“I’ve arranged for the local newspaper to come by this week and do a story on the engagement,” Milton Bexley informs me, his eyes zipping around the room. “Where is that goddamn waitress with the shish kabobs? Swear this event goes farther downhill every year.”

“You already finished your second plate of hors-d'oeuvres, Daddy. The doctor said you need to watch your diet and cholesterol,” Margaret scolds, nudging him with the stick of her purple masquerade mask.

A waitress appears at his side a moment later. “Would you like more?”

“Yes.” I down the rest of my whiskey and place the empty glass on her tray. “Make it a double.”  

Milton nods. “Me too.”

“Right away, sir,” the waitress says at the same time Margaret hisses, “Daddy.”   

“Don’t start,” Milton grumbles. “Can’t you see we’re both celebrating the big news?”

He might be celebrating. I’m grieving.

The plan was to announce our engagement a few months after the election. However, Milton thinks doing it beforehand will encourage people to vote for me. According to several news sources, I’m starting to dip in the polls. It’s not enough to make me panic since I’m still ahead…but downward slopes are never a good thing.

People are starting to doubt me and my capabilities.

Which is why I didn’t put up much of a protest when what was supposed to be a business lunch turned into picking out engagement rings.

But right now? I’m having second thoughts about everything.

“Are you sure an engagement right before the election won’t backfire? I don’t want potential voters concerned about my focus shifting to my fiancée and the upcoming wedding instead of where it should be.”

Margaret huffs, clearly offended.

Tough shit. It’s what she signed up for.

“Personally, I’m more concerned about how your stepdaughter will handle the news.” She takes a dainty sip of her champagne. “I used to volunteer at the local psychiatric hospital. Let’s just say girls with her issues can be very co-dependent. It’s going to be quite an adjustment period for her when she moves out.”

“Eden isn’t moving out.” I scan the ballroom for the waitress because I could use that second drink now. “And she’s not psychotic. She just has a few issues she needs to work on.”

“Don’t we all,” Milton drawls.

“Sorry, but I’m not comfortable with my husband living under the same roof with someone like her.” The mask shielding her face does little to hide her annoyance. “I don’t know any woman who would be.”

If I don’t put my foot down about Eden now, she’ll keep pushing the issue. “I’m not kicking Eden out of her mother’s house.”

“That’s fine. Leave her there and we’ll move into our own.”

“I don’t feel right leaving her all alone.”

“Why not? It’s not like she’s your actual daughter.”

“It’s non-negotiable.”

Margaret crosses her arms. “Daddy.”

Milton sighs. “Cain, Margaret has a point. You don’t want to give people something to talk about.”

I was hoping the three of us living as one happy family would prove to everyone for once and all that Eden isn’t a homewrecker and stop all the gossip.

As if sensing the tension brewing in our circle, the waitress delivers our drinks.

I take a large swig of mine before I speak. “She doesn’t have any other family. Her mother only passed away a year ago. I wouldn’t feel right leaving her on her own so soon.”

“Shish kabob,” Milton reminds the waitress and she runs off.

Margaret rolls her eyes. “Please, she’s hardly a child. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be leaving town. You can call and check in with her from time to time.” Her lips form a tight line. “Most girls her age are heading off to college and living on their own.”

Milton swipes a shish kabob off a nearby waitress’s tray. “Come to think of it, that’s not a bad idea.”

I raise a brow. “What’s not a bad idea?”

“Sending the girl away to college. If you’re so worried about her well-being, then ensuring she receives a proper education is the best thing you can do for her and her future.”

“Daddy’s right.” Margaret croons. “Education is very important. Who knows? She could become the next great biophysicist and find a cure for cancer.”

Milton chuckles. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Despite the knot forming in my stomach, I know it’s the best solution for all involved. Eden needs to spread her wings…and I need to forget about her and keep my focus where it should be.

She’ll never go for it, though.

I clear my throat. “She’s already enrolled in a few online courses.”

Margaret waves a hand. “That’s not a problem, she can transfer her credits.”

I smile because people are starting to look at us. “Leaving Black Hallows isn’t an option for Eden at this juncture.”

Milton picks his teeth with a kabob stick. “Why not?”

“Because she doesn’t leave the house,” Margaret snaps. “What has it been, Cain? Three, four years now?”

My hands itch with the urge to put them over her mouth. She’s starting to remind me of Karen and I refuse to marry another woman who makes me miserable.

I push my mask up and loosen my bowtie, hoping it will help me breathe easier.

It doesn’t. I feel like the walls are closing in on me.

Milton must sense my irritation and impending cold feet because he says, “Enough about the girl, Margaret.”

“But, Daddy—”

“This pushy behavior is why you’re almost thirty and single.”

Her lower lip trembles. “I’m assertive. There’s nothing wrong with that.”  

“You nag,” Milton snaps. “Men don’t like it.”

Blinking back tears, she inhales sharply. “I’m sorry, Cain. This was the wrong time and place to bring it up.” She holds the mask over her face. “It is a party after all.”

Milton’s eyes meet mine, no doubt wondering if her apology eased my nerves.

Not that it would matter if it didn’t. Like all good politicians, he’s giving me the illusion of control.

At the end of the day, we both know I need him way more than he needs me. He can find another aspiring politician to marry his daughter tomorrow. But I can’t find someone with the same connections he has.

Or someone people admire and hold in such high regard. The man is a legend in the industry because he’s earned the respect of both parties, regardless of his own views.

He’s also donated a shitload of money to my campaign, and without that, I’d have nothing.

Reminding myself of all I have riding on this and what I can’t afford to lose, I nod.

“It’s fine.” I fix my mask and adjust my bowtie. “I’ll get a few college brochures and approach Eden about it after the election is over. Maybe she’ll be open to it after she does some research.”

Milton and Margaret exchange smiles. Milton might be tough on his daughter, but everyone knows she’s the one who has him wrapped around her finger.

“Sounds like a fine idea.” Milton raises his glass. “You’re gonna go far, Cain. Your father would be proud.”

The room sways a little. “Thank you.” I look at Margaret. “What do you say we put this argument behind us and dance?”

She takes the hand I’m holding out to her. “That would be lovely.” She waves to Milton. “See you in a bit, Daddy.”

He winks at me. “I’m going to talk to Judge Kennedy. Last I heard he’s voting for your opponent, but we go way back so I have a feeling I can change his mind. He may even make a contribution to the cause.”

“That would be amazing. Thank you, sir.”

“Will that be before or after he locks you up?” a voice sneers behind me.

An ugly feeling crawls up my gut, and when I turn around, I know what—or rather who—is responsible for it. “Hello, Katrina.”