Til Debt Do Us Part (Married At Midnight #4)

Chapter 9

Nine

Talia

N ibbling on my lower lip, I peek inside the doorway of Dare’s office. He’s sitting behind his desk, jotting down notes in a legal pad, his crisp white shirt open at the collar. He’s looking particularly appealing to me today, though that might be just my hormones playing tricks on me.

Clearing my throat, I step more fully into the doorway and knock on the open door. He turns his steely blue eyes on me, pinning me in place without even moving.

“What is it, darling girl?” he asks. He uses his pet name for me, which turns my legs to jelly and makes my heart beat in double time.

Swallowing, I lift my chin. “What exactly am I supposed to do all day?”

Dare puts down his pen, pushing the pad of paper a few inches away from him.

“What do you mean?”

“Can I still mind the cash register at Aunt Minnie’s bookstore? And what about my work with Hope House? There are still children going through tough times. I may have access to an unbelievable amount of money now, but Hope House is still one step away from bankruptcy.”

He leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the edge of his solid wood desk. “I thought you would relish the idea of taking it easy.”

Walking over to his desk, I cross my arms. I’m gearing up for a battle. But I need to play it cool, not yell or lose my temper.

“I’m a hard worker. Always have been, always will be. It’s dyed in the wool, never coming out. So I can let my job at the restaurant slide. Gladly. But the other two activities, Aunt Minnie’s and Hope House? Those never paid me. They both give me things other than money.”

He blinks. A ripple of doubt runs across his face. “Like what? Money and power are the only currencies that anyone who’s anyone trades in these days.”

My lips thin. I draw in a breath to bolster myself.

“Working at the bookstore provides me with the security of knowing that I am making sure that my Aunt Minnie doesn’t lose her shirt. And Hope House… The kids need someone to be in their corner. They make me feel like I’m… being useful.”

“Useful?” He huffs out half a laugh.

“Yes.” I can feel my cheeks beginning to burn. “It’s important to be of service to people that need you.”

Dare snorts. “That sounds like crazy talk. I thought you would just take up a quiet hobby. Collecting art, maybe. Or be a patroness of the arts. My friend Calum owns a ballet company. Maybe he can get you started supporting some ballerinas.”

I can feel my heart sink and all the air leave my lungs. All the joy I have found in the last few days disappears in an instant as Dare's words hit me like a punch in the chest.

He looks at me, expecting me to acquiesce to his demands. But there is no way I'm giving up what has become so important to me. Each week, I go to Hope House and work with those kids, helping them through their crisis; it brings me incredible satisfaction and peace of mind. Besides, Aunt Minnie desperately needs me working at the bookstore.

She won’t hire anyone else to help around the store.

"You’re wrong," I reply firmly, meeting Dare's gaze head on with a confidence that surprises even myself. "I am not going to give up my job at the bookstore or volunteer work at Hope House. You may think I should be some fine lady of Harwicke, but that is not who I am and what I want."

Dare's eyes flash with anger and disbelief.

I stand there, unable to believe what I'm hearing. Dare wants me to give up my job at the bookstore and join charity boards? What kind of life is this? After all that I've done to make it here - working hard, getting into college, supporting myself - he expects me to just throw it away?

I can feel anger rising within me but before I can say anything Dare continues. "It will be good for you," he says. "You'll have more free time and won't be so tired from work."

He doesn't understand my passion for books or volunteering with children in Hope House. It brings me joy and a purpose that I can't get anywhere else. How can I possibly give that up?

I want to tell Dare all this, but I can't bring myself to. I just stand there feeling helpless and a little lost, not sure what my next move should be.

"I like volunteering with children in crisis at Hope House. What is your issue with it?" I ask. He says, "I don't have a problem with it, but you need to think bigger. As the wife of a billionaire, Talia, you have the ability to sit on the boards of charities. You can effect changes at a much higher level."

Maybe if I'm lucky I'll find something else here in Harwicke - something to fill the void left by giving up my job. But right now, I can only stare at Dare in silence, wishing he could understand how much it would mean to me if he just let me keep doing what I love.

But I guess that won't be the case for now. All I can do is take a deep breath and try to move forward, even when it feels like my heart is breaking in two.

"Dare..."

He looks up at me, his eyes scanning my face and his mouth tightening slightly.

"I can see you working up the nerve to say something. Spit it out."

Tossing my hair, I frown. "You don't even realize it, but you are taking something from me. Telling me to set my sights higher than merely volunteering at Hope House takes away the joy I get from being there with the kids. I wouldn't expect you to understand."

Dare arches an eyebrow. "I don't. But maybe..." He stops for a second, his lips pressing together. "Show me."

I sit on the corner of his desk, crossing my legs. He puts his hand on my leg, sliding it up my thigh. I blush and bite my lip, trying not to squirm at my husband's touch.

"Really?" I ask.

Dare's lips twitch. "I can almost guarantee that I won't like it nearly as much as you do."

My heart flutters as I realize this could be my chance to do something meaningful. Dare's giving me a single tiny crack in his otherwise impenetrable shell made of wealth and privilege. I would be crazy to push him away now.

