A Winter Dream

Chapter


Two


It is the nature of the beast—even the best intentioned surprises sometimes go awry.

Joseph Jacobson’s Diary





An hour after the pitch meeting my father called me into his office. He was sitting back in a burgundy leather chair behind a massive desk handcrafted from burled walnut. He was still wearing a proud smile.

“Sit down,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” I said, taking one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“I’m getting too old for this,” he said.

“Too old for what?”

“The dog and pony show. It used to be you could bring in a new client based on reputation alone. Today we have to create the whole campaign. How many thousands of dollars did we spend on that commercial they never even looked at,” he said, shaking his head. “We would have lost Murdock if it wasn’t for you.”

“It wasn’t just me. Everyone had a—”

He held up his hand. “Don’t contradict me.”

“Sorry, sir.”

“I know Murdock. If he hadn’t been an old golf buddy of mine, he would have hightailed it out of there the second he saw that first slogan. The three of them had mentally exited until they saw your idea. You brought them back to the table.” He stood, walking over to a crystal decanter sitting on a credenza. “Want something to drink?”

“No, thanks.”

He poured himself a scotch, then carried his glass back over to the desk. “You have talent. You’re going to take this company far.”

“You’ve already taken it far,” I said. “And the brothers have sailed it well.”

“Yes, they have. I couldn’t be more proud of my sons.” His gaze settled on me. “Especially you.”

Parents aren’t supposed to have favorites and the wise ones never admit to it, but I never had any doubt that I was my father’s favorite. Unfortunately, he didn’t hide it. And with eleven other brothers, being the favorite wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

“Are you bringing Ashley to the celebration tonight?”

“Yes, sir.”

As soon as Murdock had left our office, my father had announced a special celebratory party at our favorite restaurant, Giuseppe’s.

He nodded. “Nice girl. Pretty.”

“Thank you.”

As usual, I wondered what he really thought of her. Throughout my dating years my father had always been closemouthed about my relationships and I honestly had no idea whether or not he approved of Ashley and me. Then again, with his track record, maybe he just thought it best to not offer romantic advice.

“She is pretty,” I said. “And sharp as a tack.”

“So, where are you going with that?”

“I think we’re getting close.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Close?”

“I’ve been looking at rings.”

My father showed no emotion, but nodded. “Do you love her?”

“I wouldn’t be looking at rings if I didn’t.”

“Does she love you?”

The question threw me a little. “I think so. She’s told me she loves me.”

“Does she mean it?”

I didn’t know how to answer his question. “How do you really know that?”

He looked me in the eye. “You’ll know when you don’t have to ask.” The gravity in his face dissipated. “But I’m probably not the best one to advise on this subject.”

“You got it right eventually,” I said.

A subtle smile crossed his face. “Yes, I did.” He took another drink. “Enough of that. I just wanted to say congratulations and make sure you’re planning on attending the celebration tonight.”

“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Good. Good.” He sat back down. “Because I have a very special surprise for you.” He had a huge smile on his face.

“A surprise? What is it?”

“You do understand the concept of a surprise, right?”

I grinned. “Sorry.”

He took another drink, his gaze never leaving me. “Get out of here. You’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay.” I stopped at the door. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too,” he said. “See you.”

I walked out of his office wondering what he had in store for my surprise. I hoped it wasn’t anything too demonstrative. Not that I wouldn’t appreciate the gesture; I just didn’t want to deal with the backlash of my brothers’ envy.