Final Showdown Page 9

  He nodded and looked at the picture again. “It’s been a hard couple months, but I think I realized that I’m not just the son of a great entrepreneur, that maybe, with a lot of work, I can be great, too.”

  Liz sat down beside him. “You’re already there.”

  Two tears slid down Darcy’s face as he stared into the picture. Liz leaned into him, and she squeezed her arm that was still around his shoulders.

  “‘I told myself that after they died, that I would do whatever I had to do to keep Pemberley alive. Not because I loved it, but because I felt obligated. I needed to quit. I needed to do something on my own. And I also need you.

  “I’ve never been in a serious relationship before. That day we were here was the first day I’d ever—even accidentally—called anyone my girlfriend. And when you didn’t want to leave Pemberley, I thought you didn’t feel the same way.”

  The words hit Liz hard. This successful, gorgeous man in front of her had never had a girlfriend? She could barely believe what he was saying, but his face was so earnest she knew it must be the truth.

  Liz looked at Darcy. “I believe in you. I admire you. I want to be with you, too.”

  Liz wrapped her arms around Darcy, and they embraced until Darcy pulled back, and he looked at her with tears still in his eyes. “Do you still feel the same way?”

  Liz nodded. “I do.”

  Darcy walked to the dresser and pulled out a small box. Then, slowly, he got down on one knee, and he opened the small, black square. “Marry me.”

  Inside, the biggest oval-shaped diamond Liz had ever seen stared back at her. It had to be at least ten karats. It glittered so fiercely that she was mesmerized.

  Liz looked around. Surely, this wasn’t happening. Surely, he meant this from some waify model standing nearby.

  “Please, marry me, Liz,” Darcy said. “Be my partner.”

  The blood rushed to Liz’s ears. She wanted to grab the ring out of the box and throw it on her finger herself, but she stopped herself. She slowly closed the ring box. “Yes . . . in the future.”

  “In the future?” he asked.

  Liz leaned down and kissed Darcy lightly on the lips. She whispered in his ear, “Can we date first?”

  His eyes narrowed, like she’d made a ridiculous statement. “You’re going to make me have a girlfriend?” he asked.

  She pulled him to his feet and wrapped her arms around him. It felt so good to be with him finally. “I am.”

  “For how long?” he whispered in her ear.

  “Six months,” Liz said.

  A few seconds later, Georgia coughed and Liz looked at the door way where Georgia and Sam stood, watching them. Darcy let go and faced Sam.

  “One stipulation.” Darcy pointed at Sam. He turned to Liz. “Is this the real estate agent you’re dating? You have to get rid of him.”

  Liz grabbed Darcy’s finger and pulled it down. “Sam’s not my date,” she said. “I brought him for Georgia.”

  “Oh.” Darcy said.

  Georgia stepped in front of Sam and put the back of her hand on her forehead, like she was going to faint. “Finally! I thought you two were never going to happen.”

  30.

  Darcy and Liz sat on the Pemberley couch, hand in hand, right in front of his mom’s silver teapot and across from Sam and Georgia. One couple was finally at ease; the other was on an awkward first date.

  Sitting on Georgia’s gray, tufted couch, Darcy told Liz all about the charity he was starting, and Liz told Darcy about the expansion to Nashville, but mostly they talked about their future, together.

  Liz snuggled into Darcy’s side, and he put his arm around her. “I never want to move,” Liz looked up into his dark eyes.

  “You never have to.”

  Liz smiled and wondered how everything turned out so well for the both of them. All the barriers had finally been removed, except for one.

  “Oh,” Liz remembered Stella saying she hadn’t seen Hamilton around lately. “Have you seen Hamilton?”

  A glint formed in Darcy’s eyes as he dropped his chin. “Nope.”

  “Do you know anything about him?” Liz asked.

  Darcy shrugged. “Not much. I don’t think he will be coming back any time soon though.”

  Liz swallowed hard as the suspicion she’d felt at Stella’s rushed back. Had he had Hamilton killed? She could still feel Darcy’s rage when they thought Georgia might be with him.