"Okay," I say softly. "Let's do it."

Dare smiles knowingly and squeezes my leg gently before releasing me.

“Just like that?” I ask, narrowing my eyes on his face.

He shrugs. “If it will make you stop nattering on about your life’s purpose, I can give you one afternoon.”

* * *

We arrive at the children's shelter, the loud sound of laughter and cries of joy ringing around me. Most of the older kids were in school today, but a few younger ones remain, accompanied by volunteers.

As I step into the shelter, I’m met with warm smiles and hugs from the familiar faces - people I have grown to know over time. We exchange pleasantries, catching up on recent events before saying hello to the children who run up to greet me and shower me with hugs.

Gathering us all together in the giant playroom, I guide Ansel— a seven-year-old boy whom I've befriended— towards a table filled with colorful blocks. He looks excited yet apprehensive as he eyes the construction toys.

Dare kneels down beside Ansel and watches the boy with an apprehensive gaze. I smile at Dare, giving him what I think is a soothing look. I’m honestly just impressed that he allowed me to talk him into coming to Hope House.

“Have you ever played with blocks?” Ansel asks me. He stacks three blocks and then looks at me skeptically. “My friend Jake says that you probably haven’t done lots of normal stuff because you are a fancy rich lady.”

My cheeks color. It’s everything I can do not to stare at Dare. I have this feeling that if I glance his way, I’ll crack up. Instead, I focus on speaking softly to Ansel, giving him my full attention.

"What do you think you could build with this?" I ask Ansel. I pick up a block and place my hand lightly on his shoulder, giving him a smile of reassurance.

He hesitates before answering, "I don't know. Maybe a castle?"

I smile wider. "That's a wonderful idea!"

Ansel begins to assemble the blocks slowly. Soon other children join us at the table, eager to be part of the activity. They crowd around Ansel and I, offering their help and advice for Ansel's project as it starts to take shape.

Ansel's eyes widen in surprise as he sees the group of children approach. "Thank you so much for your help!" He exclaims.

The children listen attentively as Ansel describes his plans and offers constructive suggestions.

"Look how high it is!" Ansel crows.

"It's incredible," one of the other children says.

“Very good,” Dare manages

Ansel smiles, looking around himself.

A volunteer sweeps into the playroom and announces, "We have a new arrival. Everyone, meet Solana."

She nudges a small girl forward. Solana has long black hair and dusky brown skin, coupled with beautiful doe-brown eyes. She’s wearing an oversized and wrinkled blue smock over a long-sleeved white tee-shirt. She clings to the volunteer's pant leg, looking around with wide eyes.

“Solana, it’s okay,” I coax the girl. “You can come play with us.”

“I have blocks!” Ansel crows, waving a red block at Solana.

The volunteer pushes Solana forward a step. She looks like a newborn deer walking for the first time and stares at us as if we are a foreign species.

I lean forward and extend a block to the girl. “Have you ever played with these? Do you want to show us what you can build?”

Solana’s gaze darts to Dare, taking in his size and stature. As I watch, she runs to straight to Dare, throwing her arms around his waist and resting her head against his belly. His eyes go wide. His posture stiffens. He glances at me, confusion evident in his gaze.

My mouth curls up at the corners. “She likes you, I guess. Right, Solana?”

Solana nods her head, hiding her face.

"I can't believe that anyone is so trusting," Dare replies, rubbing her lightly on the back.

"I've never seen a kid act like this," I comment.

The volunteer gently says, "Solana has had a tough week at home. She needs extra care and attention."

"Of course," I'm quick to respond. "We're happy to take over. Right, Solana?"

The girl only seems to burrow further into the black silk of Dare's shirt.

Dare blinks in surprised confusion, his cheeks turning a deep red. He hesitates only for a moment before wrapping an arm around Solana's shoulder while offering her a gentle smile of reassurance. I watch as he tries to appear composed and confident despite clearly being out of his comfort zone.

"It's okay," Dare whispers, "Everything will be alright."

Solana seems to relax a bit, although she still looks away shyly. I can’t help but stifle my laughter at the sight; here is this towering figure trying to comfort this young girl, both of them clearly so uncomfortable yet still managing to find some solace in each other.

Solana gazes at Dare, her eyes brimming with admiration. Dare is taken aback by the intensity of her stare, but he welcomes the feeling all the same; not quite understanding it, but embracing it all the same.

"What do you want me to help you build first?" He asks as he sits down next to her.

She throws him a coy smile and points towards a pile of wooden blocks. "This tower!" She exclaims confidently, despite her obvious insecurity.

Dare chuckles at her enthusiasm and begins assembling the pieces. An undeniable warmth fills the room as they interact; his kindness radiating off him in waves. I can't help but smile, watching them come together.

Solana inches closer to Dare, her gaze locked intensely on him. She watches in awe as he deftly places the blocks of the tower. She hastily begins to mimic his actions, grasping a block and carefully setting it atop the structure.

