“Okay, Matt, I don’t get it. I was ready to marry you in December, and you said there was no argument on your part. Here we are in March, and we still haven’t set a date. I feel you’re hedging. And I don’t like your idea of an engagement party. I want a wedding. Don’t you feel the same?”
He whirled in front of her and came to an abrupt stop. She almost ran right into him.
“Of course, I feel the same. Surely you’re not questioning that?”
“Then I don’t understand.”
“I want a wedding as much as you, but I need you to meet my world, my family …” He paused. “... my past. And it’s taken me this long just to get you to agree to an engagement party.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Anna, I’ve met your friends, I know your family, your sister, your sons. And even if Mark doesn’t like me, I know what I face walking into marriage. You know nothing about my life.
Anna threw up her arms. “Well, whose fault is that? You never talk about your family. I know nothing more than the fact your parents live in Toronto, and you’re an only child. I’ve asked, Matt, but you remain vague.”
She noticed an odd expression flit across his face before he turned to walk, but Anna stood her ground. “Please don’t walk away.”
He quickly turned back. “I’m not walking away, I’m trying to find the words to convey the world I grew up in.” He brushed a hand through his hair in frustration.
“Let’s walk. I can think better when you’re not looking at me with those flashing black eyes like you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset … I just don’t understand your reservation. You knocked my door down. You pursued me. But since I said yes to marriage, I’ve felt like we’re in limbo.”
“You’ve got it so wrong.” He whipped both hands through his hair, causing the waves to spring up and forward.
She ached to kiss the anxiety from his face and smooth the wayward curls from his brow, but this conversation was needed.
“How do I explain to the most loving mother in the world that my mother should never have been one? Thank God she only had me.”
He paused.
“My so-called-mother openly accused me of wrecking her life, Anna. She told me I stole her freedom … but how that was true is beyond me. I had a full-time nanny who raised me.
“And she often went on about my father’s affairs and how having me changed everything. I was only seven and didn’t have a clue what that meant, but I felt her distance and her coldness. As I got older, I realized the fact she sat around all day with her friends eating and drinking had more to do with her extra pounds than having one child.
“Dad was not much better. He was never unkind to me like my mother, but neither was he a father. He cared only about making money and social status. He worked long days and socialized the rest. Went from one affair to another. When he and my mother were together, they fought incessantly.”
“But, Matt, I don’t understand. Your parents are still together, aren’t they?”
“Because of the money. Dad came from a lot of money and Mom didn’t. Mom signed a prenup. If she leaves him, the money stops. And so she stays. There is no love lost between them.
“The fact both of them were terrible parents scared me. I thought I would be the same way, coming from that gene pool. So, I poured my life into my work until you and Melody came along, and I realized I had a deep capacity for love.”
Anna smiled up at him as he pulled her close, and they walked arm in arm.
“My relationship with Christ took me the rest of the way. I realized being a good father and husband has nothing to do with good or bad genes but everything to do with a relationship with Christ. He helped me set my priorities straight. It’s why I booked off Christmas the moment Melody was born.”
“We had a wonderful Christmas. You went all out and literally spoiled us both.” She pulled him close to her waist, and he stopped long enough to plant a quick kiss on the top of her head.
“I have more.” He grabbed her hand and continued walking.
“I left Toronto immediately after grade twelve and attended the University of BC. I wanted to be as far away from my parents as possible. I set out with only one goal—a need to prove my worth. My dad paid for my education because I performed. He made it clear if my grades dropped, the money would stop. He loved to control me and liked the fact he could brag to their friends about his son the doctor.
“But, I didn’t do it for him. I did it for me. I sent every penny back once I became a physician. Then, I received a trust fund from my grandparents and I have more money than I could ever spend in a lifetime.”
Anna gasped. Matt stopped and pulled her to face him. “Yes, Anna, you’re marrying a very wealthy man. You’ll never have to worry about money again. With no need for a budget, you’ll enjoy vacations, clothes or, quite frankly, whatever your little heart desires.”
“But, but … Matt, that’s not good for anyone. I don’t think I like the idea of that.”
“It’s the truth, Anna, I’m a millionaire many times over.”
Anna blanched. “People will think that I’m a gold digger—”
“Anna, don’t go there. We don’t care what people think. Remember? That kind of thinking previously lead you down a wrong road.”
Anna nodded. “You’re right, Matt. I just wish I’d known … I mean I knew you lived comfortably, but I had no idea—”
“What? You wouldn’t have fallen in love with me had you known?” His lopsided grin and
