Chapter Sixty-three

 

 

…every place of refuge has its price…

 

Cecilia entered her cold, dark house and slowly trudged up the stairs to her lonely room. With Elizabeth and the children gone, the house seemed so big…and empty. And for the first time in her life, she was lonely. Yes, she’d been alone before, especially after her father’s death—but never lonely. With a heavy sigh, Cecilia contemplated paying a visit to her godfather. Though she saw him at the office every day, she hadn’t been to No. 33 ½ Legare St. in months. No. She shook her head. She couldn’t go there. It would be too humiliating to let Daniel see her like this. He would know. He always knew. So, no, a visit to Daniel was out.

Cecilia let out a long breath. Since that awful confrontation with David, all she could do was sit in the quiet of her room each night, reliving their times together while listening to the CD he’d given her. The candle, now long spent, she’d replaced. Cecilia moved to her closet and hung her purse on the doorknob. Turning, she walked over to light the new candle. Before changing her clothes, she once again slipped the CD into the sound system.

Gently drawing back the bedcovers, she smoothed the sheets, softly caressing David’s pillow. Breathing in the sweet scent of Sensual Orchid, she could almost feel his presence in her room—in her bed once more.

What had been the difference between David and the other men she’d known? Mulling it over, she sighed. It was manhood. While most men never learned the secret, David, like her father, understood what it meant to be a man. He was strong and confident, secure in who he was, and he made her feel like a woman. That’s why she’d fallen for him…and why the pain of losing him was so acute.

She’d never known what it was like to be loved until she met him. He had given her a sexual experience she knew she would never have again—a connection so deep that it came straight from the heart. No one would ever replace him. No one would even come close. She shook her head. She’d never allow another man that close again. No one would ever be given the power to break her heart like David had.

Walking over to the side table, she opened a fresh bottle of peach brandy and poured herself a stiff drink. Another night, another bottle of brandy. This couldn’t go on. This was not like her.

…Celia, get a grip. Face it…he’s gone. You knew it wouldn’t last…it was too good to be true. Cameron was right. Cameron…he’s called you twice. You need to return his call.

Picking up the phone, she punched in his number. “Cameron, it’s Celia. I need to talk. Can you come over? I’m at the townhouse.”

“What’s wrong, baby? You sound down. Did he leave you?”

“How very perceptive of you,” she smirked. “Let’s just say it didn’t work out. Too many cultural differences, I suppose,” she lied. Hell would freeze over before she confessed anything to him.

“I’ll be there in thirty minutes. You need to get out. I have a standing table down at The Wharf. Do you feel like seafood tonight?”

She laughed. “When have I ever not felt like seafood? I’ll be ready—and Cameron—don’t be late.”

“Celia babe, I’m never late.”

 

~*~

 

True to his word, Cameron arrived at her door on time with flowers and a bottle of champagne. Cecilia invited him in while her maid took the flowers and put the champagne in the refrigerator. As Sandy was about to place the flowers in a vase, Cecilia stopped her.

“No, not that vase. I want you to pack it away. Use Grandmother Lawton’s crystal vase in the drawing room.”

“Sure, Ms. Lawton.” Sandy frowned. “It’s an awfully pretty vase to be packed away, though. Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. Pack it away.”

She couldn’t bear to see Cameron’s flowers in David’s vase. That night at The Woodlands had been special. Thinking back upon it, she realized that was the night she had begun to fall for him.

Looking at his watch, Cameron prompted, “Celia, are you almost ready? It’s nearly six thirty. We need to eat, and we have a lot to discuss.”

“I’ll get my purse.”

 

~*~

 

Once at The Wharf, Cameron wasted no time in coming to the point. “Celia, now that the Brit is out of the way, it’s time for you and I to come to an understandin’ and discuss our future, the blendin’ of our corporate assets, and of course, children,” he said with a confident smile. “You know your father wanted us to marry, and there is nothing that would make my daddy happier. Mother has always loved you…and you know I have loved you since we were children in grade school.”

Cecilia smiled as she lifted her glass to her lips. …So this is how it is…we negotiate a contract. Well, if that’s how it’s going to be, then I might as well negotiate the best deal I can get.

“Cameron, I’m not ready for a formal arrangement, but if you’re willing to take what I have to offer, I believe we can come to an informal understanding.”

He nodded for her to continue.

