Page 50 of Thick and Thin

The only word Augustus said was “Profitable?”

“Yes. I consulted with one of the scientists in the mining division. Sorry, Augie. I did it without telling you—but I just needed some information. Based on our previous experience there, he said there were several veins of gold in that hill—and because of other mines close by, he believed we might also find copper, zinc, and lead. And we could do it all while restoring that hill to its previous beauty.”

“Have you written a proposal?” I was shocked at how warm Augustus’s voice sounded compared to moments earlier.

“It’s almost done—but we can go to my office right now to review it if you like.”

Augustus dropped his arms to his sides. “I can take a look at it once it’s done. But how sound are the numbers?”

“Fairly sound—although they might change a little, I project that we’ll make five million a year from that mine.”

“Hmm.” When he turned toward Madeline, I was able to see his face more clearly, and he actually looked almost…happy. And then I thought I had my answer: money was what motivated the eldest Whittier and made his world go round. “Why don’t we stay for dessert…and then we’ll let Sinclair tell us more about this proposal of his.”

Although I relaxed again, just a little, I would not be able to eat dessert.

After everyone left, Sinclair helped me put the leftovers away. I had planned to leave him enough food for a meal or two, but he insisted I take the rest home for my father. When he caught the look on my face, he said, “I loved it, but if I eat like that for several days, I’ll have to spend twice as much time working out.”

I laughed. “Fair enough.”

Once we’d found room in the fridge for everything, I ate a piece of pie and then we worked off the day’s frustration with a satisfying lovemaking session.

My favorite part, though, was the way he held me afterward. Before he fell asleep, I wanted to tell him what was on my mind. “Thank you, by the way.”

“For what?”

“For treating me like a human being…for not acting like I’m a second-class citizen compared to your family.”

At that, Sinclair shifted and opened his eyes wide. Then he brushed my cheek with his hand. “It’s not like what’s happening between us was going to remain a secret. If Edna knows, it won’t be long before everyone does.”

“But I know you have…would it be too strong to say you have a contentious relationship with your father?”

“Maybe—but it’s close.” He let out a soft sigh and kissed my forehead and fell silent for a bit before speaking again. “I need to tell you something. My father’s not going to write me out of the will and he loves that we’ll be able to extract the gold out of that old mine, but he was pretty pissed that you and I are together.”

“I’m not surprised.” After everyone had eaten dessert, the older brothers had left with the people who’d come with them, even though I’d been under the impression that everyone would stay through the afternoon. Warren had an excuse, but Augie and Vivian were just going back home. Although I hadn’t been heartbroken about it, the most nerve-wracking people stayed behind.

Well, Madeline had seemed all right, but I’d be okay if I never saw his father again.

After the meal, Augustus and Sinclair had gone to the office and Madeline asked if I would mind if she rested her head. I offered one of the guest bedrooms on the second floor, but she said she’d be perfectly fine on a sofa or big chair in the great room or the library.

I wasn’t sure which place she’d decided upon, but her absence allowed me to relax a bit and be myself—and I started cleaning up the dining room and washing the dishes until, about an hour later, Sinclair reappeared.

But he hadn’t wanted to talk about the meeting with his father then.

Holding me close was different. “It’s infuriating. He said that you’re forbidden from coming to his house or entering any buildings belonging to the Whittier Corporation.”

“What? Does he think I’ll sabotage something?”

“I guess. He’s angry that you and I are together—but at least the idea of five million a year softened the blow.”

Well, I thought, in a month or so, he wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.

But Sinclair’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “I told him that having you here under my thumb made me realize who you are underneath it all—and I couldn’t help but fall in love with you: with your smile, your intelligence, your enthusiasm when it comes to art and literature, your devotion to your father, your caring heart…even your sassiness.”

Had I heard him right? “Did you…”

“Did I what?”

“Did you just say…”

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