Effie’s knuckles grew white as she sat next to Zander in the back of the limo, clutching her phone. “What do you need to say to me, Mom?”
“Effie,” her mom said softly. “Your father and I saw the interview on television.”
Effie tensed. Here it comes.
“It was a good interview, Mom,” she said defensively. “We didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I know you didn’t. I know what it’s like to want something big and not be able to afford it.”
Effie’s head jerked backward. I didn’t expect her to say that. “You do?”
A breathy sigh met her ears. “Yes. I wanted to go to college very badly when I was done with high school. My parents were as poor as your father and I are. I was smart and got accepted into Vassar. So did my best friend, Debra.”
“Are you kidding me? Why didn’t I know about this?” Effie slid the icon to Speaker so Zander could hear. She held her finger over her lips to indicate for him to keep quiet.
“I was ashamed of that part of my life. I wanted to bury it.” Her mother’s voice changed into something dreamy, virtually unrecognizable. “I wanted to be a poet. I was going to study literature at Vassar. I managed a grant or two, a student loan or two, but then my mother got cancer.”
“Yes, but grandma fought it and won.”
“She did. She was a fighter until the end. But, I was an only child like you. Dad couldn’t possibly pay for medical treatment. For me, it wasn’t even a choice. I had to work and help my dad pay for Mom’s care.” She stopped speaking for a moment. When she resumed, her voice had transformed to a harsh, tight sound. “Debra went to Vassar. Her family had money. I was so bitter, though. I’ve held onto that bitterness like a sword festering in my side. I never spoke to Debra again. Oh, sure, she called me a couple of times, but I refused to answer and never called her back. She had what I wanted. The only good thing to come of that time was meeting your father. We married. And then, we got pregnant, and you were born. There would be no college for me. I…” A sniffle sounded.
Effie sat still, rapt. Her eyes moistened with tears as she listened to her mom’s honesty. She couldn’t recall ever hearing her mom speak so candidly to her.
Zander placed his hand on her thigh.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been the best mom. My own bitterness about not being able to pursue my dreams got in the way of everything. I’m responsible for filling your head with lies about the Have More Moneys and the Fuck My Life’s.” Mom’s voice cracked.
“So that’s where that came from,” Zander mouthed. He let out a soft chuckle.
“It’s okay, Mom. Apology accepted.” Effie choked out the words.
“You’re too swift to forgive. Let me show you I can be a better mom. I’m sorry for calling you a prostitute and for not believing in you. Tell Zander I’m sorry for judging him. And thank him for loving you. It’s obvious that he does.”
Effie thought about telling Mom that Zander was listening but decided against it. She didn’t want her mom to feel embarrassed. “We both love each other very much.”
“I could see that on the news show.” There was a small pause, then her mother said, “Well…I’ll let you go. But know this. Euphemia Olivia D’Archangel, your father and I are as proud as proud can be of you. You’re a remarkable young woman. You’ll do great things. Go and climb huge mountains, Effie.”
By the time Effie hung up the phone, fat tears dripped down her cheeks.
Zander pulled her close, stroking her hair and making shushing sounds. He kissed the top of her head.
When she’d stopped crying, he eased her back. “That was something, wasn’t it?”
Effie nodded. “It was. I never in a million years suspected what she told me. My heart feels so full I can barely stand it.”
“Then it’s as good a time as any,” he said. His eyes sparkled with mischief.
“To do what?” She blinked.
“I was going to wait and propose to you on the top of a mountain. But I can’t wait any longer.” He slid from the seat and got down on one knee. “Effie D’Archangel, would you be my wife? I’d be truly honored to be your husband, ’til death do us part.”
Effie’s heart felt like it was going to catapult from her chest. More tears—tears of joy, this time—filled her eyes. “Oh, yes, Zander. A thousand times yes.”
“Perfect answer, Ms. D’Archangel.” He reached across to the minibar, opened it, and retrieved a velvet box. “I picked this up earlier today to take with us on our travels. I couldn’t think of a better place to hide it, so…” He shrugged. “Into the fridge it went.”
He opened the box, presenting her with the largest diamond engagement ring she could imagine.
“Oh, I love it, Zander.” She pressed her hand to her mouth.
He plucked the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. “Let’s explore the world together, as husband and wife. I want to have endless adventures with you.” He leaned forward and kissed her, long and hard. Then he broke the kiss, cupped her face, and smiled.
“I can’t wait, sweetheart,” she said, grinning. “Let’s go climb a mountain.”
The End
If you’d like to continue the Adrenaline series, try Book 1, Crazy Love or Book 2: Twisted Love. All books are HEA and can be read in any order.
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