Dare abruptly notices, throwing an astonished look of surprise before swiftly grinning back at Solana. "I'm glad you're enjoying it," he whispers softly.

"Hey, I'm just playing with blocks." I bite my cheek to keep myself from grinning and stack a few blocks.

He takes it in stride and begins talking to Solana.

"What kind of things do you like?" he asks.

Solana blushes and replies, "I like reading and playing piano."

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Dare inquires.

The shy girl shakes her head slowly and answers in a whisper. "Just my mom and dad."

Dare smiles warmly. "That's cool. I have a twin brother, but when he was annoying me as a kid, I would kind of wish I was an only child. You get all the attention and you don't have to share your stuff."

She gives him a grave look. "Maybe."

He shifts the topic.

"What are some of your favorite places?"

Still whispering, Solana says, "I like the park near my house and the library where I go for story time."

Dare listens intently as she talks about things that matter most to her, never interrupting or judging.

I can't help but feel emotional myself; such moments make me remember why I do this work— why we choose to volunteer at shelters in our spare time despite our busy schedules— because these brief opportunities matter more than anything else when it comes to giving back to those who need it most.

"What else do you like to do?" Dare asks, trying to make small talk.

Solana's face lights up. "I love gymnastics!" She spins around and begins doing cartwheels across the playroom floor. Dare watches in amazement as she performs one complex move after another. When she finally finishes, he applauds thunderously and grins giddily at her accomplishment.

I step back and laugh, marveling at the scene before me. This is why we chose to volunteer at shelters— to be able to share these kinds of moments with others.

At one point, Solana looks up at me with a huge smile on her face and says "Dare's cool!" I can't help but chuckle at this; it warms my heart to see how much she is enjoying their conversation.

Dare's gentle demeanor brings out the best in Solana, and watching them together fills me with hope for the future. If he's this great with kids he doesn't know, I can't wait to see how good he is with the baby I'm carrying.

We spend some time conversing with Solana, and I'm eager to join in.

"So, what do you want to be when you grow up?" I inquire.

Solana's face brightens and she answers energetically. "A doctor, an astronaut, a detective..." She motions around the room at her toys and grins. "I can do whatever I want, because I'm brave!"

Dare takes all of this in stride, eager to learn more about Solana just as I am. He doesn't talk much—which makes his presence even more powerful—but he listens intently as Solana talks about her interests and future aspirations.

One of the volunteers comes in and tells us that it's time for the kids to come upstairs for a snack and a nap. It's fine, because it's around the time of the end of our visit anyway.

Solana pulls Dare into a warm embrace, and he slowly brings his arms around her. "Take care," she says softly.

He steps back, giving her a small nod as he struggles to swallow the lump in his throat. "You too."

The genuine emotion between them makes tears prick my eyes. Despite only knowing each other for a few moments, they’ve formed a connection that even I can sense. We reluctantly say our goodbyes.

The drive home from the shelter is quiet; neither of us feel like talking much after such an emotional day. Dare seems to be lost in thought, and I'm not sure what he's thinking about.

Dare squints through the window, desperately seeking the truth. "What will happen to Solana if she isn't adopted?" he asks meekly.

“Solana comes from a very sad situation. Her parents died recently, and there don’t seem to be any relatives that have offered to take her. Her future is nothing but a question mark at this point. Hopefully, god willing, an aunt or uncle will turn up.”

He quirks his head. “Surely there are plenty of decent parents waiting to take in a bright kid like her.”

I feel my chest grow heavy with sadness. Rubbing the sore spot the feeling creates, I give him a wistful smile. "Finding homes for kids over the age of three is often nearly impossible," I reply. "It's heartbreaking to contemplate that she might never find a family. It kills me to think about it. She'll be stuck bouncing around from one foster home to the next until she ages out of the system. Those experiences will haunt her for the rest of her life."

I feel my throat closing up. Solana's sorrowful gaze flashes in my head. She must know what is happening, but at her young age, she can't quite put all the pieces together.

He goes quiet, looking away out his own window. After half a minute of waiting, I shrug and lapse into daydreaming about my own future. The silence stretches on for ten minutes at least.

When Dare finally speaks, it isn't to talk about Solana at all. Dare says, "I'm moving the company headquarters out of Harwicke."

My eyes widen and my head whips around.

"What?! Why would you do that?!" I exclaim.

Dare gives me a hard look and replies firmly. "It's way past due time to make a change. There will be no innovation or radical changes in the same place the company has been for over a hundred years. Morgan Drilling is dying a slow, painful death here. I'm thinking practically."

"What about the rest of the town?" I ask incredulously. "The shelter is only open because your company keeps the town of Harwicke alive. Without your company, the town will wither and die. Hope House will be forced to close its doors."

"That is... unfortunate," Dare says. "I don't think I should be blamed for that, though."

I gape at him. "Do you not understand that your decisions affect people?"

He looks at me like I'm a puzzle he can't figure out. "It's only business," he says simply before lapsing back into silence.

I shake my head in disbelief, not knowing how else to make him understand.