“Van is. He has one more percent than Marlin.” When Dad didn’t respond, I took a deep breath and lifting my hands, allowed them to slap the sides of my thighs. “Illinois has no waiting period before they issue a marriage license. If it will keep the board from agreeing to merge or sell...” I took a deep breath. “Van and I will marry today.”
My father stood. “No.”
“I don’t need your permission.”
“The challenge to your grandfather’s will…” He turned away, walking to the bookcases along one wall and back. “If the plaintiff wins, if Herman’s will is questioned, your mother and I…and you” —he added— “could lose everything.”
“That won’t happen.”
“Don’t you see? If we take Damien Sinclair’s offer, we can’t lose what we don’t fully own.”
“Dad, your logic is flawed. First, what’s contestable about Grandfather’s will?”
He stood straight. “I won’t involve you in this, Julia. If it goes down, I’ll take the responsibility.”
My eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”
Before he could answer, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” my dad called, jumping at the change in subject.
Janie looked at him and smiled at me. “Gregg, the meeting is about to start.”
Dad reached for my hand. “Talk to the board. You have passion that we haven’t had in a long time. I suppose you need to try.”
“I do, Dad. I need to try.”
He walked away, his shoulders slumping in a way I never before noticed.
Gathering my coat and bag, I followed him out to Janie’s office as my eyes met the incredibly handsome green gaze coming from the man I loved, in the waiting area.
Van set his tablet down and came toward me. We met somewhere in between.
“Are you ready?” he asked, his deep tenor washing through me.
“I am and more determined than before.”