Irresistible Forces - Brenda Jackson [65]
They were led to a private room in the back of the restaurant and she was just as impressed with the furnishings and decor. The window looked out into a massive garden. Taylor was never one to appreciate a lot of greenery but she did so now.
Once they had been seated and their choice of wine ordered, Franco Saxon glanced over at her and smiled. “I’m glad you are joining me, Taylor. It means a lot.”
She believed him, just as she believed him earlier, during the drive over, when he’d said that no matter how Dominic felt about him, he loved his grandson.
“And I appreciate the invitation to join you.”
They began talking about everything but Dominic for the first half hour while waiting for their food to arrive. He told her that his health hadn’t been the best lately, but he was getting better and that his travels to the United States were infrequent. She discovered his love of classical music as well as his opposition to anything that restricted world trade. That was understandable considering he had made his millions in the import and export business.
“I can see why my grandson has fallen in love with you, Taylor.”
Taylor froze with the glass of apple juice halfway to her lips. She wasn’t sure what to say, since she didn’t have a clue just what Dominic had told his parents about her. So to play it safe, she said something she knew wasn’t a lie. “And I love Dominic just as deeply.”
She leaned back in her chair. “So, 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