A Convenient Proposal(56)

“So what exactly do you do with your life?”

She drew back to look into his face, which had much the same grooves as Griff, just more pronounced. “I’m sorry?”

“You don’t have to earn a living.” He eased her through a turn. “You live alone, except for the dog. Why do you get up in the morning?”

The breath she drew was shaky, but she fought to keep her voice steady. “I don’t owe you an answer to that question.”

“I’m curious,” he said, still in the calm tone he’d been using, “since my son seems to be planning a future with you. What do you see yourself doing in a year, or five or ten?”

Tonight, she might be the one who walked out on the party. “I haven’t thought that far ahead, Dr. Campbell. Griff and I are still getting to know each other.” Would this music never end?

“I’m not sure he’s been thinking much at all, lately.”

Arden had finally caught her breath. “Or perhaps you simply dislike the fact that he’s not following the path you laid out for him. That he’s thinking about something other than what he can do for you.”

Dr. Campbell grinned. “You have claws, I see. What’s wrong with wanting to work with my son, taking care of the animals belonging to our friends and neighbors?”

“Nothing…unless Griff’s interests lie in a different direction.”

“And do they?”

“That’s a question you should ask him.”

He tilted his head, acknowledging that truth. “You’re beautiful and intelligent, Arden Burke. But are you good for my son? Can the two of you create a successful partnership?”

At long last, the music slowed and crescendoed into a final chord. Arden stepped backward, almost surprised and definitely relieved when Dr. Campbell released her.

“Griff thinks so,” she said, in answer to the last question. “Nothing else matters. Thank you for the dance.”

Then she turned and left the ballroom, seeking what little privacy the restroom could offer.



GRIFF SAW ARDEN BACK AWAY from his dad. She crossed the dance floor with quick steps and disappeared through the door to the restroom.

When Jake returned to the table, Griff nudged Kathy out of her chair and took her place next to their dad. “What did you say to her?”

He shrugged. “I asked the standard father-in-law questions. Where are you from? Where are you going?”

“Nothing you say in this kind of situation is nearly so harmless. I don’t want you threatening her, Dad. I won’t stand for it.”

From Jake’s other side, Rosalie Campbell made a sound of protest. “You make him seem like an inquisitioner.”

“Yes.” Griff nodded. “I’ve talked to my brothers-in-law, if you haven’t. He gave all three of them a pretty hard time, simply for having the temerity to want to marry his daughters.”

“I have a responsibility to keep my kids safe,” Jake said.

“You have a responsibility to allow us all to grow up. Stay out of this, Dad. Arden and I are doing fine without interference. If you’ve upset her in any way, I’ll…”

His dad gave a tolerant—and somewhat condescending—smile. “You’ll do what?”

Griff stood up. “I’ll start thinking seriously about where else in the country Arden and I will be spending the rest of our lives.”

He heard his mother’s gasp, but walked away without looking back.



INSTEAD OF PRIVACY, Arden found Lauren and Dana sitting in the lounge area of the ladies’ room.

Dana looked up as she came through the door. “Oh, no. That bad, was it?”

Lauren, on the sofa, slid to the side. “Come sit,” she said, patting the cushion beside her. “Dana, pour a glass of champagne.”

Arden widened her eyes as Dana went to a sideboard along the wall and took a bottle from the wine cooler sitting there.

“Zelda’s smart,” Lauren remarked, holding out a glass for her sister to refill. “She knows we come here to relax away from our men.”

“God bless them,” Dana added, just as Kathy came through the door. “They’re sweet and necessary, but sometimes they drive you nuts.”

“Dad’s special.” Kathy dropped into the armchair and put her feet on the matching ottoman. “Where Jim can be annoying, even frustrating, Dad is…”