A Hand to Hold

Chapter seventeen

~ Ronan

*

Tiffany looked utterly lost, her mouth hanging open. I knew she wasn’t overly friendly toward Natalie. Yet it triggered instant shock and rage when I overheard how she spoke as if Natalie were so far beneath her when nothing could be further from the truth. I’d encountered people like her often in my youth. My family and I were not only new to America but also to wealth, and as such, often looked down on. The kids at school teased me over my accent as well as being brought up poor. It didn’t matter that I was a rich kid by the time I’d moved to America; it was still cause for bullying that my family had at one point struggled with money, as if that were something to be ashamed of. Still, I owed my childhood bullies a debt of gratitude as, thanks to them, I didn’t give a damn about anyone’s unsolicited opinions. Not about me, at least. I quickly realized I now had more to worry about than myself. So, when I heard Tiffany attacking Natalie, I couldn’t deny… I cared.

*

“Answer me,” I snarled. “How dare you insult my wife and the ring I gave her?”

“I… I apologize, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh,” Tiffany stuttered nervously. “It’s just… Natalie is sort of known around the office for putting on airs.”

“IF that is true, it’s only due to the lies YOU have spread. From now on, anytime you refer to my wife, you will address her as Mrs. Ó Ceallaigh. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Return to your desk. I never want to see you inside this office unless called ever again. Otherwise, I will not hesitate to fire you on the spot.” She practically ran from the room with her tail between her legs.

*

“Has she always been like that to you?” I asked, facing Natalie. “Pretty much,” she and Katrina answered simultaneously. “I wish you would’ve mentioned it before.”

“Tattling to my boss so he can fight my battles for me? No, thank you. Besides, I’ve learned the best way of dealing with people like her is by giving them as little attention as possible.”

*

I looked at my wife in awe. My grandmother had worried if Natalie could handle being the subject of people’s negative comments. I began to recognize her worry had been entirely unwarranted. Clearly, Natalie was built of tougher stuff than either of us realized.

*

I cleared my throat and looked at my new assistant. “I’ll have my morning coffee a little early, Katrina, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Katrina replied.

“I’ll walk out with you,” Natalie told her. Before she picked up a box, I took one of her hands in mine and caressed her knuckles with my thumb as I looked into her eyes, “I’ll see you for dinner, bean chéile.”

“See you then.”

*

After I returned to my office, I sat at my desk, deep in thought. I refused to admit a change was occurring between myself and Natalie. For over a year, I’d been able to ignore the charm of her smile, so why now was it worming its way into my thoughts? I had to get a grip on myself. She was beginning to dominate my subconscious, and I couldn’t allow that. It was extremely distracting. And I couldn’t have anyone, not even my wife, distracting me from work. I could hardly believe I promised to be home for dinner. I shoved all thoughts of Natalie out of my mind and dove into distractions.

~~*~~

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d walked into my house at half past five. After hanging my coat on the rack, I removed my suit jacket, rolled up my sleeves, and followed my nose toward the dining room. My mouth watered from the most delectable smell filling my home.

*

I entered the dining room as Marie placed a steaming dish on the table. When she spotted me, she said, “When the Mrs. told me you’d be home for dinner, I almost didn’t believe her.”

“There are many things currently pending at the office. I’m at a standstill until morning,” I replied, making it sound like I had nothing better to do than come home for dinner.

*

Natalie came out of the kitchen holding drinks. The smell of dinner wasn’t the only thing making my mouth water. I swallowed hard as I took in Natalie’s alluring appearance. She wore a light-blue sweater dress, and her long blonde hair fell in loose curls down her back. Had she dressed up for me? I immediately shook the thought from my mind as I sat at the table.

*

While we ate, I caught Natalie up on all the projects we’d been working on together. I was close to closing on a new property that would serve as the base of operations for my new luxury travel agency. For obvious reasons, I chose not to purchase the building owned by the Russians.

*

After dinner, we migrated to the living room, where I poured myself two fingers of whiskey. Having been so hesitant to share my home with another person, it seemed odd how immediately I’d adjusted to my wife’s presence. Natalie was simply an easy person to be around.

*

“I have something for you,” I told her after she made herself comfortable on the sofa. She took the seat closest to the fireplace, alive with warmth. Her feet were tucked underneath her, and she looked as though she’d lived there for years rather than a single day.

