Chase had no idea about Dori’s educational accomplishments.
“When Dori saw how my company was taking off, and the demands on me mounted,” Harry continued, “she chose to stay home to support me. She willingly sacrificed her own chance of success to stand at my side. Frankly, I don’t know what I did to deserve such a wonderful wife.”
It was true. Astrid’s mother was deeply involved in several worthy charities, serving on the board of at least two organizations that he knew of personally, and possibly more. She traveled extensively, and Astrid often accompanied her. Astrid, too, was deeply involved in these groups, and it was understood that she would take over for her mother sometime in the future.
Not all her travels were charity related, however. Last winter, Astrid and her mother flew to South Africa to tour and play golf. On the way home, they’d stopped in Paris. That was early in their relationship, when everything had looked promising. He strongly suspected that mother and daughter had been scouting out wedding dresses, although Astrid had never mentioned it. In retrospect, he understood why. Like him, he believed it wasn’t long before she recognized they weren’t meant to be.
Chase knew about this Paris shopping trip from a conversation he’d overheard between Astrid and her best friend. The two had been chatting, their heads close together, and whispering. Because he hadn’t been paying close attention, Chase had caught only a small part of what they’d said—the name of a high-end fashion designer who was well known for creating elaborate bridal gowns for the rich and famous.
Several months had passed since the trip to Paris. Time enough for Chase to accept that there would likely be no wedding in their future, which was a shame, as they both had made the early assumption that they would do well together.
“I’ve always admired Dori,” Chase said, when he realized Harry was awaiting a comment. Harry’s words had been rife with meaning. Harry was letting Chase know that if he should propose to Astrid, he could expect the same kind of support from her as Dori had given Harry. It went without saying that Astrid had a lot to offer a man. Unfortunately, he wasn’t that man.
Astrid’s father slapped him across the back, seemingly pleased he’d gotten his point across. “I’m sure the two of you will accomplish great things together.”
Chase was about to say something more when Astrid strolled into the lounge. Every eye turned to look at her. She was stunningly beautiful, tall, lithe, and blond, with deep blue eyes. Her lavender dress was perfect. Chase was the envy of every man in the room.
Smiling, she walked up to Chase and kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
He reached for her hand and slid off the barstool. “You didn’t. Your father and I spent the time chatting.”
Astrid’s gaze slid to her father, and she sent him a slight frown. So slight that Chase almost missed it. She seemed to know why her father had made an appearance, and she wasn’t pleased.
“Shall we go in for dinner?” Chase suggested.
Her smile was smooth, as though nothing was amiss. After dating for as long as they had, Chase was able to read her moods, and he didn’t miss the look that passed between father and daughter.
Chase bid Harry a good evening and escorted Astrid to the dining room, his arm around her waist.
As soon as they were seated and gazing over the menu, Astrid said, “What did Daddy want?”
The question revealed mild curiosity, although he knew otherwise.
Before he could answer, Astrid continued, “You should know he sent me on a fool’s errand so I’d purposely be late. I have a good idea of what he was up to, and I apologize.”
“No apology is necessary.”
“What did Daddy have to say?”
Chase didn’t feel it was necessary to sugarcoat the conversation. “Your father claimed it’s time we decided our future, seeing that we’ve been dating exclusively for over a year now.” Chase wasn’t sure now was the best time to suggest they part as friends. The dining room was full and there were several tables within earshot.
Astrid leaned closer and lowered her voice. “I know my father. He was putting the pressure on you to propose, wasn’t he?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “I’m sorry, Chase. That must have been an uncomfortable conversation.”
“I…” He tried, but couldn’t deny it.
“Chase, I understand. Our families have expectations, and forcing us to set a date isn’t helping. In the beginning, I had high hopes. I believed we’d make a good match.”
“I shared your feelings,” he inserted, when she didn’t continue. He had been certain that Astrid was the one, especially when they’d first started dating. It made perfect sense. Anyone looking at them would assume they were an ideal couple. They shared the same friends, moved in the same social circle, and were economically secure. Chase hated disappointing his father, who had been the one to promote the relationship. Simon hadhandpicked Astrid and claimed Chase would be a fool if he let this woman slip away.
“But,” Astrid continued, “when I marry, I want my husband to be so head over heels in love with me he can barely think straight. I assume you’d want your bride-to-be to feel the same. The truth is, I don’t think we’re there.
“Marriage is a huge step,” she went on to say, “and it has to be right for you and for me. I don’t believe it’s a good idea to let my father pressure us when it’s clear at this point neither one of us is invested.”
“Do you honestly feel that way?” he asked, again choosing his words carefully.
“I do. While I deeply admire you, I’m not in love with you, Chase.”
“I’m not in love with you, either,” he confessed.
