The menu consisting of prime rib, fluffy mashed potatoes, and crisp vegetables was better than any expensive restaurant he’d been to, but he couldn’t enjoy a bite. He glared across the table to where Magnolia was sitting next to Roman. The seats had been assigned by Benjamin, with name cards on each of the plates. Benjamin was sitting at the head of the table. On his right was Roman, with Magnolia beside him. Eric Stanford, a thickly set man with a short neck and square face was seated to the right of Magnolia. On Benjamin’s left was Oscar, Magnolia’s father, with Lucas sitting beside him. Just as Magnolia predicted, Lucas did like Oscar. He had silver hair like Benjamin, but his body type was different. He was slightly taller and thinner. Unlike Benjamin who could’ve passed for a frumpy college professor, Oscar was clean shaven and impeccably dressed. He gave off more of a high-profile businessman aura.
Everything in Lucas wanted to jump up this instant, rush around the table, and grab Magnolia’s hand so he could take her away from this stifling pretense. But that wasn’t going to happen. The very fact of where Magnolia was sitting right now was evidence of the control her grandfather wielded over her. This was Benjamin’s world, and he had full control. Would that control be enough to wrench Magnolia away from Lucas? The old man was certainly doing everything in his power to bring that to pass. Lucas reached for his water and took several swallows. What he wanted to do was to punch a few holes through the wall. He didn’t know how much longer he could sit here and watch Magnolia laugh and talk to Roman. Looking at them both, it was painfully clear that Magnolia and Roman were from the same world. They understood one another. Lucas was the outsider here.
“Down, tiger,” Oscar urged in a low tone. “At the rate you’re going, you’ll shatter your glass.”
Lucas looked at the glass he was holding, forcing himself to relax his grip.
“Tell me about yourself,” Eric prompted as he pinned Lucas with squinty, bovine-like eyes. “What type of work do you do on the ranch?” All the attention turned to Lucas. Magnolia gave him an encouraging smile, tinged with a faint ring of worry like she was afraid he might say something to hurt their situation. After that little get-to-know-you session in Benjamin’s study and now with this ridiculous seating arrangement, Lucas knew that it didn’t matter what he said. He and Magnolia were doomed. Benjamin had already made up his mind, and Eric was merely a puppet, intent on carrying out whatever orders Benjamin decreed. Lucas sat up straight in his seat, meeting the eyes of all in the group. He refused to be quelled by their disdain. “Whatever needs doing. I supervise many of the day-to-day activities—feeding cattle, mending fences, making sure our equipment is in proper working order, assisting the vet to make sure our herd remains healthy.”
“Sounds like grueling work,” Eric observed.
“It can be,” Lucas answered.
“The ranch where you work is in Tennessee?” Benjamin asked.
Lucas nodded. “Yes.”
“Do you plan to continue working on the ranch after you and Magnolia wed?”
The frosty note of challenge in Benjamin’s voice crawled under Lucas’s skin. He glanced at Magnolia, wondering how much he should divulge of his ambitions.
“Lucas and I haven’t made any concrete plans yet,” Magnolia cut in diplomatically. “The good news is that my job is online, so I can live anywhere.”
Benjamin turned to Oscar, his brows bunched. “How do you feel about Magnolia leaving New Orleans?”
“Magnolia’s an adult,” Oscar answered in a smooth, congenial tone. “I know that whatever she decides will be the right decision for her.”
“Thanks,” Magnolia said as the two shared a smile.
Benjamin’s face turned a shade darker as he scowled. A second later, his countenance brightened. “Roman, you’re planning on getting your doctorate degree. Is that correct?”
“Yes, I’ve applied to several programs, with Harvard being at the top of the list. I hope to one day teach there.”
“Now, that’s a career one can be proud of,” Benjamin said heartily as he shot Lucas a superior sneer that said You’ll never measure up.
Lucas’s blood began to boil. He’d about had all he could take of Benjamin Bentley and his disdainful attitude. He balled his hand around his napkin. “This country was built by hardworking men and women who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. I will never apologize for who I am or what I