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“I believe in marriage and family. But not in the conventional way,” he said. To him, it was another decision, one made to ensure the financial future. It’s how his family had always chosen spouses and generally they waited until they were older, usually forty.
“And what does that mean? You want five wives or something like that?”
Kenneth laughed. “I’m not even looking for one, never mind five. But what it means is, I don’t want my marriage to be based around emotion.” She raised a brow at him, looking totally puzzled, so he continued. “Love comes with its highs and lows. People make mistakes. But if you remove that piece you have—”
“Nothing,” she said adamantly. “Marriage might be a rollercoaster, but it can be beautiful too. My parents and grandparents have shown me that.”
“Yet you’re not married,” he stated. “Why is that?” He hadn’t planned on asking deep and personal questions, then again with Shanda, his plans seemed to go astray. He just hoped this question didn’t lead to her asking him about his love life. He had a life, and had no issue with love not being a part of it.
“I’ve dated, but my focus has been working with my Granddad on learning the craft. That isn’t something you pick up overnight. And then a year ago, he turned the entire business over to me. I…I don’t think I was ready,” she stated in a defeated tone.
“Like your craft, it takes time to learn. You’ll get there, if you do what I instructed.” Of course, there was still so much more to teach her, and he wasn’t sure even then that the shop would make it. She was so specialized in what she did. And her shop was practically hidden away. It’s all about location, and yours sucks. Now since he’d been to Hope Valley, he saw the charm of living there. Yet if Billy hadn’t sent him there, he probably never would’ve driven through it.
“Hey, we were supposed to be talking about you,” Shanda said.
“Would you feel better if I said we can talk about me on the way home?” he asked. It was a question, not a promise.
“I would if I believed it for a second,” she smiled. “Something tells me you don’t like talking about yourself.”
“I’ve told you all about my business,” he said.
“That’s what you do, not who you are,” she responded.
Work was what was important to him. Then again, so was his family. If time permitted, he might talk to her about his brothers. To Shanda, it might sound very much like when he talks about work. That is what the Heart family had in common. A strong drive for success.
Krissy must’ve been watching for them because she came over, half dragging Billy with her. “Oh my God Shanda, that dress is gorgeous. You have to tell me where you purchased it.”
He watched Shanda, and her smile lit up the room. “It’s a small boutique in Hope Valley. Beatrice actually makes all the dresses. If you’re ever looking for something different, I’d be happy go to with you.”
“Oh wonderful. I love shopping,” Krissy said cheerfully.
“And I…hate it. But you’re like my sister DeeDee. You have a figure that lets you wear anything,” Shanda said. “I’m not so lucky.”
“Well trust me, that dress was definitely made for you. I bet Kenneth had a hard time keeping his hands off you on the way here,” she teased.
Kenneth didn’t want Krissy going down that road. It was too close to the truth. “If you don’t mind, I want to go and say hello to my brother before the auction starts.”
“Wow, meeting the family already?” Krissy turned to Billy and said, “I think I won that one too.”
Billy let out a low grumble and muttered, “You’re killing me Kenneth.”
Kenneth cocked a brow and said, “Maybe you should find another hobby. One that doesn’t include me.”
Krissy chuckled. “Are you kidding me? Go figure. He’s supposed to be your best friend, and I haven’t lost one bet yet.”
Kenneth said, “Don’t mind them. They are…”
“In love,” Shanda said. As they walked away she added, “In a way, they remind me of my parents.”
Kenneth couldn’t believe that. “I have a hard time believing your parents bet on your life.”
“No. I don’t mean in that way. I mean the connection between them. You can’t help but notice how much they love each other. It’s so…romantic.”
Kenneth said, “I thought romance was flowers, gifts, and vacations.”
Shanda rolled her eyes. “Those are things. Nice and appreciated, but not romantic. The playful banter that easily flows from one to the other is romantic. How they make bets about you, but seem to keep the prize…personal, is romantic.”
Kenneth laughed. “Billy is stuck doing dishes for a month. That is romantic? Trust me, there is nothing about dirty pots and pans that turns anyone on.”
