Page 103 of Fake Dark Vows
“How long did he get?”
“Five years, but his lawyer said he’ll be released in two with good behavior.”
“I promised Sumaira that I would do all I can to help her, Mom.”
A year ago—six months ago even—I would’ve deemed Carlos Russo a fool for refusing repayment of the money he loaned his friends and acquaintances. But now, I’m beginning to understand his contentment. I have everything I could possibly want, and more, and as Rose keeps pointing out, I’m mellowing a little.
Well, what she actually says is that I’m becoming less a programmed robot and more human, but I’m sticking with mellowing.
“Thank you, Brandon, it means a lot to us.” She hesitates—there’s more. “I know what you did, and I just want to say that I forgive you.”
“What I did?”
I don’t know why I never gave my mother more credit for understanding the running of the company before. I always assumed that she simply enjoyed the financial rewards and the social status that it afforded her, because that’s what she wanted me to believe. But it seems she played a far bigger role in my father’s success than anyone ever realized. Until now.
“I know where the insider trading allegations against your father came from, Brandon.”
There’s no hint of accusation in her voice, and I’m a boy again, swelling with love for my mother when she tells my father that she was the one who broke the ugly vase that was a family heirloom.
“Harry would’ve done exactly the same at your age,” she continues. “You learned from the best, Brandon, just don’t be too hard on him, please. And besides, your father stepping back from the business for good means that I get my husband all to myself for the first time ever.”
“You’ll soon get bored with him getting under your feet.”
“That’s what gardens are for.” She ends the call.
I’m still smiling when I hear Rose talking to Julia outside the office.
Rose convinced me to reinstate Julia as my assistant.
When I told her what had happened, she tracked Julia down—she never explained how, but I’m guessing she had some help from Jennifer along the way—and listened to her side of the story. It turned out that Wren’s now-ex-husband had left her with a lot of debt which he’d promised to clear if she provided him with some incriminating photos of me. And Julia had no idea until after they were published.
“Brandon, you forgot your lunch.” Rose bursts into my office holding a plastic container.
I stand and cross the room, pulling her into an embrace. She tips her head back, her hair spilling over my arms, and I kiss her on the lips, long and slow.
“If I remember correctly, I was a little distracted this morning.”
“That’s because you have zero willpower.” She pulls away and hands over my lunch of spinach and ricotta stuffed tortellini that she made the night before.
I set it down on my desk and lower my head to kiss her growing belly. “How’s my girl?”
“I’m fine. I feel like I could run a marathon now that I’m in the second trimester.”
“I was talking to my baby girl.” I straighten and kiss the tip of Rose’s nose.
Her smile still sets me on fire every day, and I can’t imagine my life without them. It’s as if the day the doctor delivered the news that we were going to be parents in Power County Hospital, American Falls, someone pressed the reset button on my life, and it started over. Even my memories prior to that announcement have faded, like old sepia photos that are still there, but have dulled with time, replaced by newer, more vibrant recollections.
“She’s fine too.” She takes my hand and places it on her abdomen, watching me expectantly. “Did you feel that?”
My eyes widen. “Did she just kick me?”
“Uh-huh.”
I crouch in front of Rose and press my lips to her swelling womb. “I love you, baby girl.”
“I have to go, Brandon.” Rose waits for me to stand and wraps her arms around my neck. “Don’t forget we’re going to the opening of Jennifer’s gallery tonight.”
“How could I forget?”