Intrigued and Enchanted (22 page)

“I know that. I’m really proud of you for wanting to make it on your own terms. And I know you will be amazing at your job and you’ll write a New York Times best seller. You’re my sweet girl, and you’re phenomenal.” I blush at his words.

“Thanks Brandon. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I might need you to tell me a few times along the way about the whole New York Times thing!” With a chuckle he agrees as we pull up to a huge set of iron gates. They have an intricate design along the top and the view up to the house is stunning. House is playing it down, this place is a mansion. It’s gorgeous.

Brandon drives carefully up the gravel driveway, winding its way up to the massive double doors. He’s muttering under his breath about the gravel scratching the paintwork on his car. I feel a rush of nerves as he switches the engine off.

“We’re here. You look like you’re about to vomit Lily. Are you okay?” Silence.

“Lily. Look at me.” I manage to pull my gaze from my hands wringing restlessly in my lap.

“I’m just a bit nervous. What if they don’t like me? They’ll know I’m not good enough for you.” Brandon grabs my face, his own radiating anger at my words.

“They will love you Lily. Don’t ever say that you’re not good enough for me. I’m the one that is thanking my lucky stars every day that you want to be with me. Please don’t make this difficult on yourself. Just be…you…and everything will be great.” A sweet, tender kiss calms the raging storm inside me, giving me peace in the knowledge that Brandon wants me, and if he says it will be fine, it will be.

Brandon takes my hand to help me out of the car and keeps a firm, reassuring grip on me as we make our way to the front door. Before we get the chance to ring the bell, the door flies open and a beautiful woman has her arms held out to welcome Brandon.

“Brandon, sweetheart. It’s so lovely to see you.” She envelops him in a hug that only a mother can give.

“You look great mom. A lot better.” He holds her at arms-length, really looking at her. After a moment, he turns to me.

“Mom, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Lily Pritchard.” I hold out my hand to greet her, but she pulls me into a warm hug. It’s a lovely feeling, if a bit disconcerting.

“It’s so nice to meet you Lily. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you.” He’s been talking to his mom about me?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs Redgrave.”

“I’ll have none of that. Please, call me Lizzy.” I already love this woman. She’s so warm and inviting, just like my mom used to be with me, before…

“Let the poor girl go Lizzy. She’s not even in the door yet and you’re smothering her.” A low, jovial voice comments from inside the house that sounds very like Brandon. His dad comes into view. He is a very distinguished gentleman, very handsome in his own right, but he doesn’t look like Brandon.

Brandon definitely takes after his mom. She has the same stunning eyes and black hair. Her skin is not quite as tanned as Brandon’s but she really is a beautiful woman. Not what I expected. She has really short cropped hair, I don’t know why I expected her to have longer hair. She lets go of me to usher me into the house. Brandon gives his dad a handshake and a pat on the back - a man hug.

“Hey dad. I’d like you to meet Lily.” His dad gives me a quick hug.

“Very nice to meet you Lily. Come on in and we’ll get you a drink.”

“Thank you Mr Redgrave. It’s lovely to meet you too.”

“Call me Jonathan.”

Brandon leads me into a spacious living room with stunning high ceilings and large windows looking out into the garden, and by garden I mean acres of land. The flowerbeds are perfectly pruned and the trees are trimmed, the expansive lawn is immaculate and there are wonderful decking and patio areas with soft lighting and a gorgeous outdoor eating area.

With his hand on the small of my back Brandon moves me to one of the sofas and we take a seat together. He laces our fingers together and gives me a warm smile as I try to calm my nerves.

“You have a beautiful home Lizzy.” She thanks me as she moves over to a small bar area in the corner of the room.

“Would you like a drink Lily?”

“White wine if you have it please.”

“I’ll have a white wine too mom. I’m driving so just a half glass for me.” It’s nice to see Brandon in this setting. He’s so relaxed and happy. Lizzy organises drinks for us all before sitting down across from us next to Jonathan.

“So. Brandon tells us you’re off to London tomorrow.” I hope Brandon’s parents don’t think I’m after his money.

