Page 27 of No Way Forward

“Of course you will. I never doubted you would help me.”

Chapter 13

Novette shoved the covers aside and climbed out of bed. There was absolutely no sense in trying to sleep with her mind restless. She threw a robe on over her nightgown and walked downstairs. A midnight snack might settle her nerves. M

aybe a hot chocolate with some marshmallows and chocolate syrup would do the trick.

In the kitchen, she set the ingredients for her drink on the table and warmed some milk. One of the maids had baked a snicker doodle cake with cinnamon swirls inside and brown sugar buttercream frosting on top. Novette cut a generous slice.

“Mm,” she moaned. “This is going to be good. Maybe I can put myself into a sugar coma and forget everything.”

“Novette, what are you doing up so late?”

She jumped at her dad’s voice. “I can ask you the same thing. I’m having cake and hot chocolate.”

Her dad walked farther into the kitchen and pulled a chair out for himself. She noticed him looking around as if he expected one of the staff to serve him. Novette wondered how often he had cracked the kitchen door open.

“You want some, Daddy?”

“I can ring for someone.”

“Don’t be so spoiled.” She shook her head. “We’re strong enough to serve ourselves a midnight snack. Do you want some or not? I don’t want to brag, but I make a mean hot chocolate.”

“I suppose so.” His agreement was reluctant. “Whatever you did while you were gone is over, Novette. I saw the callouses on your hands and the dry skin. Those clothes you wore…” He shuddered. “The hardship is over. Just give me a little bit more time, and I’ll secure everything.”

“What do you mean ‘secure’? Daddy, you aren’t back to trying to choose my husband, are you?”

“It’s my duty to make sure you’re settled. “

“I knew that party was a lie.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Tell me something. Did you have people on standby, waiting until you found me? What were you going to do, line them all up and bully someone into making me an offer?”

He frowned. “Why would I ever have to bully anyone?”

“Never mind.”

“You’re wrong. I planned to talk to you and convince you of the importance of securing your future. Yes, I invited every eligible bachelor that I could, but I fully intended to allow you to choose whoever you wanted, when you wanted.”

“‘Allow?’ Wow, thanks.”

“Don’t be sarcastic, Novette. It’s not attractive.”

She rolled her eyes, but he wasn’t looking at her. He focused on her hands as she made the chocolate and cut him a slice of cake.

“You’re right,” he said. “I’ve changed my mind. If I wait for you to come around, there’s no telling what will happen.”

“I don’t understand you, Daddy.”

“Never mind, dear. I’ll take care of everything.”

She ground her teeth in frustration.

“Tomorrow over brunch, you’ll meet the two candidates I favor most.”

“No.”

“I’ve prepared a dossier on both of them, family background, connections, net worth, et cetera.” He spoke as if she hadn’t just refused his plans.

She slammed the knife down on the counter. “I said no! I’m not going for your plans, nor will I be bullied into accepting whatever you say. Five years ago, I was weaker and afraid to go against you. That’s not happening now. Besides…”

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