motorcycle and tats to prove it.
Mags and Nigel stood to one side, clapping for the new couple. They were living “without the benefit of clergy,” as Mags put it. They seemed happier unmarried. And they’d bought a home not far from the mansion. It had taken some time, but Trevor’s attitude had mellowed a bit. He wasn’t as resentful, and he even played a round of golf with Nigel every once in a while.
“Our wedding was better,” Trevor whispered in her ear.
“Ever regret it?” Allie asked, glancing up at him.
He looked at her with serious eyes. “Not for a second. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I love you too, English.”
Acknowledgments
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people who helped make this book happen.
My crit pals and beta readers: Thank you for your time and support. It means so much. I heart you all.
My friends, who love me even on my crazy days: Sara, Shannon, Kathy, Alta, and Sherry. Without you guys, I’d have a lot more of them than I already do.
Leah Hultenschmidt: Thanks for loving Trevor as much as I do.
Cat Clyne: Your cheerfulness was delightful and your patience appreciated.
The team at Sourcebooks: You’ve helped make my dream a reality and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your hard work.
Courtney Miller-Callihan: Thanks for taking a chance on me.
About the Author
As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her at www.terrilaustin.com.
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