The imposing oak door was ajar, signaling to Cal that he was expected and the floorboards creaked as he entered as if to announce his arrival. Cal was instantly struck with the intense green-eyed stare of his father, a look that pinned most men to the wall, stopped them in their tracks, or triggered an instinctual urge to run. Cal had grown up with this look, its warning instilled in him since he was a toddler. It had shaped him, and Cal even adapted a similar look of his own. And though the familiar sensations of fear, guilt and shame emerged in the back of his mind when faced with this penetrating gaze, Cal was pleased to find that the dull fog of his indifference kept the greatest impact of his father's intimidation at bay.
"Is this some kind of joke?" Nathan Hockley demanded, the sharp tones of his voice cutting through the wide space between his desk and the doorway. "One of your ploys to distract the papers from covering the extent of our losses?"
"Hello, Father. It's good to see you too."
"Don't be smart. When I ask you a question, you answer it."
"It's no joke. In fact, it's very serious and very real." Cal said, turning away from his father's stone-cold façade to pour himself a brandy from a nearby decanter. "Not to mention legitimate and legally binding."
"Children can be adopted, but they can just as easily be given away."
Cal didn't take well to this threatening remark, but he bit his tongue and did his best to cool his temper, swallowing the full contents of his glass before pouring another. "Are you referring to your new granddaughter, or your son? Because you've threatened me with disownment before and I'm afraid it's not nearly as intimidating the second time. Let alone the third."
"You'll know when I'm threatening you, boy," Nathan warned, his eyes taking on a dark and dangerous light. "And you will hear me now and understand this: That urchin is not staying in this house and she will not take our name."
"It's already hers." Cal said directly, meeting his father's gaze and pushing right back with his own. "As we speak, mother is seeing to her new granddaughter, your granddaughter, Evelyn Hockley. She's a delightful girl and she'll make a splendid addition to our family. You don't have to like it, but you do you have to accept it. If you don't want us to stay, fine. But know this, I will not tolerate you being cruel to her. And if you feel that's something you cannot contain, then I'll be happy to take my daughter and go."
Nathan had been steadily approaching his son throughout his speech, physical intimidation taking the place of a verbal retort. The elder Hockley was several inches taller than his son and despite his age, he retained a strong and sturdy figure. Starring Caledon down, his expression went from subdued furry to suspicious speculation to smug superiority.
"You think because you survived a shipwreck, that makes you invincible? The adrenaline might grant you bravery, my boy, but it's also made you stupid, even more so than before. You lost your pretty fiancé but saved a wretched orphan instead. A rather pitiful consolation prize if you ask me."
With a shrill crack, the glass in Cal's hand shattered. He looked down in alarm to find his palm bleeding, shards of crystal littered across the floor. Nathan took a step back, his polished black shoes moving just out of reach of the pooling brandy. Cal looked up just in time to catch his father's smirk before he returned to his desk.
"I want this ridiculousness cleared up immediately, before word of your mental break leaks to the press."
"The press won't know anything about it." Cal said. With shaking hands he withdrew his handkerchief and wrapped it tightly around his palm. "Evelyn Hockley has endured enough trauma in her young life, she doesn't need strange men with cameras harassing her. She also doesn't deserve to be frightened by an old man who doesn't appreciate her worth. Until I'm certain you can be civil, I won't subject my daughter to your cruelty."
"Caledon!"
"We won't be staying for dinner. Good night." Leaving the mess and his flabbergasted father behind, Cal strode out of the study, tightening a knot in the handkerchief with his free hand and his teeth.
He was fuming, and in no state to see Evelyn just yet. Without realizing it, he'd made his way to the greenhouse. A potted hibiscus became his unfortunate target as Cal picked up its vase and sent it crashing to the floor. It felt good to let out his frustration, but the momentary release of his outburst was instantly shadowed by shame. Cal paced for a bit before sitting on one of the benches, his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands.
A hand on his shoulder made him jump, but when he saw the kind face that came with it, Cal relaxed into her touch. Wiping a hand over his face he said wearily, "I'm sorry, Mom. I'll replace the vase and the flowers."
"There's no need, sweetheart. They don't matter. Are you alright?" She asked softly, eyeing the makeshift bandage around his hand.
Cal sighed, not answering for some time. He was so far from alright that he wasn't sure he'd ever be that way again. But at least, the hardest part was over. He'd faced his father and stood his ground. The dread and anticipation of awaiting Nathan's reaction was gone. Now Cal just had to keep his word and continue to do whatever was best for Evelyn.
"I'm as well as can be expected. But I'm afraid Evelyn and I won't be staying for dinner."
"Nonsense!" Anne said, drawing his eye. "I've already shown her her room and she loves it. Not to mention Cora and her family are coming and they're so excited to see you, both of you." She added quickly. "And I need some time with my boy."
Anne sat beside him on the bench, stroking her son's cheek as she imagined all the horrible things he'd endured just to be sitting here with her again. "Even seeing you and touching you, I still can't believe you're back." She said quietly, searching his eyes. "Every morning I wake up, afraid that it isn't true. That you died that night at sea and I've been ghost walking in a dream. I-I need you close to know it's real. To know you're safe. Please stay, sweetheart. I'll deal with your father."
Just like Nathan, Cal could never say no to his mother, and he wondered if anyone could. She was so kind, so earnest. Cal missed this and found that he didn't want to go away. Even with his father present, the Hockley estate would soon be filled with family and would make for a much warmer welcome for Evelyn than his empty house.
Turning toward her touch, Cal kissed her palm and took her hand in his. "Alright. Try, if you like. I've made my intension clear to him and I won't budge. Evelyn and I will stay so long as she's welcomed here."
"She is. You go and see her while I speak to your father. It may be best to avoid his part of the house for now but, by the time dinner is ready, everything will be civil. I promise."
"Thank you, Mom…What do you think of her?"
Anne's smile widened, "Evelyn is a lovely child. She's very quiet, but curious. She reminds me of you at her age."
Cal's smile was sad and tears pricked his eyes as he looked away. "Am I doing the right thing? I'm in way over my head and sometimes I realize how much she depends on me and then I'm terrified that I'll mess everything up and ruin her life even more-" Cal's voice was beginning to tremble so he stopped, biting his tongue and refusing to break down.
His mother wrapped her arm around him, squeezing his shoulders and trying to catch his gaze. "That is the most natural feeling in the world, my love. Every parent experiences fear and doubt when raising their children. It comes with the territory. I admit, I was hesitant when you told me you adopted this girl. But meeting her, and seeing how much she looks up to you, I have no doubt that you made the right choice…Sometimes, when we're at our lowest, we need something or someone to love, to help get us back on our feet. You two need each other, Caledon. Of that I am certain."
Cal turned back to her, a grateful smile playing hesitantly across his handsome features. With a nod and a quick wipe of his eyes, Cal rose and helped his mother to stand. Anne held onto him, pulling his wrapped hand closer to examine the damage.
"You should clean this and dress it properly." She said, her voice carrying all the doting concern of a mother accustomed to boys. "Do you remember where the first aid kit is? If I'm going to tame your father by dinner, I better get started."
Cal couldn't help but crack a smile, assuring his mother that he knew where it was and promising he'd see to it before checking on Evelyn.
Satisfied, Anne fussed over him briefly, adjusting her son's tie and straightening his jacket. Then she stood on tip toe, placed a kiss on his grizzled cheek and said. "I love you, sweetheart. I'm so glad you're home."
"Me too, Mom." Cal replied, and watched as the little woman in her sparkling gown went in pursuit of her fearsome husband.