“Good luck telling your dad.”
And then he slips into his car and peels down the driveway. As I watch him go, I wrestle with everything he said. There is a lot of stuff I haven’t asked Jack about. Am I in-lust?
I’m doubting myself. I don’t need that right now.
I turn to the front door, staring at it like it’s a bad omen. A shiver races down my spine, afraid to go and face the man who lives inside. I am grateful Blake didn’t cry. I didn’t crush his heart. Yet, the conversation was worse than I expected, because now, my conviction has wavered.
One thing I know about my father: he finds weaknesses and conquers to get what he wants.
Chapter 45
Morgan
Dinner is tense. I slice into my steak and watch the tawny juices bleed onto the plate.
Mom sips her wine with quiet elegance. Daddy chews silently.
A normal dinner.
Until I step into the fire, my stride shaky.
“I ended my engagement.”
Mom freezes mid-drink, her wine stalled in her throat.
Daddy drops his knife, creating a loud clatter.
“Youwhat?”
Gently, I set down my silverware. The light feels hot.
Stay strong, Morgan.
I inhale a big breath, expanding my chest to feel bigger than I am. “I told Blake it’s over a half-hour ago.”
My parents stare at each other, as if silently asking if they heard correctly. Their lack of action cuts deeper than any words. They’re not just upset, they’re stunned speechless.
“I am sorry if I disappointed you,” I murmur.
Dad finally breaks his gaze with Mom. He rests his elbows on the table. Quietly, he studies me while twisting the gold band on his pinky finger.
“This is about the boy, isn’t it?”
I draw in a deep breath. “Yes, and he’s not a boy. Dad, I love Jack. I’m... in love with him.”
“In love!” Mom’s shrill voice jars me. She rarely speaks without temperance. In one swig, she downs her entire wineglass, then fills another. “Can you believe this, Artemus?”
She rarely says his first name, either.
This isn’t good.
Dad shakes his head slowly. “We had a deal, Morgan. Do you have no honor? Does your word meannothing?”
I sit as straight as a steel beam. “Yes! I do have honor, and that is why I must be honest with you. I can’t marry a man I do not love. God’s stance on marriage—”
“Don’t you dare lecture me about God’s intent,” he growls. “I taught you everything you know, and I won’t allow you to throw it back in my face like you know better.”
My heart drops so hard, it hits the chair. I knew this was coming. I knew I would hurt him. My father’s look of betrayal is enough to create a gut-storm of nausea.