*

“What is it?” Natalie asked curiously as I handed her a card. “Your credit card? I don’t understand.”

“I’ve ordered one in your name, but until it arrives, I don’t want you to be without.”

“Ronan, I don’t need this.” She placed my card on the coffee table. I picked it up and put it back in her hand, saying, “Please, give me an ounce of peace of mind and take it. I want to know you have access to whatever you need. I know you don’t like being bossed around, seeing as I am no longer your boss. But I insist you use my money for anything, without hesitation. Alright?”

*

Natalie briefly stared at the card before questioning, “Anything?”

“Anything,” I confirmed.

“Say I wanted a … diamond necklace?”

“Buy several,” I told her with a shrug.

“What about a new computer?”

“Get one that is top of the line.”

“A trip to Europe?”

“I’ll go with you.”

“What about an entire new wardrobe?”

“Ah, now that is something I insist on.”

*

I stood to refill my glass as Natalie self-consciously asked, “You don’t like the way I dress?”

“I like your style,” I clarified. “I merely want you to have better quality. You’ll specifically be needing a dress for the Christmas charity gala.”

“Oh yes, for our debut.” Her voice was a little subdued at the mention of coming out together into society. “That’s right,” I responded, returning to my seat beside her. “This year, the planning committee has chosen an elegant silver and blue color scheme. Might I suggest a red or gold gown?”

“Why?”

“Because,” I leaned closer and whispered, “I want my wife to stand out.”

~~*~~

~ Natalie

*

When I woke the following day, I didn’t promptly get up and get dressed. It went against my nature, but I tried lounging for a bit. I lasted thirty minutes before losing that battle. As I went through my usual morning routine, I thought about dinner with Ronan the night before. Things had improved between us ever since he’d convinced me to speak openly. And I was happy he included me in business matters, which made me feel more like a partner and less like a trophy wife. Not that I thought of myself as much of a trophy.

*

I changed my outfit three times before satisfied. I had plans to meet Brigid for lunch and was a little nervous. Ronan may have been right when he said I needed more refined clothes. I wasn’t familiar with the restaurant Brigid chose, and I worried about embarrassing her with my plain appearance. I eventually settled on a pink tea dress with a belted waist. It made me feel proper, or as proper as this southern girl could get.

*

As a result of my indecisiveness, Ronan had already departed by the time I ventured downstairs for breakfast. “Good morning, Ms. Natalie,” Marie greeted me as I entered the kitchen. “Good morning,” I returned. She set a fresh cup of coffee beside me as I made my own breakfast.

*

“Oh, by the way,” Marie said, “when Mr. Ó Ceallaigh left this morning, he asked that I let you know he has several meetings today and likely won’t be home until late. He also wanted me to offer assurance that he’ll update you when he does arrive if you’re still awake.” I frowned in disappointment and said, “Thanks for passing along the message.”

“It’s so sweet the way he discusses work with you.”

“It used to be my work too. I miss it.”

*

After cleaning up my breakfast mess, I had nothing to do until lunchtime. I wandered through the house, hoping to find inspiration. I examined the books on Ronan’s shelves but found nothing that caught my interest. I scoped out the gym and spotted a treadmill. That’s fortunate because walking and running was the only exercise I enjoyed besides the occasional yoga.

*

I investigated the rooms upstairs and discovered a collection of men’s belongings in one of the spare rooms. Callum was the only person that came to mind. The last room on the second floor was completely empty. I wondered how long Ronan had lived here if he still had an empty room. Then I wondered if he’d consider letting me do something with the space. He’d already recommended I find a hobby as well as insisted I spend his money on whatever my heart desired. With the spark of an idea, I returned to my bedroom and began making a list of painting supplies.

*

Being thoroughly wrapped up in my plans for the empty room, I nearly lost track of time. I closed my notebook and dropped it into my bag before texting Harrison. I awaited my friendly driver outside the front door as he pulled the car around. “Where to, Ms. Natalie?” he asked, opening the back door for me. I gave him the name of the restaurant and climbed into the back seat. When he entered the driver’s side, I said, “I have a bit of shopping to do after lunch, if you don’t mind.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

*

Harrison delivered me to the bistro right on time. I admired the cozy eatery with relief. With a sophisticated woman like Brigid, I’d been half-expecting a pretentious French restaurant. As the hostess guided me to our table, I remembered Ronan’s grandmother hadn’t always been wealthy, but she had always been Irish. There was a down-to-earth element about her that I really wanted to get to know better.

