“Michael was Maisy’s father,” Chase explained. “She dropped out of nursing school to help the family, which is unfortunate. Maisy’s exactly the kind of person anyone would want at their bedside in a health crisis. She has the heart and the brains for it.”
His father took in this information with an abrupt nod.
“I knew the family was struggling,” Chase said.
“Are you willing to help?”
“In a heartbeat, if I thought they’d accept. They won’t, and offering would offend them.” As much as he wanted to step in, Chase refused to do anything that would risk damaging his relationship with Maisy.
Before Chase could respond, his father continued.
“I understand that you’re infatuated with Maisy, and that’s all well and good.”
“But?” There was clearly an objection coming.
“But,” his father went on, “you need to be realistic, son. Promise me you’ll carefully consider this relationship, think things through with a clear head. Would Maisy fit in to our world? How would she handle the pressures that come with your position? And what about…”
“Dad.” Chase stopped him before he could continue. “I couldn’t care less about any of these differences. They don’t mean a thing to me. After three failed marriages, I find it hard to accept your advice when it comes to marrying the right woman.” He didn’t mean to offend Simon, but this needed to be said.
His father went silent.
“As for Maisy, she’d make me the happiest man alive if shewere to agree to be my wife one day. I don’t care that she doesn’t meet the criteria you consider important. I believe that once you meet her, you’ll understand why I feel as strongly about her as I do.”
His father’s eyes rounded. “You honestly would be willing to marry Maisy? Son, please rethink this. It is far too soon for you to even consider anything permanent. You barely know the woman.”
“I know everything I need to know about her.” If she was willing, he’d marry her in a heartbeat. He knew it as surely as he knew his own name; she was the woman for him. At this point, he couldn’t imagine his life without her.
His father didn’t say anything for a long moment. “Proceed with caution, son. It isn’t like you to get ahead of yourself.”
“I’ll take your words into consideration.” He was ready to head toward his own office. He had meetings scheduled all day, and his mind was already shifting gears to what would be required of him.
“Do that,” his father said, stopping him.
Chase paused. “We recently spoke about my mother, remember?”
“Of course,” Simon said, frowning slightly.
“I keep thinking about something you mentioned, about when you first met Michelle. Do you recall that part of our conversation?”
Simon shrugged. “Remind me.”
“You told me the minute you saw her you knew she was the one for you.”
His father’s frown dissolved into a smile. “It’s true. I was dumbfounded, speechless. I took one look at your mother andinstantly knew this was the woman I wanted to share my life with.”
Chase had his hand on the door handle. “It seems that’s a family trait. I promise all your concerns about Maisy will shift when you meet her.”
His father didn’t look nearly as convinced as Chase had hoped.
—
That evening, Chase met with a business associate at the country club. He was sitting at the bar, sipping a Manhattan, when Harry Newman, Astrid’s father, walked in fresh from the golf course. He brightened when he saw Chase.
“How’s it going?” he asked, and slapped Chase across the back. “I’m pleased I bumped into you. I have great news.”
Before Chase could comment, Harry continued. “I talked with Dori the other day, briefly, as we had a weak signal. I told her I was able to book the club for the reception. Fortunately, long-standing members are given preference. The office was able to set a date for us. It’s only temporary at this point, until we confirm, but as far as I’m concerned it will give Dori and Astrid plenty of time to do whatever it is women do to prepare for a wedding. How does September seventh fit into your schedule?”
“Wedding?” Chase asked, his mind buzzing, certain he’d misunderstood Harry. “What wedding?”
