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“Actually, Dad, it is, but that’s not what she does. Allow me to introduce my girlfriend. Thomas Daulton, this is Reagan Lawrence. Reagan, this is my father, Thomas. You may recognize Reagan’s name, Dad. She owns a business in town that I think you know fairly well.”
I see the moment it registers with my father. His eyes open wide.
Reagan offers her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Daulton.”
Dad quietly shakes her hand before turning to my mother. “Miriam, take Reagan to the kitchen so you girls can finish dinner.” I roll my eyes at that, but I did expect an immediate private conversation once he learned who she is.
Mom robotically answers, “Yes, Thomas.”
As soon as they leave, he turns to me. “What the hell is going on? Why did you bring that woman to my house?”
“What’s going on is that your son is brilliant. You asked me for two things. Find a wholesome woman and steal TikTok Trendy. By being with Reagan, I get two for the price of one.”
I see him deep in contemplation.
“Reagan is quickly falling in love with me, Dad. I can marry her, have the wholesome family image you want, and pay zero for her business since it will come with the marriage. It’s everything you asked for. I’m delivering.” I give him a big, fake, overexaggerated smile.
I hear him mumble, “And he would hate her being a Daulton.”
“What’s that, Dad?”
“Nothing,son.” He’s never called me son before.
His eyes light up. “This is a grand plan. She’s easy on the eyes to boot. I bet she’s pretty good in the sack too.”
I quickly nod.
He slaps my back. “Son, we may make a Daulton of you just yet.”
I give him another big, fake smile.
He yells into the other room. “Miriam, I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
I hear Mom yell back, “Yes, Thomas.”
The four of us converge into the dining room. I hug Reagan and whisper that all is good.
Dad opens a two-thousand-dollar bottle of champagne and pours four glasses. It’s so pretentious and obnoxious. I can’t stand it.
Mom looks at Dad. “Thomas, what are we celebrating?”
“We’re celebrating young love, Miriam. It seems Carter and Reagan are on the fast track. When you know, you know.”
We all clink our glasses. Dad looks at Reagan. “Cupcake, how old are you?”
Reagan glares at me over the nickname. She turns back to my father and grits out, “I’m twenty-seven.”
“That’s a good child-bearing age. You must want kids in the next few years, don’t you?”
She smiles as best she can, given how insulting he is. “Yes, of course. I have a big family. I’d like one of my own one day.”
“Oh right. Your mother married Jackson Knight, didn’t she?”
“She did. I have two sisters, and his three sons are now my brothers in every way that matters.”
“I see. And when you marry, you’ll give up your business, right? You’ll stay at home?”
I squeeze her leg in support. “Dad, I’m sure Reagan hasn’t thought that far into the future. We’ve only been dating a few weeks.”