“Yes. Brandon organised the trip as a graduation present. I told him it was far too much, but he wouldn’t hear of it. We went shopping yesterday to get everything we needed. I managed to trick Brandon into letting me pay for it.” They both laugh at my statement. Brandon chimes in to tell his side of the story.

“She’s the only person I’d let dupe me and get away with it. She sent me on a wild goose chase for sunglasses while she paid for everything else. To get my own back I bought her the damn sunglasses, I knew it would drive her crazy. She even put up fight about that.” Brandon’s dad gives me a warm smile. He understands the point I’m trying to make.

“I think you’ve met your match in this one son.” Brandon nods and squeezes my hand.

We sit like this for a while before dinner is served. There is a delicious looking roast in the centre of the table surrounded by platters of vibrant coloured vegetables and a yummy looking gravy. The roast potatoes look positively mouth-watering. As we take our seats and tuck in to the food I compliment Lizzy on such a wonderful spread.

“I’d love to take credit for it dear but I catered in today. I’m not quite up to full strength at the moment and wanted to make sure we had a lovely dinner. I hope you enjoy it.” I don’t want to pry as to why she isn’t feeling well.

“Well it certainly looks delicious.” Lizzy gives Brandon an odd look which he just widens his eyes at and starts eating his dinner. The conversation flows naturally throughout our dinner. Brandon’s dad tells me some great stories about Brandon when he was small. I bet he was cute as a button. I also got some dirt on Simon to share with Jess.

Brandon tells them about our plans in London and I tell them about my new job that starts when we get back. When they ask about my family I can see the look on Brandon’s face contort into one of worry. I know his parents notice but I decide to act like I didn’t see it and give them the short version of my life. I just don’t mention my dad, and they are gracious enough not to ask. Brandon’s cell rings just as we are finished with our meal and when he looks at the caller display he’s not happy.

“Sorry guys, I have to take this. Work. I’ll just be a minute.” He excuses himself and heads out into the garden. I track his movements as he gets further and further away from the house, pacing back and forth, looking more and more frustrated as the conversation goes on. Brandon’s mom tries to distract me.

“Why don’t I give you a tour of the house while Brandon finishes up?” I accept the distraction readily because something in my gut tells me it’s more than a work problem. As we wander from room to room Lizzy gushes about how proud she is of her only son. It’s lovely to hear.

“You probably noticed Brandon was a bit awkward earlier when I mentioned I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent at the moment.” I nod but add, “I didn’t want to pry.”

“I know dear. Brandon knows that I don’t like people to feel sorry for me which is why he obviously didn’t tell you. I’m recovering from surgery after breast cancer.” I’m shocked.

“I’m so sorry Lizzy. How are you now?” I’m worried about this woman I’ve just met - the woman that brought Brandon into this world.

“I’m doing much better now thank you Lily. Unfortunately this is the third time I’ve had to fight breast cancer. It’s tough for Brandon and Jonathan watching me go through this over and over again, but they are both amazing men and they’ve supported me every step of the way.” I’m left speechless at what this family has had to deal with.

“Feel free not to answer if it’s too personal, but when was the first time you found out?” Lizzy pats my shoulder, a small smile on her lips.

“Of course you can ask anything you want Lily. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Brandon was 5. We had been thinking about having another baby for a while, but I had been putting it off, enjoying my time with Brandon. I started to feel unwell, but I didn’t think anything of it until I found a lump on my left breast. I made an appointment to see a consultant immediately and by the end of that week I was having chemo and a mastectomy. I managed to beat it, but the chemo left me unable to have any more children. I consider myself extremely blessed to have Brandon. He was such a strong little boy, even at 5, he helped me through a very difficult time and asked for nothing in return.”

My heart breaks in my chest for a scared 5 year old Brandon, terrified of losing his mommy but being strong for her.

“I found a lump in my right breast when Brandon was 16. He should have been out with his friends having fun and being a normal 16 year old boy, but not Brandon. He came with me to every chemo session, rubbed my back when I was sick and looked after me every day without complaining. I didn’t need a mastectomy that time as they caught it early enough. I had the lump removed and the treatment got anything they might have missed. I really thought that was the end of it.”

I haven’t noticed a single room on our tour of the house, but I realise that Lizzy wanted me to know what Brandon has been through.

