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“Yes, that sounds good. Would seven o’clock at my parent’s place work for you?” She bites her bottom lip nervously.

I nod in agreement, and then she ducks past me into her dad’s room without another word. I stare after her for a moment–shock written all over my face, I’m sure–and then remember where I am, but not before the nurse at the front desk notices and looks at me with one eyebrow raised. After leaving the hospital, I drive to a local coffee shop for my meeting with Paul. I walk inside and give my order to the barista. I'm a simple black coffee kind of man, and it doesn’t take long to get my freshly brewed mug.

Taking a seat across from Paul, I notice he already has three empty mugs on the table next to him. Obviously, he’s been here for a while. “Good to see you, Paul.”

“Good morning. We need to decide what to do with your campaign.” He anxiously scrubs both hands down his face. “Have you talked to Odette?”

“Well, you know how terribly things went at the museum last week.” I rub the back of my neck. “But I actually saw her just now at the hospital. She wants to get together this evening.”

“Really? Maybe she’s changed her mind.” Paul picks up a mug and takes a sip, then apparently remembers that it’s empty and frowns.

“She certainly didn’t seem angry, which is a step in the right direction. She wants to have dinner tonight. To talk.” One side of my mouth curves up into a half-smile. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I think it’s too late for that.

Paul’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “Maybe she has come around to the idea after all? Although I have no idea why she would after you botched things up so badly at the museum.”

“Thanks for the supportive words. How does one successfully propose a marriage of convenience?” I take a gulp of my coffee.

“I mean, you could have brought flowers or diamonds, but maybe that’s just me.” Paul shrugs.

“This isn’t a normal marriage, Paul. Also, Odette doesn’t seem like a flower and diamonds kind of girl. I think she’d be more impressed if I gave her a library.”

“Then give her the deed to a library and seal the deal.” Paul laughs.

“I’ll try to be more suave tonight.”

“That’s the future Congressman I know.” He gives me a quick punch to the shoulder, and I roll my eyes.

I spend the rest of the day preparing for tonight. Paul was right. I need to make this marriage look more enticing. I should show her what it would be like to be married to me, even for just a few years. Odette doesn’t really know me, though, and I don’t want to overdo it.

I order two meals, two desserts, and a bottle of wine from George’s French Bistro. Then I head to a local flower shop and get a dozen yellow roses. Red seemed too romantic. Lastly, I pick up a leather-bound copy of Pride & Prejudice because I know she loves books. My sister, Sophie, made me read this years ago.

At a quarter to seven, I drive over to the Hastings’ house feeling sweaty and nervous. Juggling the bags from George’s and also the flower arrangement, I lean forward to ring the doorbell with my elbow. My stomach is a bundle of nerves as I wait in the frosty December air. When Odette finally opens the door, her eyes fly to all the packages in my arms. She reaches for a bag to help out and then leads me into the kitchen so I can set down the rest of the goods.

“What on earth, Madden? I thought you would just grab some burgers for dinner.” She furrows her brow as she unpacks the food.

“Burgers? George’s is so much better.”

“Why the flowers?” She gives me a skeptical look, then buries her face in the petals and savors the scent of the roses.

“Well, our first date ended up pretty terrible, so I’m trying to do better tonight.”

Her cheeks turn pink. “Why would you assume this is a date?”

“You asked me to come to your house at seven o’clock, Odette. This is either a date or a booty call.” I raise my eyebrows up and down at her.

“Madden Windell, how dare you even suggest such a thing!” Her mouth gapes open for a moment, but once she takes in the smirk on my face, she relaxes her shoulders. Although her face looks very unamused.

“Sorry. I was attempting to lighten the mood.” I grimace. “In all seriousness, I owe you an apology. I was brash and presumptive. I should have spent more time with you before bringing up the issue with my campaign. I’m surprised you even wanted to speak to me tonight at all.”

“Thank you for apologizing. I was angry about your offer.” Odette looks at her feet awkwardly. Her skin is more pale than usual and her hands begin to shake. “But things have changed. Which is why I asked you here tonight.”

Taking a few steps, I stop in front of her. I want to take her hands in mine, but that would probably make her uncomfortable. I stifle the urge. “What is it?”

“Sorry. I’m nervous.” She inhales deeply through her nose, then looks up at me. “I’ve been thinking about your proposal, and I believe I’ve changed my mind. About marrying you. If the offer still stands.”

My heart begins beating so fast that it feels like it might fly out of my chest. I try to contain the huge grin threatening my face, but it’s too late. “I was hoping you’d say that. But why the sudden change of heart?”

Her eyes brim with unshed tears. “It’s my dad. I need you to know upfront.” She pauses and searches for the right words. “He needs round-the-clock care. I’ve poured over our options and assisted living seems like the best choice, but... it’s expensive.” She twirls her hair nervously.