  “Sorry, Liz,” Sam interrupted, putting his hand on her shoulder. “I’ve got a flight in the morning out of Savannah.”

  Liz realized she’d completely forgot about her riding buddy. “Oh,” she said, standing. “What time is it?” She picked up her phone, and for the first time, she realized all the other guests were gone.

  “After midnight,” Sam said.

  Liz stood up and looked down at Darcy. She didn’t want to leave him, not tonight, not ever.

  Darcy glared at Sam. “I can get my driver to take you back,” he offered.

  Liz remembered Rose was moving the next day, and she shook her head. “Rose is leaving tomorrow,” she told Darcy. “I need to see her off.”

  Darcy rubbed his face with his hands. “I’ll help Georgia clean up, and I’ll be in Savannah tomorrow afternoon.”

  Without warning, Darcy pulled her to him. She let out a small gasp, and before she could find her footing, he kissed her deeply. She put her palms on both sides of his face, and brushed her thumbs across his stubble. He deepened their kiss and she pressed her lips into his until Georgia interrupted them with another cough.

  Darcy set her back on her feet and Liz grabbed his bicep for balance.

  “Not a day over six months,” Darcy pointed to the ring on her finger.

  Liz nodded and, her mind reeling, turned toward the door and leaned on Sam as she walked toward her car.

  31.

  There were two visits Liz needed to make. First, Liz started her Saturday with Rose.

  “Did you find a job in Chicago yet?” Liz asked. They were sitting in Stir, a crowded Savannah café, with expensive lattes between them.

  “Not yet,” Rose said. “Still thinking about my options.”

  This was exactly the answer Liz hoped Rose would give. “I’ve got one for you. What do you think about being the manager for our Nashville branch?”

  Rose curled her hands around her cup of coffee. “Do you think I’m ready for that?”

  “Absolutely,” Liz picked up her white ceramic cup, took a sip, and continued. “Hear me out. I know it’s not Chicago, but it would put you closer to James. And give you a chance to see if you like leadership.”

  Rose tapped her fingers up the sides of the hot cup, like she was debating the offer in her mind. Liz looked up at the large chalkboard wall covered in fancy specials to give Rose a second to think.

  “Let me think about it.”

  “Take your time,” Liz said.

  Rose paused for a few seconds before asking, “is this because you lied to me and you feel guilty, or because you think I would be good for the job?”

  Liz didn’t hesitate to answer. “Because you would be the best for the job.”

  Liz reached out to grab her friend’s hand. “Rose, you deserve it. You’re incredible. That’s why I want you to run our Nashville Branch. And I’m truly sorry I lied to you about James, and I hope you’ll forgive me, as your friend and your boss.”

  Rose lifted the ceramic cup to her lips. “You’re pretty hard to stay mad at.” Rose set down her cup and grinned. Someday, Liz told herself, someday our relationship will get back to where it was.

  “Oh.” Rose’s eyes grew wide. “Did you hear about Hamilton?”

  Liz shook her head. “I haven’t. What’s happening? I’m going to visit Stella this afternoon.”

  Rose clicked her tongue and took a drink of her coffee. “I’ll just let her tell you.”

  32.

  Liz’s second visit with Stella was equally as healing as her talk with
Rose. She walked into Stella’s apartment and immediately reached her arms toward the new mother. Stella looked just a weary as she had the last time she’d seen her. This time, her gray sweat pants almost matched the bags under her eyes. But this time Liz had a plan to help.

  “Let me take her,” Liz said. Stella didn’t hesitate to carefully lay the baby in her arms.

  Liz could barely breathe while she looked at the perfect human with the most precious button nose asleep in her arms. “Please go.” Liz tilted her head toward the front apartment door, careful not to disturb the infant.

  Stella narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”

  Liz ticked her head toward the door once more. “Just go. Wherever you want to. I’ve got Odette.” Liz had read online that the best thing someone could give new mothers was a break. By the way Stella shut her eyes and inhaled slowly, Liz knew it was good advice.