“A year ago I found another lump. I immediately had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Now that I’ve come through that, I got reconstructive surgery 2 months ago. I’m healing well but I’m still I bit tired out. Brandon worries too much. I can’t really blame him. He’s been through a lot. It’s been lovely to see how happy he is lately, and I’m certain that you’re the reason.” I know I’m blushing but I just can’t help it.

“Thank you Lizzy. He’s made a huge difference in my life in the short time I’ve known him. He means the world to me.”

“I know Lily. I know.” She gives me a gentle squeeze before we head back to find the boys.

Brandon and his dad are deep in discussion when we walk in, but as soon as Brandon sees me the conversation stops dead. There is definitely something going on. After a second, Brandon puts on his best panty-melting smile and stands up to greet me. Wrapping his arms around me he nuzzles into my neck.

“Where have you been? I came in and you were gone. You been having fun with my mom?” I give a glance to Lizzy who smiles warmly back at me.

“Yes, your mom and I had a really nice chat. Got some dirt on you and Simon into the bargain.”

“Oh really? I’ll torture it out of you later. Anyway, we better get going, we’ve got a big day tomorrow and I want you to get a good sleep so you can enjoy London when we get there.” His concern is sweet, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is off somehow. It takes us about half an hour to say our goodbyes, Brandon’s mom and dad wishing us a great trip and asking me to visit again soon. I really like them both. On the drive home Brandon is pretty quiet.

“Are you okay Brandon?” He immediately snaps out of his funk.

“Of course I am. My parents loved you and I get you to myself in London for the best part of a week. I’ve just got a work problem to sort out before we go. Nothing for you to worry about sweetheart. I just want to make sure nothing interrupts our time away together.” I can’t help but probe further.

“Is that what you were talking to your dad about when I came in earlier? You stopped talking as soon as you saw me. I thought maybe I had done something.” The look in his eyes is tender and almost pained as he answers me.

“You haven’t done anything wrong Lily. I was talking to my dad about the problem and he was giving me advice, that’s all. Honestly, you have
nothing
to worry about. I promise I’ll be more fun when we get to London and work is a distant memory.” I take him at his word and leave it at that.

He had a point when he said about getting a good sleep. By the time we make it back to his apartment I’m exhausted. My night with Jess must be catching up with me. I quickly get ready for bed but Brandon has to sort out his work thing but he comes to lie next to me, telling me he’ll get some work done in his office after I fall asleep.

“It’s fine Brandon. You can go do your work. I’ll be fine.” He kisses the top of my head as he curls me around his body.

“I missed you last night. I want to stay with you until you fall asleep. No arguments.” I’m too tired to argue so I nestle in and fall asleep in Brandon’s warm embrace.

I’m startled awake at 4am by the sound of Brandon’s front door. I reach over to wake Brandon, terrified that there is an intruder in the apartment. Brandon isn’t here, his side of the bed hasn’t been slept in. I’m cowering beneath the covers praying that I’m just having a bad dream when I hear the door creak open. A strangled scream escapes my throat.

“Fuck. Lily, it’s just me. It’s Brandon. It’s me baby.” I think my heart is about to explode out of my chest.

“I’m so sorry I frightened you. I was trying to be quiet.”

“Where were you Brandon? It’s 4am.” Brandon strips off his clothes and opens the door to the en-suite.

“I had to go into the office. I’m sorry. It’s all sorted now and we can go away and enjoy a break from everything. I’m just going to take a quick shower and I’ll be right in.”

Five minutes later he’s under the covers, sliding in next to me, pulling me close to his hard body.

“I’m all yours for the next 5 days, no work, I promise. It’s not always like this Lily. I don’t want you to think that life with me is always going to be phone calls and working crazy hours.”

“It’s fine Brandon. Let’s just get some sleep, we have a long day ahead. I’m glad you got whatever it was sorted out.”

“Me too baby. Me too.” I sense there is something more to that statement but right now I just want to calm my frayed nerves with the warmth and comfort that being in Brandon’s arms provides.

“Kiss me Brandon.” No other words are spoken between us. Brandon claims me body and soul with his kiss, before gently making love to me, our joint release, intense, slow, and earth—shattering. We fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms, all worries and reservations forgotten.