Chapter 11

Everyone looked at him and waited for him to speak.

Carson felt like someone was squeezing his throat when he spoke. To calm down, he touched the cool, smooth leather of his chair. His voice seemed stronger than it was, but he said, "I've been really busy with work." He took a quick look at her. She had a pretty face, but it looked sad, like a flower dying in the sun. His eyes got angry and small, like a tiger getting ready to attack.

"Son," he said in a deep, rough voice, "this engagement isn't just for you." It's about the future of our family. "You should really think about it."

Carson felt like arguing, but he pushed it down. It felt like taking a big, bad pill. "Yes, dad," he answered, his jaw clenched like a rubber band about to break. Carson wasn't paying attention when everyone else turned back to the big TV. The movie sounded like it was being shown in a different room.

She was all he could think about. She made him feel happy and relaxed with her warm brown eyes and kind