Page 52 of A Jilted Bride for the Cowboy

“But of course.” Dad blinked.

“Really? Tell me what you appreciate most about her.”

“She… she’s strong. Independent. An attorney.” Dad chuckled. Sounded a bit nervous, maybe? “She’s got an answer for everything.”

“So, you love her because she’s always right?”

“Uh…”

Graham waited a beat, but his father didn’t continue. “When I marry someone, it will be because I love her. Not because of her career or what she can bring to the family finances. Not because she’s good at arguing in a court of law. But because she’s kind and sweet and gentle. Because we have things in common and enjoy spending time together. Because she loves God and loves me—”

“Admirable,” Dad cut in. “Just don’t think that’s Cadence Foster. She’s taken.”

“She’s not property. No one owns the rights to her.”

Dad made a strangled sound, pivoted on his heel, and strode away.

Graham watched him go. Had this scenario happened before, that his father hadn’t been able to win an argument with him and stalked off in frustration? It wasn’t the outcome Graham preferred. What would it be like to have a dad who understood him and had his back?

Cadence didn’t have that, either. Her parents were as focused on renewing their relationship with the Bradleys as the other way around.

Obviously, Aunt Frances and Mom had had a heart-to-heart. Was Graham seen as that much of a threat to their desired outcome?

He wished he had as much confidence.

* * *

A sliver of light below the door showed someone was still in the office. Cadence stood in the corridor, hands clammy, wishing she knew who it was. She’d die of embarrassment if it were Tate, but he kept quite rigorous office hours since his marriage to Stephanie. And she’d seen Graham out on the lodge deck with his father a while ago, both of them rigid and stubborn looking. But he could have come in the other door since then. It would be like him to do so after a difficult conversation.

Why didn’t she want to talk to Graham? She’d kissed him — he’d kissed her back — just… yesterday? The day before? She could barely remember. Everything had been so volatile since her parents and Paul had showed up.

She took a deep breath, tapped in the lock-code, and eased the door open.

The old man was the only one in the office, and he looked up to meet her gaze. “Cadence?”

“Um, hi, Mr. Sullivan.”

He glanced over at her cubicle. “Did you forget something?”

“No, sir. I… was hoping to talk to you.”

“To me?” He leaned back in his chair, surprise evident on his face. “Have a seat.”

Cadence wheeled her chair near to his, perched on the edge, and tightened her hands together. “I have a problem.”

“So, I’ve heard.”

She didn’t dare glance at him for fear the amusement she might have heard in his voice was real. Was he mocking her? He wouldn’t do that. Hopefully.

Cadence tossed a quick prayer for wisdom and bravery heavenward. “My parents incurred quite a lot of debt planning my wedding to Paul Bradley. My mother, especially, took the reins and wanted a lavish affair.”

She peeked up to see her employer’s nod.

“Honestly, it was more than I wanted, but I’m their only child, only daughter, so I let her run with it. I didn’t realize…” Man, she couldn’t do this.

“Realize what?” Mr. Sullivan asked quietly.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment. “I think… I think my mother has a gambling problem. Or maybe it’s my dad. Or maybe I’ve guessed wrong completely. But I think they needed this wedding to reestablish their financial foundation. Somehow, the Bradleys could fix this problem, and without the wedding, my parents stand to lose everything.”

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