*

My grandmother-in-law stood when she saw me, leading me to say, “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.” She delivered a peck to my cheek as she replied, “No, dear, I only arrived a moment ago.” I was beginning to understand that, when it came to Brigid, I was worthy until I proved myself unworthy instead of the other way around, which was yet another relief.

*

After we ordered, I tried to relax, but it was difficult, as I didn’t know what to say to her, and she didn’t seem the type to enjoy small talk. “Tell me about yourself, Natalie. Ronan hasn’t shared hardly anything with me about the newest member of our family.” I shared with her a little about my life growing up with my Aunt Mel, leaving out most details about my parents. She began telling me about raising Ronan in Inistioge, Ireland. It was a riverside village with a population under three hundred. I found it difficult to picture a man like Ronan hailing from such a quaint country village.

*

I needn’t have worried about conversing with Brigid. While she seemed cold and direct on the surface, she had a warm side, which showed more whenever she spoke of Ronan or Ireland.

*

“I would love to see it someday,” I commented when Brigid described the serenity of the Irish countryside. The waiter came, took our empty plates, and refilled our water glasses. “Are you interested in travel?” she asked.

“Absolutely. In fact, Ireland has always been on my top ten places to see.”

“I am sure Ronan would be delighted to take you there. I have often wondered if he planned to return when he had children of his own. Would you ever consider raising your family there?”

“Um,” I thought. “I’m honestly not sure. I’m not against moving there if that’s where life takes us. But Ronan and I haven’t actually discussed kids yet. I’m not even sure if he wants them.”

*

Brigid choked on the water she’d just taken a sip of, which caught me off guard. Why would our lack of discussion regarding children come as a surprise? She knew our marriage was a spur-of-the-moment agreement. It shouldn’t be all that surprising that there was a lot we didn’t get around to discussing beforehand.

*

“My dear girl,” Brigid began with a strange calm, “please tell me you plan to have a child as soon as possible.” She seemed almost angry at the mere thought of the alternative. Who did she think she was, assuming she had the authority to make such important decisions for us? She told me I should always be upfront with her. I put that to the test, stating, “No, I have no plans to have a child anytime soon. And frankly, I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

“You misunderstand me, Natalie.” She smoothed the ivory cloth napkin on her lap and continued, “I apologize for my sudden outburst. It’s only now become clear to me that my grandson has not been entirely forthcoming with you regarding the details of his inheritance.”

“His inheritance?” I repeated in confusion. “What does that have to do with having children?” She let out a frustrated sigh, which I sensed was not directed at me. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew. The only way for Ronan to obtain ownership of OCE is, if by the third anniversary of his father’s passing, he has married… and produced a child.”

*

I was momentarily paralyzed by the bomb Brigid had dropped on me. I could hear the blood pumping in my ears as anger flared. When I finally broke free from my shock, I was instantly on my feet. I didn’t even bid Brigid goodbye before storming out of the restaurant. I texted Harrison to pick me up at the front. He must’ve been expecting our lunch date to end soon because he had the car pulled around in a matter of minutes. “Ready for shopping?” he asked as he steered away from the restaurant. I looked at him in the rearview mirror and said, “Change of plans. Take me to the office.” Harrison astutely picked up on my anger and made the wise choice not to question my request.

*

As Harrison drove, my thoughts only fueled my anger past boiling point. I’d trusted Ronan. When he’d asked me to marry him, it was not from a place of love, and I didn’t expect any. I’d accepted his offer based on my trust in him. The revelation that he’d thoroughly misled me had me reeling. I was in free fall, with nothing to hold on to. He needed a child. He knew the moment he proposed marriage that in order to secure his company, he would need to get me pregnant. I had half a mind to go straight to a lawyer and file for an annulment. I tried to put myself in his shoes. But no matter what frame of mind I tried to consider from his perspective, nothing could excuse his deception.

*

Fifteen minutes later, I rode up the private elevator, still unsure of what to say to my lying husband. Thankful Katrina was not in her office to stop me, I went straight through Ronan’s door without knocking. He sat on one sofa across from two businessmen on the other. I’d obviously interrupted an important meeting, but I didn’t care. “Natalie, what are you doing here?” he asked in irritation. I locked onto his cobalt eyes and said, “We need to talk about your father’s will.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~