Steele 05 - Irresistible Forces

please, share with me why there is animosity between you and Dominic.”
    Over dinner she listened while he told her with deep regret and sorrow in his voice how he tried to control his son’s life by choosing the woman for him to marry—a woman who would increase the Saxons’ wealth when the two families joined. Instead, while attending school here in the States, Marcello met and fell in love with Megan. Franco had opposed the marriage, threatened to disown his son if he didn’t do what he wanted. In the end, Marcello chose love.
    For the next twenty years Marcello and his father had very little contact. Franco explained that they were both stubborn men, but that within the last three years he and Marcello had put the past behind them. However, Dominic refused to do so. He just couldn’t get over the fact that Franco had turned his back on Marcello for marrying his mother.
    Franco admitted he had been wrong and that he had made a grave mistake, especially upon seeing how happy Marcello was. And he totally liked Megan and couldn’t imagine any woman more right for his son. If he had it to do all over again, he would give his blessings to the couple in a heartbeat. But he hadn’t and not doing so had eventually lost him his grandson’s love.
    “Have you tried talking to Dominic?” Taylor couldn’t help but ask.
    “Yes, but he refuses to discuss anything with me. Dominic refuses to acknowledge my very existence. And that’s why I wanted to talk to you. I hope that you will find it in your heart to allow me to be a part of my great-grandchild’s life. I hope you won’t deny me that.”
    Taylor shook her head. “Of course I won’t, and I can’t see Dominic denying it, either.”
    “Forgive me for saying so, but I can see him denying it. Like I said, I am not one of my grandson’s favorite people, but I love him and will do anything I can for him.”
    “And now that Dominic sees how his parents have forgiven you, that doesn’t change his feelings about you?”
    “No. It seems he has more stubbornness than me and his father put together. And he is fiercely loyal to those he loves and he loves his parents deeply. He knows how much I’ve hurt them and won’t forgive me for doing so.”
    The older man paused for a second and then he said, “Dominic refuses to acknowledge his place as my rightful heir, but I’m naming him in my business papers anyway. However, I want to meet with my attorney and make provisions for my great-grandchild to be included, as well, but wanted to meet with you to make sure you are fine with that.”
    Taylor stared at him. Being a wealth and asset manager, she had a pretty good idea just how wealthy Franco Saxon was, and he was sitting there letting her know that he was thinking of her child and his place in its life. “Yes, I’m fine with it. In fact, your generosity overwhelms me and I don’t know what to say.”
    “Say that as long as I have breath in my body that I will be a part of my great-grandchild’s life. I messed up with my grandson but I don’t want to mess up with my great-grandchild.”
    Taylor heard the trembling in the man’s voice. He truly did love Dominic and was sorry for what he’d done all those years ago. Why couldn’t Dominic see that? She reached across the table and took the man’s hand into hers. “I make you that promise. You are the only great-grandparent my child will have and I am honored that you will be—want to be—a part of his or her life.”
    She could tell her words had touched Franco, and he quickly glanced away so she wouldn’t see the tears in his eyes. Moments later, he looked back at her and said in a soft, appreciative voice, “Thank you, Taylor. You have brought joy to an old man’s heart.”
    * * *
    Later that night as Taylor slid under her bedcovers she couldn’t help but recall her dinner conversations with Franco. He was a proud man, yet he had humbled himself and admitted to the mistakes he’d made years ago by alienating his son and grandson. She had made Franco a promise tonight, one she intended to keep. Besides, she liked him. He indicated he would be leaving D.C. in the morning but had given her his business card and had invited her to come visit him in France. Before they had parted ways she had made another promise to him that she would.
    She almost jumped when her phone rang. She hadn’t been sure Dominic would call and hoped it was him. She wouldn’t mention anything about her dinner meeting with