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I give myself a reassuring nod in the mirror and then head back out to the dining room. Thankfully, Paul Newhouse and his wife, Marie, have arrived just in time for dessert. I’m anxious to see how he reacts to Odette.

The dining room is packed now. I notice that my parents are on opposite sides of the large room. Coincidence? Probably not. I’m half-convinced that my parents only invite people over because they hate spending time alone together.

I make my way over to Odette, hoping to find a private moment to ask her out. But as I reach her side, I look up and see Paul and his wife walking toward us. His wife is tall, slim, and gray-haired just like he is. They stride over and glance curiously between Odette and I.

“Madden! Happy Thanksgiving. And who is this lovely young lady?” Paul looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Paul, this is Odette Hastings. We went to high school together and our mothers are good friends.” I try to keep my facial expression neutral.

Paul's mouth slowly lifts into a grin. He introduces himself and his wife to Odette.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse.” Odette smiles and shakes their hands politely. “How do you know the Windells?”

Without skipping a beat, Paul exclaims, “Well, I have the honor of being Madden’s campaign manager! Inspiring young man, this one.” He claps me on the back with a genuine smile.

Odette looks surprised. “Campaign manager? What sort of campaign?”

Paul glances at me apologetically once he realizes that I hadn’t informed Odette of my congressional aspirations yet.

I shift on my feet and run a hand through my hair. “I’m putting my hat in the race to become Kansas’s state representative for the fourth district.”

Odette stares at me with a stunned expression. “That’s amazing! I had no idea. Well, as you know, I have experience in politics, so if you need any help with your campaign, I’d be happy to help!” She looks genuinely excited about the prospect, making my heart soar. I get lost in her twinkling green eyes as we grin at each other.

I’m pretty sure this woman fell straight from heaven and into this dining room. Seeing Odette’s passion for politics and her excitement for me to run makes me way happier than I probably should be. But it’s a wonderful contrast to my ex-fiancée’s negativity about my aspirations.

“Oh, I have a feeling you could be a great help, Odette. Possibly just what Madden needs.” Paul smirks at me, and Odette looks a little confused.

“Well, now that I’ve eaten my body weight in turkey and pie, my mom and I need to get Dad home. Madden, it was nice seeing you again, and Paul, it was lovely to meet you!”

“Let me walk you out,” I say. This might be my last chance.

Everyone says their goodbyes to the Hastings and then we walk out into the frigid November night. Odette and I amble slowly behind her parents, side by side. Once her parents reach their car, Mrs. Hastings helps her husband with his walker.

It’s now or never.

Odette looks up at me, shifting on her feet. “It was nice seeing you.”

“You as well.” I smile. “Actually, I was wondering… could I see you again?”

Her cheeks turn bright red. “Sure. I’d like that.”

I pull my phone out of my pocket. “What’s your phone number? I’ll text you and we can set up a date.”

Odette punches her number into my phone, turning more red by the second, and then bids me a bashful farewell before ducking into her parents’ car.

After the Hastings drive away, I walk back inside and do my best to ignore Paul when he turns to me with gleaming eyes and a knowing grin on his face.

Once I’m back at my apartment that evening, I have time to process my thoughts. I felt discouraged after six months of failed dates, but after spending the evening in Odette’s presence, it suddenly doesn’t seem so impossible anymore. It’s easy to envision us together. Not only could she help me get to Congress, but I think I’d actually enjoy being around her. And we’d only need to stay married for a few years, anyway. This could work.

Now I just have to convince her that this “marriage of convenience” isn’t a completely boneheaded idea. What could I give her to make it worth her while? Judging by their vehicle, it seems like my mother was right: they don’t have much money. And she mentioned her father’s therapies. Do they need help paying for those?

I groan, feeling like a jerk. Offering marriage to girls who just want their trust funds is one thing. But when I consider marrying Odette, I feel short of breath. What will she think of me for making such an offer?

Why does it feel so different with her?

Chapter 6

Odette