Maverick wore the collared shirt I got him for Christmas, and of course, he looked stunning in it. It was the perfect color for the holiday, the perfect cut for his sexy physique. I wore a long-sleeved red dress and heels. We entered the formal dining room and shared a bottle of wine. Neither one of us made conversation because we were both listening for the sound of the door.
It was the first time I would dine with my father-in-law. I suspected it was the first time Maverick would spend the evening with his own father since his mother died. It was a tense Christmas, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I wished my own father were here to spend it with me.
The front door opened and closed, and then Abigail escorted him to the dining room. “It’s nice to see you, Mr. DeVille. May I take your coat?”
“Please.”
Maverick sighed before he rose to his feet, like he was dreading this even though he was the one who had extended the invitation.
I got to my feet too. “It’ll be alright.”
A glass of wine was on the table, so he grabbed it and took a long drink. His sobriety was only a memory the second his father walked in the door.
Caspian entered the dining room a moment later, his eyes immediately going to the decorated Christmas tree in the corner. As if it brought memories into his mind, a soft smile entered his lips before he addressed his son. “I haven’t eaten anything today, so I’m excited for this.” He extended his hand to shake Maverick’s.
It was probably too soon for a hug, so Maverick took his grip, and they completed the handshake like gentlemen. “Abigail is an amazing cook, so I’m sure it’ll be worth it.” Maverick mirrored his slight smile, and it seemed genuine. He was nervous just seconds ago, but seeing his father enter the room with no pretense of hostility calmed him down.
Caspian turned to me next. He kept a foot in between us and didn’t extend his hand to shake mine, probably deeming it too masculine. “Mrs. DeVille, nice to see you again.”
“Arwen is fine.”
He nodded then took a seat at the head of the table.
Right on cue, Abigail filled his wineglass and served the meal. A Christmas turkey was placed in the center, along with stuffing, potatoes, steamed carrots, and freshly baked rolls.
Maverick reached for the food first and made his own plate.
Caspian and I followed his lead.
Like a normal family on a normal Christmas, we dined together.
Caspian drank the wine without complaint and didn’t ask for scotch. He didn’t make conversation as he ate his food, preferring silence to mundane conversation. He probably didn’t know what to say, and if he did something, he might regret it.
I stared at Maverick because I didn’t know what else to do.
Just like his father, Maverick had his eyes downcast as he ate.
I cleared my throat to finally address Caspian. “So—”
“I’m sorry for all the death threats I made.” He addressed the elephant in the room when no one else did. He grabbed his linen napkin and wiped the crumbs from his lips before he kept speaking. “Truth is, I didn’t know what else to do with myself. Since you disobeyed me, I thought your actions should be punished. But at the end of the day, it really doesn’t make a difference. Whether those women lived or died, it wouldn’t have helped me sleep better at night.”
“It would have made you sleep worse. I didn’t disobey you—I helped you.” I hated the use of that word, like I had to listen to his rules because I was an inferior woman. I didn’t appreciate the way Caspian spoke about obedience, but I should focus on getting along with him, not insulting him.
Caspian watched me with cold eyes but didn’t make any threats. “The only reason I married you off to my son was because I needed that information about Ramon. I had to kill him to get some peace. Watching the light leave his eyes did give me some sense of satisfaction. My wife deserved revenge, and I wasn’t going to stop until she got it. But something very good came out of that because you make my son happy. You’re good for him.”
“Thank you…” My fingertips rested on the stem of my wineglass.
“Most people wouldn’t have had the strength to confront me like that. And you’re so smart that it’s concerning. I think you’ll teach my son a few things.”
“Maverick is a very capable man,” I said loyally. “He’s taught me a lot…”
Caspian gave a slight smile. “Then you’re perfect for each other.”
I took a drink of my wine and looked at my husband across the table. “I couldn’t agree more.”
At the end of the night, we walked Caspian to the door.