  Stella immediately turned and slowly walked away from Liz, but she moved toward the back of her apartment, not the exterior door. “Stella, I’m serious,” Liz said. “You can go grocery shopping, get your nails done, maybe just drive around.”

  Stella turned to face her, a small grin sliding up the corners of her mouth. “Oh, I’m taking you up on your offer.”

  Liz tilted her head, confused.

  Stella pointed to a door at the back of her apartment. “I’m going to my bedroom to take a nap.”

  Liz laughed, and Stella walked toward her bedroom. Liz’s arm fell asleep under Odette’s head as she slept, but Liz didn’t mind. She just stayed in the exact same position until an hour and a half later when Odette’s eyes fluttered open for a split second. Then she grunted a couple times and passed enough gas to make a grown man proud.

  “Woah, baby,” Liz said. Her voice startled Odette. She opened her eyes just a little more and started to whimper.

  “Shh,” Liz tried to calm her, but it didn’t work. She saw a baby swing in the corner of the room and set her down in it, but Odette started wailing.

  “Shh,” Liz tried again, praying Stella wouldn’t wake up. But, within seconds, Stella stumbled out of her bedroom.

  “I’m so sorry,” Liz said.

  Stella wiped her eyes. “You don’t have anything to be sorry about. That nap was amazing.” She picked up Odette, sat on the couch, and began to nurse the baby.

  Liz watched the sweet mom and daughter, then she asked the question that had been on her mind: “What do you think about me coming by once a week? Give you a little break?”

  “Absolutely.” Stella didn’t hesitate to take the help. “I’d like that.” She looked down at Odette. “We would like that.”

  Odette finished nursing, and as Stella burped her baby, she also caught Liz up on her life, including Hamilton.

  “Have you seen him lately?” Liz remembered the last conversation when Hamilton ran off with her diaper money.

  “Unfortunately,” Stella said.

  “What did he do now?” Liz asked.

  Stella nodded her head. “I shouldn’t have done it.” Stella looked toward the kitchen counter where a box of diapers sat half open. “But I was so mad when he stole my diaper money that I asked for child support.”

  “Yes,” Liz said. “You should get that.”

  Stella shook her head. “He threatened to file for full custody if I asked again.”

  Liz looked down at the precious baby in Stella’s arms, and a weight formed in the pit of her stomach. Liz knew if Odette was her baby, she wouldn’t want Hamilton within ten feet of her child, even if he were the father.

  “What are you going to do?” Liz whispered.

  “I haven’t asked again, and he hasn’t said anything.” Stella nuzzled her face by her baby’s cheek. “I’m hoping he will forget about us.”

  Liz hoped for Stella and Odette’s sake he would leave them alone. “Maybe he will.”

  “I doubt it.” Stella sighed. “I hope he gets hit by a car.”

  33.

  Darcy looked at the big paper calendar on his desk. It had been two weeks, six days, and three hours since Hamilton threatened to file for custody of Stella’s baby. In the almost three weeks since Hamilton’s threat, he’d thought of every solution to his problem. Every solution but this one.

  Darcy’s investigator called him a few days before Hamilton’s three-week deadline was up. “I did some digging, boss. He won’t get full custody, but he could get partial.”

  A few days a week was more custody than Hamilton needed. Darcy could still feel Stella’s eyes, begging him to do something about the father of her child. Darcy knew he didn’t owe Stella any more help; he’d found her a job even after she’d stolen from him. But he also knew that as long as Hamilton was around, he would be a problem to both of them.

  “Can I do anything else for you, boss?” the detective interrupted.

  Darcy shuffled a stack of papers on his desk. “Not unless you know a sniper for hire.”

  The investigator laughed. “I don’t do that kind of work anymore, but you know what they say: ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’”

  “I don’t want Hamilton anywhere near me.” Darcy snapped.

  “Right, but it might be nice to have him in your pocket. At least you’d know what he was up to.”

