Page 66 of Beneath the Flames
He shook his head. “I didn’t mean it like that, little girl.” Sighing, he walked up, holding his hands out to her. “I’m genuinely happy to hear it.”
She looked at him doubtfully. “Why the sudden change of heart?”
Her father glanced at Sir. “I had a long talk with your husband recently. I won’t lie, little girl. Your mother and I have been hurt that we haven’t been a part of your livesever since…”
“Your big blowout?” Brie finished for him, still feeling the pain of that incident.
His lips twitched, and Brie readied herself for her father to lose his cool and say something else hurtful.
He glanced nervously at Brie’s mother for support, then met Brie’s gaze again. “Marcy has helped me process everything Thane said to me.” He frowned. “It hasn’t been easy.”
“What? Admitting you were wrong?” she growled.
“Brie…” Sir cautioned softly.
She glanced at Sir and sighed, knowing he was asking her to stop and listen to her father. Facing him again, Brie tried to keep the snarky tone out of her voice. “What, Daddy?”
“I’m a truthful man…it’s how I’m wired,” he began.
Brie folded her arms and waited impatiently, certain he was setting her up to insult again.
“I will always be uncomfortable with your ‘lifestyle’. It’s not something I understand and I find it extremely uncomfortable…” He gave her a hesitant smile. “However, I’ve come to two conclusions based on what Thane and Marcy said.”
“And they are?” she prompted.
“I wouldn’t have these two beautiful grandchildren…” He smiled down at Hope and Antony. “…and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”
“And?” she asked, needing something more from him.
He took her hands in his. “Brianna, despite everything that’s happened to you, I can see that you arehappy. I would never want to steal that joy from you. Ever.”
Her bottom lip trembled as she stared back at him, the lump in her throat making it impossible to speak.
“I promise I’ll go to that next premier,” he stated. “And, even if they throw eggs at us like they did that first time, I will stand by your side proudly.”
Brie smiled and nodded, then burst out in giggles. “Thanks, Daddy…”
Brie was a bit taken by surprise when Sir informed her later that day that Marquis Gray had called.
“What did he want, Sir?” she asked in concern.
“He wants you to visit with him again.”
“Don’t you mean ‘us’, Sir?”
He shook his head. “Gray specifically stated the invitation was for you alone.”
She felt her nerves kick in, and she couldn’t help but think back on their last meeting. “How did he seem to you?”
“Very matter of fact.”
Knitting her brow, she stated, “I’m unsure if that’s a good sign or not.”
“It’s up to you whether you choose to go, babygirl. I want you to do what is best for you in this matter. I know you’re busy with the film, and this might prove to be an unwanted distraction.”
Brie understood Sir’s concern, but she also knew shecould never ignore an invitation from Marquis Gray, no matter how busy she was. Setting her work aside, she went to get ready for the unexpected meet-up.
Arriving at the appointed time, Brie was not surprised to see a crowd of reporters as she pulled up to the house. Once the press had been informed the police had taken him in for questioning, they were hungry to discover why he was a person of interest.
