Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty Four - Stranger at the Cemetery

Playboy, my f**king ass!

Had one serious relationship and married once but the media used my casual hookups and branded me a playboy or a f**kboy, which is why David didn't approve of my marriage to his daughter, even though my mother and sister had turned him against her.

The elderly man actually grabbed my outstretched hand in a handshake.

He used his strength to grip my hand but I used mines and gripped his tighter, watching his eyes as he fought wincing in the pain, I'm positive he's feeling pain from my tight grip but is determined not to show it.

"There's this thing called tabloids that bend the truth to make money" smirking at the man I realize is, Hailey's grandfather.

Nodding, his eyes staring at our joined hands, lifting his cold dark gray eyes to meet mines.

Curling his lips, "yes you used to be in a lot of tabloids but recently.." pausing he looks at Hailey whose, still hovering over her mother's grave. "She's made a few headlines herself." Staring at Hailey for just a fleeting second with a soft smile, which suddenly, changed to the cold glare.

So, whoever he is, has been keeping tabs on her, on us!

Smiling at my wife who caught the eye of the media, once or twice. "Yeah, it's that mysterious fire that's burning inside her." I commented, loosening my grip on her grandfather's hand but his grip, only got tighter.

"Zakery Charleston,"" he introduces himself staring me directly in my eyes.

I couldn't help my surprise nor my sudden intake of breath at the mention of the name.

Zakery Charleston, the real estate mogul!

Hailey's grandfather?

"I've heard your name but I never had the privilege of meeting you." I respond and turn when from the corner of my eyes, I saw Hailey approaching us, eyeing her grandfather curiously.

Before dad or I could speak, "hello my dear," Mr. Charleston spoke quickly. "Nodding to her mother's grave, "I'm sorry for your loss," his gruff voice quivering, he continues, "I'll be on my way now," he nods to dad, whose staring at him without displaying any emotion and then me, before walking in the direction he just came from without leaving the flowers.

"Thank you," Hailey responded to his retreating back, which cause him to pause for just one moment, before resuming his steps.

Staring at dad and I curiously, "a friend of yours?" She asks dad softly pulling dad out of the daze he was in.

Chuckling dryly, dad shakes his head, "I used to know his daughter in college," was all that dad said. "Let's just pay a visit to your mom." He smiles, putting an arm around her shoulders leading her back to the grave.

Hailey turn to look at me, with a frown "you coming?" She asks softly.

Nodding, "yeah, just give me a minute," smiling to reassure her that all is good.

As dad and Hailey walked away, I kept my eyes glued on the man walking away.

Why didn't he meet Hailey officially?

Why is he hiding?

I know he'll remain here until we are gone because he has flowers to deliver to his late daughter.

Since he's been keeping tabs on us, he will obviously know David's trial for his daughter's murder is being conducted right now.

"Adian," Hailey called, ":come meet mom," her soft voice rings through the quiet place.

I walked over to join dad and Hailey, "sorry," I muttered giving dad a quick glance.

I can't wait to get him alone to discuss Mr. Charleston and what's going on.

Wrapping my arms around Hailey, allowing her to lean her head against my chest, she introduces me to her mom.

I couldn't help the tears that flowed hearing her tell her mom that marrying me was the best decision she ever made and asked her mom to look after our baby.

I clutched her tighter, resting my chin on her head.

We stayed a few minutes more and promise to visit as often as possible, before joining my dad and Ger at the car.

"I have water here," Ger offered and walked to the trunk. "You can wash your hands."

As we drove out of the cemetery, I kept my eyes glued on the man who was staring at us drive off.

"Who is he?" Hailey asked again, staring at the old man.

Chuckling, "like dad said. He's the father of a friend." I responded, wondering why I couldn't say who he is or why dad didn't say anything.

"You guys want to go for lunch?" Dad suddenly asks, "my treat," he added.

Giggling, "well since you're buying, I say yes," Hailey laughs, nudging me on the side, to get my attention.

"You okay?" Hailey frowns, "you seem out of it since we left the cemetery." She comments, leaving me amazed how calm and happy she is.

"I don't know," I admitted, "maybe it's being in a cemetery." I tell her, grinning at her. "But you.." pausing, at her flushed cheeks, "you seem really happy" Reaching out, I pulled her closer.

Nodding, "yes, yes I'm happy because our baby now has his grandmother and uncle looking over him." Dad turns to look at us, at Hailey's soft confession.

Kissing the top of her head, my eyes now moist. "Yes he's not alone." I agreed, wishing we were alone but still, we're with family.

As Ger pulled up in front of the hotel and restaurant where Hailey and I officially met, I pulled out my phone to check on Bas and the girls.

I sent Hailey ahead with dad, while I wait for Ger and made my call.

"She's fine, we're fine, everyone's fine," Bas answers grumpily.

"Okay, now I'm worried." I confess at Bas tone.

Chuckling, "this girl is so bossy when she wants her own way," Bas snaps.

"Right," I chuckle realizing my daughter is giving him a hard time.

"How did things go on your end?"