I turned and left, my footsteps feeling heavy.
I spent most of the rest of the afternoon in the library, reading. Once I went to grab a cup of coffee and saw Grace across the room. I hated the anger in her expression and wanted to do something to erase it, but I knew there was nothing I could do at this moment other than leave her alone. She had a glass of wine in her hand, and I worried she was drinking too much again. I hated knowing I was the cause.
Christmas dinner was something out of a book, the food unending, the wine flowing, and the noise level almost deafening. Aiden’s triplets could outeat an entire army, given the chance, and despite the massive amount of food on the tables, most of it was consumed. After dinner, the men did the cleanup, and it was good to stay busy, even if I had little to add to their conversations. I felt like one of them, and I enjoyed it, even if it was only for today.
People were scattered around, dozing, talking, playing board games when I entered the main room again. A glance out the window told me if I was going to leave, now was the time. I could see the snow was getting heavier, and soon I would have no choice but to stay. I knew Grace didn’t want that, and I didn’t want to force my hand. I sat briefly, enjoying one last cup of coffee, covertly watching Grace as she sat with Richard, laughing over something on his phone. It was obvious the love he held for his daughter, and I wondered if we would ever get to the point we could be friendly. If Grace and I could work things out between us. Richard was intelligent, and I had enjoyed my conversations with him as well as the other “BAM boys,” as they called themselves. They were a great bunch of men. Luckily, I was pretty sure he was too caught up in the day to have noticed anything between Grace and me, although I wasn’t certain others hadn’t observed.
I stood, announcing my decision to leave, waving aside the protests and explaining I had work to do, it was a short drive, and the SUV I still had in my possession would be fully capable of handling the slick roads. I kissed all the mothers, shook the hands of the fathers, and made a point of wishing Grace’s beloved Nan and Pops all the best.
Then I headed toward her. I couldn’t leave without at least a goodbye. I saw Grace tense as I got closer, and I noticed Richard glance between us, suddenly picking up on Grace’s reaction. I wasn’t watching where I was going when it happened. I tripped over the edge of a throw rug, my arms flying out to break my fall. The sudden jerk caused the ring in my pocket to sail out, the light catching the glint of the diamonds as it soared through the air, landing on the floor and spinning. The sound was loud on the hardwood, and everyone’s eyes were glued to the movement until it slowed and stopped, lying there like a beacon.
I tried to get to it, but Richard reached down and picked it up, frowning.
“Pretty ring.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why is it in your pocket?”
“I forgot it was there.” I held out my hand. “If I may have it back, please.”
Richard held out the ring, then pulled back, squinting as he noticed the inscription. I felt the blood drain from my face, knowing my misstep had now blown the secret Grace tried so hard to hide wide open. One look at her and I knew she realized it as well.
“My Saving Grace?” Richard snarled. “Why does this say ‘My Saving Grace?’ Are you…” His eyes widened. “Are you having an affair with my daughter?” His voice rose. Behind me, I heard people moving, and to my right, Addi and Brayden stood, wary and alert.
Richard’s gaze swung to Gracie. “What is going on?”
“This is why I don’t drink,” Gracie said, then, once again, burst into tears.
“Are you screwing with my daughter?” Richard bellowed. “You’re her boss!”
He stepped toward me, and I shook my head. “No. Absolutely not.”
Richard shook his hand, the diamonds catching the light. “Explain this!”
I sighed in defeat. There was nowhere to hide anymore. “We’re not having an affair, Richard. We’re married.”
For a moment, only the sound of Gracie’s sobs filled the air.
From behind us, one of the Callaghan boys muttered, “Well, holy…night. I wasn’t expecting that.”
Then it happened. Richard’s fist shot out so fast, I had no time to react or deflect his punch. I felt the crunch of bone meeting bone, and I stumbled backward, the ring once again hitting the floor. It rolled under the sofa.