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Dad stomps out of the room, calling tersely over his shoulder, “Your mother has extended the table as far as it can possibly go so we can accommodate everyone… Including Heidi’s furball.”

Mom looks up from her dough and shoots lasers with her eyes at Dad’s retreating back. “Your father is being dramatic. Heidi is a very nice girl. I think you should give her another chance. You might even fall in love and want to stay married to her for more than two years.”

I feel a bit confused. Heidi was Dad’s set-up, wasn’t she? When did Mom get on board? “Is Heidi one of those eligible ladies you wanted me to date?”

Mom purses her lips and goes back to pounding her dough. “Maybe.”

Brooks stirs the pot of green beans next to me and whispers, “Would you be mad if I flirt with Odette tonight? She’s smokin’ hot.”

I turn to give him a snarky retort, but David turns from where he’s standing behind us and whops him in the back of the head. “You’re not the one looking for a wife, you dope. If anyone flirts with her, it should be Madden.”

After finishing up the potatoes, I transfer them to the porcelain dish Mom set out and take them to the dining room. When I spot my place setting on the table, though, my jaw clenches.

Mom has me seated right between Heidi and Odette.

This is my own personal hell. It’s like she wants me to compare the two women. Does she really think that will make Heidi look better? Who knows what’s cooking inside that mind of hers.

Dad walks into the dining room, taking in the seating arrangements and my apparent horror. He snorts. “Just make the best of it. I suppose she’s trying to help, even if it is completely overbearing.”

I let out a heavy sigh and look at my dad. Despite him not being around much when I was younger, he’s still the most level-headed person I know. “I’ll just keep my mouth full the entire time so I don’t have to speak.”

Dad gives me a sympathetic look as I set the plate of potatoes down in the center of the table. “In my head, I thought it was going to be much easier than it has been to find someone tolerable. Now I just feel stupid.” I scrub my hands over my face.

“Son, I hate to tell you this, but relationships are never convenient. And even when someone gets married to a person they actually love, it doesn’t mean that marriage will work.” He winces at his own words. “Sometimes you just have to do what needs to be done. Don’t overthink it.”

Well, that didn’t make me feel any better. Knowing my parents are miserable with each other never seems to get any easier. And the thought of marrying someone–anyone–only to become just as miserable as them sends a bolt of panic through me.

I only have a month left to find someone to marry me, so I might as well meet Odette. I can always feign sickness and leave early if she’s crazy. I absolutely refuse to let my mother manipulate me into giving Heidi another chance, though. I’d rather kiss my political career goodbye before marrying someone who carries a dog around in their purse.

I’m distracted and deep in thought when I walk back into the kitchen. Brooks swings his arm around my shoulder and leans in. “Bro, if you’re going to meet your future wife tonight, don’t you wish you would have worn different clothes?”

“What’s wrong with these?” I look down at my dark jeans, leather belt, and white button-up shirt tucked in neatly. I thought I looked pretty good. This is my go-to look, after all.

Brooks can barely contain his grin as he peruses my outfit. “Not to sound creepy, Madden, but we all know your tush is your best feature, and those jeans aren’t doing you any favors.” He snaps me in the butt with a dishtowel.

I pivot on my heel and put him in a headlock. He whines and I burst out laughing. Brooks may be younger and more spry than me, but I spend a good amount of time in the gym. I can still take him.

David hears the commotion and turns to us. “You are both such children. And just because Mom went upstairs to get ready, doesn’t mean she won’t be pissed at you for wrestling in her kitchen.”

He has a point. We stand up straight and get back to work.

“Brooks is right, though,” David adds with a smirk. “You should’ve worn different jeans.

Chapter 5

Odette

I let out a nervous sigh as we pull up to the Windell driveway in College Hill. Their home is a gorgeous, craftsman-style Victorian with white paneling and a brick path leading up to the wrap-around porch. Some stained glass windows are even still present. I take it in with a sigh. D.C. was beautiful, of course, but College Hill is absolutely charming.

We step out of the car into the chilly November air, and I help my dad out of the back seat. Thankfully, the brick path is smooth enough for him to manage.

When Mom grabs his other arm, I take a moment to smooth down my grey sweater dress and brace myself for this evening. I’m relieved when I look down and see my black leggings aren’t covered with lint. I even wore some cute booties and spent extra time on my hair. I’m not sure why I care so much. It’s not like Madden and I are going to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. Especially since he didn’t even remember me from high school, which I’m still mildly irritated about.

I manage to plaster a smile on my face as Mom rings the doorbell. Mrs. Windell answers exuberantly. “Welcome, welcome! We’re so happy to have you!”

I remember Dr. and Mrs. Windell from my high school days, and I swear Mrs. Windell hasn’t aged a bit. She’s just as pretty and well-coiffed as I remember, with her petite stature and dark hair. I stand back as she helps my Dad bring his walker inside and embraces my Mom in a quick hug.

“Odette, we’re so thrilled you could join us as well.” Mrs. Windell turns to me with a bright smile, though it doesn’t meet her eyes. Maybe she’s just tired from preparing Thanksgiving dinner.