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"He might if the vacation is an all-expenses trip paid for by his son. I bet your mom would be so happy."
Nate looks across the room, his expression thoughtful. "She did mention she's always wanted to see the Caribbean ocean." His smile is tender. "Snorkel with the pretty fish."
"It's decided then. Use your charity money to give your parents the gift of a lifetime."
"But that's not charity." Nate returns his attention to me. "It's selfish to use the money for myself."
"It's not for yourself. Don't they say charity starts at home?"
"I guess." He runs a hand through his hair. "Mom would be thrilled."
I pat his shoulder. "You're a good son. Give your parents the trip of a lifetime."
"Maybe I will." He reaches for his back pocket but stops, probably remembering there are no pockets in his old-timey pants. "I can still give something to your farm."
I slap his shoulder again, harder this time. "We don't need it as much as your parents do. Get them a couple of extra snorkeling trips."
The look in his eyes is something like awe. "That is so generous of you. Can I buy you a drink sometime to thank you for the idea?"
"Not a drinker," I say. "Save me a dance, instead? I've got some things I need to take care of before I head back to the ballroom."
"You got it. Maybe I'll find you for a game later?"
"Sure," I say, not meaning it.
He leaves the room and Daisy steps into his place like maybe she'd been behind him the whole time, listening to every word.
Her worried frown and the adorable divot between her brows makes me immediately defensive and irritated. What is it about family that just their expression can set me off? "Don't start," I say.
"You told himnotto invest in the farm? Don't you support what Dani and Honey are doing here?"
I am so not in the mood to get into this with her. "Don't pretend like you care. You didn't even know about the farm until a week ago."
"It's not because I don't care. You know I'll always support my sisters, no matter what."
I stare at her. Just when I think she can't be more obtuse or oblivious. "Save it, Daisy. I'm not interested in your—"
"There you are, Clover." Dani walks into the den, Grant trailing behind her. Her gaze darts around, like she's making sure all the games are laid out as she left them. She's been so stressed about the ball, it doesn't surprise me when she doesn't notice the tension in the room. "Should we make an announcement about the game room? I don't think anyone's seen the signs for it."
"I can spread the word," I offer, but she's leaning over a table, inspecting for… I have no idea what, and doesn't seem to hear me.
"Something wrong with the games?" Grant asks.
Dani straightens. Like the rest of the family, she's dressed in regency attire, her hair pulled back from her face. She's gorgeous, but clearly flustered. "No. Everything looks great. I just had this irrational fear that Arty might have snuck in and eaten the playing cards or something."
"We've seen no goats," Daisy says, her smile warm. "I'm happy to stay here and stand guard if you want."
Dani registers Daisy's presence for the first time. She grins and races into our sister's arms. "I thought you weren't getting in until tomorrow."
Daisy hugs her tight, her eyes closed, like she's genuinely missed her sister. I fight the urge to snort.
Daisy releases Dani and steps back, her eyes damp. "I couldn't miss this charity ball. I'm amazed by all you've accomplished in five months."
"It's still a work in progress," Dani says, pride shining from every line of her body. "But it's the best job I've ever had."
"You'll have to show me around and introduce me to all the animals tomorrow. Goldy said you've got almost twenty."
Dani starts listing the animals and I turn to Grant, who's watching his girlfriend with a bemused expression. "I have a feeling they're going to be here a while."