  “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” Darcy repeated. And after a few days of rolling the sentence around in his mind, he decided it was worth a try.

  After a quick Google search, Darcy found one of the least populated places on the planet. “Please come into my office. I have an offer for you,” he texted Hamilton.

  Darcy wondered what Hamilton would think of his new office, if you could even call it an office. It was a room he’d rented in a coworking space, with walls made out of tissue paper. He was about to be gone for a month, hopefully nailing down a timeline and procedure with the crew for drilling the first wells.

  “I’ve got a great opportunity for you. I’m starting a new company, and I want you to be our international ambassador,” Darcy told Hamilton when he walked into the office.

  Hamilton’s eyes lit up as he sat down in the chair in front of Darcy’s desk.

  “First, I need you to sign this paper, terminating your rights to Odette.” Darcy slid a piece of paper across the desk to his enemy.

  Hamilton didn’t hesitate to sign it. “Where’s the office? Paris? London?” Hamilton asked.

  Darcy leaned back in his chair. “Our international office will be in Australia.”

  Hamilton’s face lit up a second time. “Sydney? Melbourne?”

  “We’re still scouting out locations.” Darcy nodded, but he didn’t specify which. He was actually deciding between two of the most remote locations in Central Australia. Both with fewer than 100 people in each town.

  Hamilton nodded greedily. “I can leave whenever.”

  Darcy slid a plane ticket across the desk. “This one leaves tomorrow morning. We should be getting an office in the next week. I’ll text you the address.”

  Hamilton stood up to shake Darcy’s hand. “You won’t regret this, friend. I will make you proud.” Darcy nodded and Hamilton took it as his cue to leave.

  Friend, Darcy thought wondering how someone who had just threatened to take a child from her mother could ever call himself anyone’s friend.

  Darcy hated how he was going to pay Hamilton to stay in Australia, but he knew if he wanted him out of his life for good, this was the only way. And that thought made Darcy smile.

  34.

  Six months to the day he and Liz had started dating, Darcy walked into the Savannah office, ready to fix this “girlfriend” situation. It wasn’t Liz he disliked—of course he wanted, more like needed, her by his side. It was just the word “girlfriend.”

  Liz smiled as she brushed the curls out of her eyes and greeted him. “Darcy. I didn’t think you would be home today.”

  She was right. He wasn’t supposed to be. But Darcy couldn’t stand to wait one more day. “Did you k
now it’s been six months?” he asked. She looked at her computer screen and smiled.

  She stood up, moving a stack of papers to an empty desk nearby, and walked toward him.

  “I still can’t get used to this,” she tugged on the end of his T-shirt. He still couldn’t either. He looked in his closet, and now instead of a perfect line of black suits, and he saw T-shirts, hoodies, and perfectly-pressed jeans.

  After one trip of wearing suits to the far reaches of the world, he’d thrown out his business armor in favor of something more breathable. He had, however, kept three suits: a gray one, a one black one, and a tux. He wasn’t an animal.

  Liz brushed her hand across his chest. “Somehow you look even better in a T-shirt than you do in a suit.”

  He intertwined his fingers with hers. She looked mostly the same, but now her nails were short and bitten off. Over his last trip, she started sounding more stressed, and he knew it was because she was launching their second Pemberley location that year: Pemberley, Dallas.

  “I thought you were coming home tomorrow?”

  He slid his trusty backpack off of his shoulder. “I made the pilot leave a little early.”

  She smiled at him. “New T-shirts, same private plane.”

  “You sounded stressed,” he said.

  “It’s my first expansion without Rose. I just thought she would want to take the Nashville job, but after James proposed, I knew I didn’t have a chance of keeping her away from Chicago.”

  Darcy still couldn’t believe his permanent bachelor friend, James, was settling down. He now completely understood why James went behind his back to date Rose.

  “Is Elise helping?” Darcy nodded toward the glass wall where Elise was sitting in Rose’s old desk.

  Liz sighed and nodded her head. “She’s really stepping up. I don’t know what I’d do without her.