Chapter 2: Bargains and Broken Hearts

My sister and I knelt in the living room, with Rusty sprawled at our feet, head on his paws, looking just as miserable as we felt.

The air still held a whiff of last night’s fried chicken, and the grandfather clock ticked like it was scolding us, too.

Dad was so mad, he looked like he was about to blow a gasket. "You two are trying to turn the world upside down!"

He raised a yardstick, ready to swat us, but Grandma Carol swooped in, all fire and fury.

"Derek Carter, you lay a hand on these girls and you’ll answer to me, you hear?"

She hugged us close, wailing, "My poor babies—lost their mama so young, now their daddy’s got no sense! Grandma’s heart just breaks!" She winked at us over Dad’s shoulder, and we caught on fast.

Soon the living room was full of three women crying at the top of their lungs.

Dad threw the yardstick across the room, hands on his hips. "Mom, they ran off with the dog and left you behind. Why are you still defending them?"

Grandma’s face froze, and she let go. My sister and I stopped the waterworks instantly. Rusty gave a sharp bark, like he was in on the joke.

We exchanged glances. Grandma always knew how to stir things up—no wonder she ran this family.

Dad started in again: "The Stanton family’s got lawyers out the ears, and the eldest son’s got looks and brains. They’re still willing to honor the engagement, even now. That shows class."

"Mom, we’ve only got two girls. Who’s gonna protect them when I’m gone? I’m doing this for their own good."

My sister tried to stand up to him, but Dad shot her down: "Those starving artists you like? They can’t protect you."

She sniffled. "Why do I need a man’s family to protect me? I can take care of myself—and Aubrey, too."

Dad snorted. "With what?"

"Women can’t be mayors in this town. Even in business, it’s tough. Without protection, it’s a hard road."

They glared at each other, neither willing to back down. My sister was always stubborn—once she made up her mind, nothing could stop her.

I wiped my eyes and stepped between them. "Dad, please. Don’t make things hard for Sis. If it comes to it, I’ll marry Henry instead."

"But promise me, Dad, you won’t force Sis to marry someone she doesn’t love in the future."

My sister stared at me like I’d lost my mind. "Aubrey, are you crazy?"

I squeezed her hand, wishing I could bottle up her courage and take it with me. "Sis, it’s just a marriage. I’ll be fine. Later, you do whatever you want—let me be your support for once."

Her tears started up again, and I felt my own heart break for her. "Sis, it’s okay. I heard the Stantons are kind, and Henry’s good-looking. You know I’ve always liked handsome guys. I’m willing."

I bumped her shoulder, trying to lighten the mood, but the truth was, my heart was pounding with fear for what came next.