“We’ll get through it,” Miles said firmly. “We Wingates always do.”
Twelve
Later that night, after they’d made love and Miles had drifted off to sleep still holding Chloe in his arms, she played his words over and over again. Yes, there was that air of entitlement she’d always expected from the Wingate family. But it hadn’t rankled with her as much as she’d anticipated. She’d seen for herself this past week how hard everyone worked and how strongly they pulled together when the chips were down.
Being an only child, she’d had to be the sole emotional support for her mom. Yes, her mom had the distant family members who’d provided a roof over their head after they’d relocated to Chicago, and provided the hand-me-down clothing that had been Chloe’s and her mom’s sole source of wardrobe for the first five years after the move. But there’d always been a sense of being beholden to them—that they were a charity case, not family. There hadn’t been the extensive network of siblings or cousins to share her troubles with.
Watching Miles and his family pull together toward a common goal, even though there was clearly some tension between them, was something she kind of envied. Although she certainly didn’t envy them the storm of negative interest that was about to deluge them soon.
She wondered if her mom had followed through on sending what Chloe had told her to the reporter. She truly hoped not. Of course, she might just be indulging in false hope. Loretta had sounded pretty darn mad on the phone. She wanted her pound of flesh. Even if she never saw any financial compensation, she wanted the Wingate’s name to be dragged through the mud and back again. She wanted them to know shame. After all, hadn’t that been what had happened with Chloe’s family?
She sighed and turned away from Miles, suddenly unable to bear the turmoil of the double life she’d been living since she’d met him. This wasn’t her. Not deep down. Yes, she’d had her plan for revenge, but that was before she began to know the family and understand them a little better. She now knew with certainty that she was falling in love with Miles. Deeply and truly.
He was everything she’d ever dreamed of in a man. But she honestly couldn’t hope for a future with him until everything was open and honest between them. She’d told herself she’d tell him the truth when they got back home—she had to wait until then. He was dealing with so much right now with his family. Laying out her own motivation for meeting him now would be another burden for him to bear and she simply couldn’t do that to him. Not yet, anyway. Eventually, listening to Miles’s steady breathing, she drifted off to sleep.
The next few days were quiet around the house. Everyone appeared to be waiting for the next ax to fall. She and Miles made the most of the quiet, heading out riding each morning and spending part of each afternoon lazing around the pool.
Chloe was relieved, the following Wednesday, when Beth invited her to lunch with Gracie, her personal assistant. Beth and Chloe drove to the Texas Cattleman’s Club and met Gracie in the foyer outside the restaurant. Beth and her assistant were obviously close, and the warmth in their greeting to one another was a balm to Chloe’s soul. No fear of veiled insults or snide remarks to be expected here, she realized. She felt herself physically relax as the tension in her body dissipated.
Gracie was gorgeous, but seemed to be totally unaware of the looks her glossy, long, brown hair and perfectly balanced features drew from passersby. And the way she held her slightly taller than average frame was incredibly elegant. Gracie was effusive in her greeting to Chloe, putting her instantly at ease and treating her as
if she’d always been a part of Beth’s extended family.
After they were shown to their table, Gracie and Beth briefly discussed Beth’s plans for the upcoming masquerade ball.
“I know it’s months away, yet,” Beth said. “But, with all the rumors flying around, I’m worried about the impact my family’s involvement may have on the success of the outcome.”
“Beth, don’t worry,” Gracie said, putting her hand on top of her friend’s. Chloe could see the genuine concern in her eyes. “People won’t boycott the ball. It’s for a great cause.”
“But we’re associated with the money trail and with the way things are going—”
“No. Stop that. The gala is going to be a great success. We’ll make sure of it. Okay?”
Chloe looked up as a tall and very handsome man walked over to their table. He had jet-black hair, closely cropped to his well-shaped head, and his muscular build sat comfortably beneath a distinguished suit that hugged his shoulders like a lover’s caress. Beth saw Chloe staring and followed her gaze.
“Ah, Grant,” she acknowledged as he drew closer to the table. “It’s good to see you. Chloe, I don’t believe you’ve met Doctor Grant Everett, yet? Grant, this is Chloe Fitzgerald. She’s visiting with Miles at present.”
“Ladies,” he said with a nod. “Look, I don’t want to take up your time but, Beth, I just wanted to say that your family has my full support, and I know there are many other club members who feel the same way. You guys do great work and you’re well respected for what you give back to the community.”
Chloe saw tears spring to Beth’s eyes.
“Thank you, Grant. That means a lot to me.”
He nodded again. “Please pass on my regards to the rest of your family.”
“I will.”
The three women watched as the doctor moved away from the table.
“It’s a sin,” Gracie said solemnly.
“A sin?” Chloe asked, confused.
“That a man should be that good-looking and single.”
The three women laughed at Gracie’s comment, but then Gracie got serious.
“Beth, see? That’s what I mean. You have the support of so many people. You seriously don’t need to worry about the fundraiser. And if every person in support of your family makes it clear they won’t listen to the lies or speculation, it’ll soon die down.”