You Could Lose Everything

I stared at him. "You’d have been ashamed in front of your parents because I would jump you on top of the table."

"At least my parents would get a show with their dinner," he joked.

We were both laughing when John returned. He let us know that Nicholas’ parents were already seated.

I smoothed down my clothes and hair as much as possible without a mirror. I took Nicholas’ hand as we strolled inside and were led to our tables. Our tryst in the car almost made me forget the reason why we were meeting his parents.

But as I neared the private room, it shot back to the front of my mind. Baby Rowe was about to be announced.

Jefferson stood up when we got there, distinguished as always, waiting for me to be seated before sitting back down himself. Brief nods were exchanged between him and Nicholas, while Clara greeted us both warmly with smiles and hellos. The difference in reception was evident.

I wanted to blurt out the news as soon as we sat down, but I kept my excitement at bay until Nicholas was ready. It was possible Clara already knew, considering her eyes kept darting between me and Nicholas, and she wore a knowing smile.

But I waited until the drinks were poured, our dinners ordered, and our server left us to enjoy our appetizers. Nicholas took my hand under the table, and I had to stop myself from bouncing in my seat when he started speaking.

"Willow and I wanted you to join us tonight because we have some news."

I watched their faces, loving the way Clara's lit up, yet disappointed at Jefferson's wrinkled forehead and prominent frown. Was he upset? Worried? Anticipating bad news? It didn't make much sense to me why he already appeared put off, but I waved it away almost immediately, feeling sure he would be excited when he heard Nicholas' next words.

"Willow is pregnant. We're going to have a baby."

Clara squeaked and covered her mouth before jumping out of her chair and rushing over to hug me. Her response almost made up for Jefferson's blank stare.

"I'm so happy for you. I can't wait," Clara said, hugging me tightly. She pulled back, her eyes glistening with tears. "Has it been three months already?" She waited for my nod. "How are you feeling?"

I started to answer her but was startled by Nicholas' harsh tone. Clara and I both turned to watch him and Jefferson staring at each other. "What? Can you really not show one ounce of happiness that you have a grandchild on the way? Is that really too much to ask?"

I grabbed Nicholas' hand again, trying to calm him down.

"This is not the appropriate place for this conversation," Jefferson answered.

Clara huffed and went back to her seat. "Stop it right now, Jefferson. I swear to God this will not end pleasantly for you if you keep it up."

At least Clara seemed to be on our side. But I was so confused. What was going on? Why was Jefferson being this way?

Nicholas' jaw was tense as silence fell over the table. Our server walked in, noticed the untouched food, and quickly retreated from the room when Clara told him we were fine.

It was unsettling for me, to say the least. Almost as if the news of our baby was a burden. And I hated that thought, after feeling similarly about myself most of my life. I rubbed my stomach, trying to comfort both of us at the same time.

I would never allow my child to feel unwanted.

Clara eventually sighed loudly, throwing her napkin on the table. "That's it. This ends tonight. I don't care anymore about the consequences."

Jefferson's head swerved in her direction, his mouth falling open. "No. Don't even think about it."

Nicholas' grip tightened on my hand, both of us watching his parents in a battle of wills. Neither of us had any idea what was going on across the table.

"Yes. It's time." Clara waved her hand toward us. "They are married, having a baby. It's done." She pointed her finger and jabbed him in the chest. "It's time for you to be a man and own up. It's time our son knew the truth, and we're not going anywhere until he does. I'm so tired of this. Tired of my baby believing lies. It ends tonight." She let out a sob. "If you love me at all, you'll tell him."

Jefferson's shoulders slumped as his face fell into his hands. The door to the room opened again, breaking the silence, and Nicholas stood and walked over to talk to the server. I wasn't sure what he said, but the server left and the door closed, leaving the room quiet.

"He won't be coming in again until we're ready." Nicholas sat back down in his seat, seeking my hand immediately. His touch alone made the uncertainty of what was coming more bearable.

"Jefferson, please," Clara pleaded one last time.

He raised his head and nodded at her, before turning toward me and Nicholas. His face seemed to have aged in the short time since our announcement. I knew he was in his sixties, but he never appeared that old until this moment.

"You really love her?" he asked Nicholas, making it sound more like a statement than a question.

"More than anything."

Jefferson let out a short laugh. "I'm happy for you both. I really am. Despite my behavior, I'm not blind. I can see now what I've been trying to tell myself it wasn't true." He rubbed his eyes as if he were tired. "When you first introduced us to Willow, I thought it was just a fling. A phase. The connection was there from the start, but I didn't let myself admit it."

He took a large gulp of his wine, composing himself before he continued. Nicholas' thumb stroked the back of my hand, and I wasn't sure if he was trying to calm me or himself. Maybe both.

"I suppose I should start at the beginning. Your grandfather—my father—made some really bad investments before he died. You were just a kid really, so I'm sure you had no idea how close we came to losing everything."

Nicholas shook his head, glancing between his mother and father.

"Well, I salvaged what I could out of his estate after he passed and did something I've regretted ever since."

My stomach twisted, and I sat there in rigid silence, waiting for the bomb to drop.

"At the time, I thought I was doing what was best for my family. I went to Simon, and he introduced me to some people, and convinced me that the only way to get everything back was to engage in some less-than-ethical activities."

Nicholas frowned. "Spit it out. What exactly are you saying?"

"Bottom line is, I took advantage of quite a few illegal investment tips."

"Insider trading?" Nicholas asked.

Jefferson nodded. "Yes, for the most part. I built my family's fortune back up illegally. From that point on, Simon owned me. He kept me, and in part, you, under his thumb ever since."

Nicholas' face paled. "He's your best friend."

"It's mostly all a charade, Nicholas. He's wanted certain things over the years for his silence, but he's very sneaky and insidious about it. He acts as if he cares about me, cares about us, but all he cares about is coming out on top."

Nicholas looked down at his lap, squeezing my fingers. "You promised him that I would marry Rosemary."

My breath caught at Nicholas' realization, and I narrowed my eyes at Jefferson.

"Yes." Jefferson met my gaze for a moment. "Although apparently, she didn't agree with her father's choice until recently."

At least he believed what I told him about Rosemary.

"You tried to push me towards academia. Why?"

"I didn't want you anywhere near the business field. I moved us all out to Atkins to try and get away from this for a while. Get some distance. But you always had a mind of your own. You did what you wanted, no matter what I said."

Nicholas glared at him. "I've lived most of my life thinking you never approved of me. Wondering what it was I did to deserve your criticism. Trying to prove to you how successful I could be. You always made me feel unworthy. You did all that because of money?"

Jefferson leaned forward, his hands on the table. "Don't you get it, Nicholas? Do you not see what I'm trying to tell you?"

"What? What could possibly be worth what you live with and do for that bastard?"

"You could lose everything. You started your company with your trust fund. A trust fund I established. If Simon exposes me, it could ruin you."

The blood drained from Nicholas' face as the ramifications became clear. Everything he'd worked for all his life was in jeopardy, and there was absolutely nothing I could say or do about it.