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Father’s gaze narrowed. “Do not get any foolish ideas, my dear. Remember I know what you’re thinking before you do. You’ve fought me on this for a long time.” He leaned back. “I don’t believe you’ll simply do as you’re told now. Not for one second.”
He was onto me. Maybe I’d have been better off if I’d told her if she wanted this wedding so bad to plan it herself.
But I had to come up with something to throw my father off.Good luck on that.He seemed to have this sixth sense about everything.
“I don’t want to marry Alex.” Just thinking about the way he leered at me made my skin crawl. Made me want to run to Cal. And that was completely bizarre. I did not need men like Cal in my life. “But I understand the importance of the arrangement. I just need some time to get used to it.”
Did that sound convincing?It felt a little off, but hopefully it was enough to placate him.
He studied me with that gaze that I swore had a beeline straight into my head. Meanwhile, I had no idea what my father was thinking . . . other than something else to make my life miserable.
“You haven’t offered a replacement for your position overseas.”
I hesitated, carefully considering my words. “This is a marriage of appearances. No one would expect a transition to a new executive to take place overnight. I’ll continue on until we find someone up to our standards.”
“You cannot avoid his bed forever. Children are expected.”
Ugh. My stomach turned over at the thought of allowing that man to touch me, let alone bringing innocent children into an environment where there was no love. I wasn’t exactly the mothering type, but I refused to pass off children to a nanny and see them only on holidays.
“And European culture and history would be excellent for them to flourish.”
Why was I even entertaining him about children who didn’t exist and never would?
“I don’t disagree, but they will be raised here. Under my influence.”
What would be worse? Alex or my father?
I didn’t think Alex was as ruthless and cold as Samuel Hollingsworth. No one was.
“I expect you’ll find a suitable property to reside in.”
Oh, I was thinking of living with Lincoln forever.
“Do you have any thoughts, Daddy? It’s short notice and are we sure the Davenports have the cash to make that kind of purchase so quickly?”
I hated using any sort of endearment toward my father, but I’d learned at a young age that something about it softened him . . . a little.
“I do. We’ll view them in the morning.” For a moment, his tone was that of a loving father helping his daughter find the home of her dreams. He pushed out of the chair. “You have a date with Alex this evening.”
No. I had a date with Eric for a piano lesson. He’d be so disappointed if I let him down.
“I hope he proves he’s worthy. I’m sure a lot of people would be very eager to take his place.” And I had to find one of them likenow.
“That’s right, my dear. I won’t give you to just anyone.”
You already are.
But I gave him a tight smile before he disappeared.Go away and never come back unless you want to be a real father.
I slumped. Teague and Lincoln rarely talked about our mother. I’d been too young when she passed away to truly know her. But they’d said how free-spirited and loving she was. I never could mesh that in my head with who my father was. Nor how she would have loved someone like him, when I wanted someone so very opposite of him.
Would he have been better if she’d lived?
Would I?
I’d been raised by three men. Four if I counted Winston, who I most certainly did. I hadn’t had a woman’s influence. I’d gotten my sense of style from magazines and watching the ladies in our circle of people. I’d learned to carry myself by mimicking runway models and Father and my brothers.
I’d done a decent job of appearing feminine, though I lacked the confidence to be certain I’d pulled it off. If Mom would have been around, would I have been more like her instead of my father?
