Chapter 1216
Tarquin could already guess what was on Clayton’s mind, so he spoke up first.
“I’ve already asked someone to tally up everything I own,” he said, his voice steady. “Once it’s all done, I’m transferring everything to Elysia’s name. On our wedding day, everything will be hers p>
Clayton gaped at him, genuinely stunned. “Wait-what p>
Tarquin just nodded, looking him straight in the eye. “I don’t really know how else to show her how much I love her. I want her to have everything-me, my heart, my money. All of it p>
He hesitated, then added, “Dad, it was my fault Elysia never got a real wedding. I regret that, every day. That’s why I’ve been planning—so I can finally give her the ceremony she deserves p>
Clayton was quiet for a moment, his face softening, eyes misty. “Son, I know everything you two have been through. Not having a wedding wasn’t just your fault. But the fact that you want to make it right… that means the world to me p>
He took a deep breath, his voice rough with emotion. “Elysia is my only daughter. For years, I couldn’t be there for her, and it broke my heart. Now that I have her back, I can’t stand the thought of her ever being hurt p>
Tarquin nodded solemnly. “I understand, sir. She’s my one and only, too. I’d never let anything happen to her p>
“You and Mom don’t need to worry,” he went on earnestly. “Whatever other women have, Elysia will have. And whatever they don’t have, I’ll make sure she gets it anyway p>
“We’ll take wedding photos. We’ll throw the best wedding anyone’s ever seen. Every tradition, every celebration-I won’t let her miss out on a single thing p>
Hearing that, Clayton finally let out a breath he’d been holding for years. “You have no idea how much that puts my mind at ease. I trust you, Tarquin. If you say it, I know you’ll do it p>
He hesitated a moment, then got a little serious. “But listen, son, let me be a dad and nag you for a second, okay? I know love is the most unpredictable thing in this world p>
“I’m not asking you to promise to love her for the rest of your life. All I ask is—if the day ever comes when you don’t love her anymore, please, don’t hurt her. Just tell me. I’ll come and get her, no questions asked. I won’t let her get caught up in your life if it’s not working anymore p>
He straightened, his jaw set. “But if you ever do anything to hurt her-if you ever pull a Zane and Winona situation-I swear, I’ll come after you myself, old bones and all p>
Tarquin didn’t look the least bit offended. He just smiled gently. “I get where you’re coming from, Dad. But honestly… you don’t have to worry. If anything, it’ll be her leaving me, not the other way around p>
“And if that ever happens,” he said with a lopsided grin, “I hope you’ll remember I’m your son-in-law and put in a good word for me. Because without her, I’d be totally lost p>
Clayton just stared at him for a second, speechless, his eyes rimmed red.
At dinner, for the first time in twenty years, Clayton picked up a glass of wine, grinning ear to ear as he toasted Tarquin.
Neither of them could really hold their liquor.
After a few rounds, one was completely wasted, the other pleasantly buzzed.
Later that night, once Elysia had tucked the kids and her parents into bed, she made her way back to the bedroom.
She’d barely stepped inside when Tarquin appeared in the doorway, blocking her path.
Startled, Elysia leaned back against the door. “What are you doing standing there p>
“Waiting for you,” he said, the whiff of whiskey on his breath unmistakable.
She looked him up and down-still in dress pants and a button-down. “You haven’t showered? I thought you’d be done by now p>
“Can’t,” he replied, almost sulking.
“Huh p>
“I’m drunk. Can’t shower alone-I’ll just fall over p>
Elysia rolled her eyes. “You said you weren’t drunk after dinner. Even told Heath to make Dad some hangover soup p>
Tarquin blinked, a lazy grin spreading across his face. “Wasn’t drunk then. But now? Wasted p>
He leaned in, his eyes dark and smoldering, murmuring right in her ear, “Besides… the thought of showering with you? That’s enough to make me dizzy p>
A shiver ran down Elysia’s spine, her cheeks flushing hot.