“First and foremost, you have to give up Amelia. I won’t have you sleeping with her when you’re supposed to be with me. Second of all, don’t push me into marriage until I say I’m ready. And when we’re married, you will remain faithful. If you don’t, I want a clause written into the prenuptial where I can obtain a speedy divorce with no hassles. Lastly, I will maintain full control over all Lawton assets, including the cotton and rice foundations.” She sat her drink down and crossed her arms over her chest.

He smiled. “I’ll accept your terms as long as the sons you give me are set to inherit Lawton. Other than that, we’ll have our attorneys draw up prenuptials to which we both can agree. As for Amelia, I’ll give her up…on one condition.” Pausing for a sip of wine, he looked Cecilia directly in the eye. “Invite me back into your bed. Spend the weekend with me at Magnolia Place. My parents are in town for the season. We’ll be alone.”

Breathing deeply, she picked up her napkin and unfolded it, placing it neatly in her lap. She cut her eyes across at him and then to the waiter who’d just approached with their meal. This was not what she wanted. The thought was revolting, but she knew she couldn’t keep him at bay forever. A decision had to be made. She’d spent enough time with David to know he wouldn’t be coming back riding on a white steed to rescue her. When the waiter finished serving their food, she picked up her wine glass and made a toast.

“To us. Pick me up on Friday after work. I’ll be ready.” Setting her glass aside, she picked up her fork and began to play with her salad.

 

~*~

 

The entire drive back from the restaurant, Cecilia’s stomach churned. For the first time in her life, she felt cheap. She’d just agreed to sleep with, and eventually marry, a man she could barely stand, let alone love. He said he loved her, but she didn’t believe him for a moment. She knew the real reasons for his interest were the merger of Lawton and Taylor Shipping, as well as the merger of two of Charleston’s oldest families. And he had cleverly sidestepped the issue of faithfulness. She inwardly laughed. He would cheat in a New York minute, and she knew it.

When they reached her door, she invited him in. They had the champagne he’d brought while he babbled on about kids, houses, and wealth. She couldn’t really remember what all he’d said. Inwardly, she silently cried. The only thing that reverberated through her mind was David’s laughter…his smiles…his kiss…his touch. Snapping out of her fog, she realized Cameron was leaving.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six for dinner, and then on Friday we’ll go to the plantation. We’ll ride down to the creek by the old gristmill and sit on the rock overlooking the water like we used to. I’ll even bring my sketchbook and a bottle of wine. You bring cheese and grapes.” He laughed. “I still have that collection of poetry I wrote for you when we were teenagers. I’ll bring that, too, and we can read it and reminisce. It’s gonna be like old times... Just you and me, babe. Wait and see.”

She smiled. …No…it’ll never be like it used to be. I don’t love you. I never have. And the old gristmill? It still holds the taint of another woman. You still don’t get it…

Seeing her smile, he pulled her into his arms, talking to her in between peppered kisses. “I’ll make it up to you, baby. All I ask for is two sons…two sons. You can have anything you want—a house full of kids if that’s what you want, or no more than two—provided they’re sons.” Tightening his grip, he continued to kiss her. Finally breaking away, he said, “We have a lot to talk about…a lot to settle. I love you, babe. I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Be ready,” he said, making his way out the door for his car.

Watching him go, Cecilia reflected. She had no brother, no sister, no cousins. Duty and responsibility—the thought of it made her sick. She knew she was settling for one of the most pompous asses in Charleston, but her options had just run out. Suppressing a sob, she lingered against the doorframe, staring out into the nothingness. David wasn’t coming back. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could still see that look… the look of hurt, pain, anger, and betrayal. …David…he was going to marry me…and I lost him…I’ve lost him for good. She shook her head as the tears fell. Every place of refuge had its price, and she had just paid it. She hung her head and cried.

 

~*~

 

Getting into his canary-yellow Vette, Cameron sped away to his townhouse on Tradd St. He smiled. He finally had what he wanted—the prettiest woman in Charleston. With her connections, business was sure to improve. He’d have access to the Carolina Gold and the Sea Island Cotton. His wealth would increase substantially. Two of the oldest families in South Carolina would finally be uniting. He grinned. …I can’t wait till this weekend. I still remember what it was like when she wrapped those long legs around me. Celia always was the best piece of ass I’ve ever had. I wonder if she’s still as tight as she used to be. Umm… perhaps we can catch the NCAA playoffs Sunday afternoon. South Carolina’s playin’ against Alabama in the finals.