Chapter 4

The family meeting was set at the wedding hotel.

When I arrived, Kathleen was leaning on Terry's shoulder, crying.

Flora Swanson sat at the head of the table. : 「Young people lose their heads for a moment. That's no reason to throw away a marriage. Evie, you've been with Terry seven years. You know who he really cares about.」

I pulled out a chair. : 「He cares about the shop, the clients, and a project proposal he can get for free.」

Terry's head snapped up. : 「What are you talking about?」

「Then say I'm making it up.」 I laid the statement dissolving the engagement on the table. 「The wedding isn't cancelled. I won't come after you for the banquet costs. The bride changes to Kathleen.」

Kathleen's crying stopped.

Alden Swanson looked at her. : 「Kathy, the shop your uncle promised you. Does that still count?」

Kathleen didn't answer.

Flora rushed to smooth it over. : 「We're all family. What does it matter who runs the shop?」

I looked at her. : 「Of course it matters. The shop was left to me by my grandmother. The Lantern trademark, the accounts, the contracts, they belong to the company and no one else.」

Oliver slapped the table. : 「You really have to take this all the way?」

「The one who took it all the way is sitting in the cold storage.」

Terry finally couldn't stay in his seat.

「Evelyn, I told you. Kathleen and I, it was just a moment of weakness.」

I asked, : 「Then are you marrying her or not?」

His expression changed a few times.

Kathleen's tears started again. : 「Forget it, it's all my fault. You two get married. I'll leave the city.」

She stood to go.

Sure enough, Terry caught her arm.

I waited quietly.

She'd rehearsed this scene too many times.

After a long moment, Terry looked at me.

「Think carefully. Make me marry her today, and don't come crying back later.」

I handed him the pen.

「Sign it.」

He must have been sure I'd cave at the last second, because his pen came down hard.

Kathleen signed too.

Their two names sat side by side on the bride-change confirmation.

I put the document away.

Terry stared at me. : 「On the wedding day, will you come?」

「I'll come.」 I smiled. : 「I have to see it with my own eyes, the two of you getting what you wanted.」