"Joseph wouldn't want me to be unhappy, even if he didn't make it. I know my brother," he insisted.
"I just don't think the kids would accept it, George. What if they somehow know, and they're trying to keep us apart because they don't approve?"
"That's nonsense. My children want me to be happy, and they already love you."
"I just don't know … ." She trailed off.
"Esther … " he began.
"Dad, are you in here?" Max called. George wanted to yell. Instead he remained quiet, hoping his son would go away.
"I can hear your son, George. I'll talk to you later," Esther said before quickly hanging up. With a frustrated groan, he kicked the metal wall, causing a loud echo in the bathroom.
"Yes, I'm here. I'll be right out," he muttered, trying to mask his annoyance.
"Is everything all right? What was that noise?"
"I'm fine. I just slipped and kicked the wall."
"Okay. We've been looking for you. It's time to go back to Joseph's room."
George gave up on his hiding time and made his way out of the stall. I can't even use the toilet in peace, he thought grumpily.
Max looked at him with suspicion, but didn't question him further. George hung his head as he followed Max, having no clue that Max was texting his siblings and cousins at that moment, telling them they'd have a new member added to their family at any time.
The room filled as everyone came back at the same time. They beamed when they found Katherine waiting for them.
"You're very eager," Katherine said.
"Yes, please continue. We won't say a single word," Cassie said.
Katherine smiled as her nephew, Max, leaned in and gave his wife a kiss. The kids were all doing so well, still looking very much in love and happy with their spouses. She knew their love would continue to grow, long after she and Joseph had to leave them behind.
She looked to her husband and silently told him it wasn't yet time to leave, though. They had many years left, and a family to still take care of.
"Now, where was I when we last left off?" Katherine asked.
"The big meeting was coming up," Mark answered quickly.
Katherine chuckled, enjoying the enthusiasm of her son. It was amusing how even the boys were enthralled with her memories.
"Oh, yes, Mark, that's right. I was so nervous. We were having a huge board meeting. I hadn't heard from Joseph since the phone call and I knew he'd be there. Of course he would. I hoped he'd sit back and stay in the background, but you know Joseph isn't one to hide in corners. I was getting ready to open the meeting when there was a stirring in the room … "
Katherine took a deep breath and rose from her chair. She looked around the table where the other board members sat, all eyes on her. Then she looked out at the crowd, the investors who wanted answers, wanted to know their money was being taken care of. They all had a stake in the company, and wanted what was best for them. What was that, though?
Benjamin had handpicked his board and had complete faith they'd choose wisely after he passed. Katherine felt the weight of the thousands depending on them to make that decision.
She opened her mouth to speak, when there was a stir in the room. She didn't need to meet his eyes to know Joseph had walked in. He was the wild card. The one they all wanted, but didn't know if he'd be the right person for the job. He was both the hope and the tragedy.
They knew he loved his grandfather, but he'd left without a word. He was also wildly successful on his own, so why would he want to lock himself down to such a demanding position. If they chose him, and he declined, the stocks would plummet because the people would lose faith in the board of directors. He was there, but he hadn't said whether he'd actually accept the position if it was offered to him.
It was a difficult decision, and she had one of the key votes. Sweat broke out on her brow as she looked over the crowd, her eyes immediately finding his. He stared back, unconcerned with the people watching. It was as if he were letting the world know he didn't care what they thought. He'd do whatever pleased him.
His gaze locked with hers, Joseph was frozen for a moment. She stood proud at the table, wearing a black business suit, her hair in a knot at the base of her long, slender neck, and a notebook in her hand as she waited to begin her presentation.
She was stunning.
He wanted to start by taking down her hair, watching it cascade across her shoulders, making her appear softer. He missed the girl of five years before, who had stars shining in her eyes. This woman she'd become was spectacular, but she was too guarded. He needed to sneak beneath the wall she'd built and slowly tear it down, piece by piece if need be.
As their eyes stayed locked together, he could swear he saw her breath hitch. But she quickly regained her confident demeanor and turned away. There was no hesitation in her manner, no indication that she was burning as hot as he was.