Our family was staunchly traditional. Not in a cruel way, but they’d always made it clear they wanted us to follow in their footsteps—me in the family business and Maggie raising a familyof her own. I had a lot more responsibilities than my sister, and the differences in our upbringing showed in our personalities.
I’d already disappointed my family by branching out and starting my own business, but I’d felt the need to do it. As soon as I left home and started living with my pack, I realized how much I craved independence from them. Making my own money meant that, if I ever needed to, I could stand up to them and say no.
Not that I ever expected to do that, but knowing I had the choice meant everything.
“Did none of your usual endeavors work? Diamonds?”
I grimaced. “I haven’t tried diamonds. I need to find something that’s more meaningful.”
“Okay. What do you know about her?”
The truth was, I didn’t know much at all. All I knew was that I was cautiously interested in her.
When I didn’t answer, Maggie’s face dropped. “Oh…that’s not good. I thought you were joking about knowingnothing. Parker, what the hell? How do you not know a single fact about her?”
A groan escaped me. “Iknow. I should be able to do better!”
My sister cocked her head to the side. “Usually shiny things, sweet treats, and quality time are everything your type of girl could want and more.”
My hackles rose. I was handsome, well educated, and came from considerable wealth. Any woman would be lucky to receive my attention.
“The gift is topromptthe quality time. We haven’t spent time one-on-one yet. She might like poppies, assuming she’s the reason Logan insisted we plant some, but that’s the best I can do, and at this point, I’m nervous to ask her directly.”
“If you put your foot in your mouth again, she won’t want quality time with you whatsoever.”
“Magnolia—”
“Oof, full name? Keep being mean and I won’t help you out…”
I crossed my arms. “Will you help me out otherwise?”
Maggie pursed her lips, seemingly deep in thought. “I will…if you’ll help me.”
Maggie was probably up to no good, and I didn’t need to indebt myself to her. I was a competent alpha. I could figure it out. Surely brokering multi-million dollar business deals was harder than figuring out what to get Clover that wouldn’t make her tear me down verbally.
“What do you want?”
“A bank card that Mom and the dads can’t see so they don’t know what I’m buying.”
That made me raise my brows.
“Maggie, your monthly stipend is bigger than most people’s yearly income. Why do you need that? Have they ever stopped you from buying anything?”
My sister grinned. “Sometimes a girl wants a bit of privacy. Now, tell me more about this omega that’s got you twisted up.”
“Beautiful, smart, and witty.”
“Education?”
“I don’t know.”
Maggie gave me a pitying look. “You need to actually talk to her to figure out what she would like. You can’t just give her that broody look and expect her to fall at your feet.”
“But…” I trailed off.
“Do I need to get the dads and tell them you don’t know how to date?Pleaselet me be there for that conversation!”
I threw a pillow in her direction, growling when she grabbed it with ease, giggling.
