Beau was about to launch into another story when Evangeline shushed him. “You’re boring the poor girl, Beau.” She looked at Tina sympathetically. “Don’t let him get started or he’ll talk your ear off about his boy.”

Beau raised his hands. “I’m a proud father, what can I say?”

Tina grinned at him. “I don’t mind hearing about Grant when he was younger, really.” Tina could hear voices inside the house. Again, she had the feeling she needed to see Grant. “Excuse me,” she said, getting up. “I’ll, um… I’ll be right back.”

“Of course, dear.”

Tina hurried into the house and followed the sound of voices once she was in the hallway. She could hear a woman talking and Grant’s short, clipped replies. The snatches of words she was able to pick up slowed her steps until she stood outside the sitting room and listened.

“Grant, honey, why won’t you listen to common sense? There’s no reason why we can’t work this out,” a heavily-accented female voice purred. Tina held her breath, listening, knowing that she was wrong but unable to go into the room and make herself known. Something held her back and told her to wait.

“I’ve already told you, Shelly. We’re over. I’m getting married to someone else.”

“How can we be over? You’re bound to me now – engaged or not. By the way, where is your bride-to-be? I can’t wait to congratulate her and tell her some more happy news. Your parents won’t know what to do with themselves. Joy upon joy.” The voice was heavy with sarcasm and Tina closed her eyes as her mind whirled. Was she hearing what she thought she was hearing?

“Shut up,” Grant hissed. “I paid you once to take care of it. How much more do you want?”

“I don’t want your money, Grant. I want what that sad little fiancée of yours has. The ring, the wedding… and you.”

“Leave her out of this.”

“I watched her, you know. I followed you here and watched you two get out of the car. The little pep talk you gave her outside. You know what I saw? A scared little girl in a cheap dress. She could never be a Rutledge. You know she doesn’t belong in this world.”