The halls of Van Cleef Enterprises hummed with excitement as each department prepared for the final preparations on the Chadwick project. Sable, making her way toward her father’s office, did not notice. Her mind was still on Stephen and their intimate encounter. From the outside observer, her steady feminine strides spoke of confidence and strength, but Sable’s elegant legs wobbled with each step she took.
The vivid memories flashing freshly in her mind and the knowledge that she was in love with Stephen had her insides quivering with excitement and fear. Excitement because she had never felt this way before about anyone. Fear because it was new, unfamiliar, and dangerous territory that she had knowledge of only from various observations, or from listening to other people who either enjoyed the experience, or avoided it like the plague.
Warm electricity humming in her body, made a slight smile touch her lips, as understanding dawned that they had not only kissed, but also touched each other in ways that only destined lovers, partners, would do.
This is only the beginning, she thought with each determined step she took, aware but not reacting to the chaos of the various department heads shouting orders, while subordinates scurried to comply nervously around her.
This, she was sure of, was a journey that neither would turn away from. But the question was, did she want to?
Sable knew that she was in love with Stephen; she did not know when it happened, or how; she just knew that she was in love with Stephen Hart. Now, what to do about it, she thought, continuing to her father’s office.
Standing at her father’s office door, she took a deep breath hoping to focus herself. Her father said to her often when she was a little girl, control yourself. Taking another deep breath, Sable stepped confidently into his office. They greeted each other with hugs, kisses on the cheeks as always, then immediately got down to business. Like father, like daughter.
George, needing to give Sable more details about the Chadwick project before his next meeting, being an astute man was instantly aware of the change in his daughter. Restraining himself from questioning her was hard on him. He loved her so very much, but memories of all the times she carefully and patiently reminded him that she was a grown woman and perfectly capable of taking care of herself, while kissing him gently on the cheek as if to comfort him, often kept him from opening his mouth.
A grown woman. He mentally shook his head, knowing he did not want to think about that and all that came with it. She is still his little girl, he thought stubbornly.
As he talked about the various events that would be taking place simultaneously, he noticed the blank look on Sable’s face. The importance of things going as scheduled was too vital for Sable to be thinking of something else other than the subject at hand. This was not like her at all. He did not like it. There could be no mistakes. The Chadwick project must go as he had planned.
Finally, when he had reached the end of his patience as a father, not as a businessman, he asked quietly, “little girl…what’s wrong?” Sable said nothing for a few minutes. Not wanting him to worry, because nothing was wrong, she was just in love for the first time in her life and needed to think about it.
“Nothing Daddy,” she said smiling, stressing the word Daddy on purpose. Shaking his head at her stubbornness, briefly wondering from whom she had gotten that trait. Then he smiled, knowing that both he and Jennie were stubborn to a fault, and Sable did not stand a chance of being passive with them as parents. He mentally admitted temporary defeat, knowing that when she was ready, she would come to him.
It was still hard sometimes, knowing his little girl really was a grown woman, because he still desperately wanted to protect her from the disappointments and hurts of the world. A slight smile touched her lips, as her eyes twinkled with love, understanding the concern she saw in his eyes.
“I’m fine Daddy…really,” she said confidently. “I’m your daughter, remember? You’ve taught me well.”
Yes. He did try to teach her all he knew, not only about business, but also about life as well. Despite his fatherly concerns, he would have to trust her to make good sound decisions for her life, even if he did not approve. He hoped that when the time came, she would ask for his advice, and not stubbornly try to handle everything on her own. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.
Respecting her decision and accepting her response, they continued their meeting going over every detail with meticulous consideration. When they were sure that every ‘I’ was dotted, and every ‘t’ was crossed, they hugged one another affectionately, both reveling in their unique relationship as father and daughter.
When Sable touched his cheek gently, like she had always done since she was a little girl, he saw that she still had that faraway look in her eyes. He would not push for answers. Unfortunately, she was way too much like him, he thought with parental pride. Giving her one last fatherly squeeze, he closely watched her as she walked toward his office door, quietly closing it behind her.
Glancing at his watch, he began preparing for his other meeting with the chief of police. Being a very astute man, he knew his daughter, and knew she did not seem upset, but there was something there each time he mentioned Stephen’s name.
Grabbing his briefcase, exiting his office, he quickly waved at his secretary as he continued on to the elevators. As he patiently waited for the elevator, his mind reflected back to his daughter. He suspected she had feelings for Stephen. He would not interfere. Stephen is a good man, he thought.
Stepping into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor, he secretly hoped Sable and Stephen would find their way to each other. Having that special kind of love, he thought as the elevator made its descent, only happens once in a lifetime. Jennie’s face flashed before his eyes. Focus, he told himself.
Arriving on the ground floor, stepping outside to a beautiful sunny day and his awaiting driver, he looked up at the clear blue sky. Yes, they would be good for one another, George thought, while slipping into the car.