The Proposal - Kitty Thomas Page 0,26

eyes widen. He actually recognizes Soren's name. I would be willing to bet money he even knows which company he runs.

“Well, that's a name,” he says, grimly. “Are you dating my daughter?”

Without missing a beat, Soren says, “I'm marrying your daughter. Next year. June 22nd. I hope that date works for you.”

My father looks like he might go to the gun safe and commit a felony. But an equal level of malice is rolling off Soren. He's not used to being questioned, and I can tell he isn't loving my father's tone. And I know my father isn't loving Soren's.

This is getting off to a great start.

I hold up my hand, flashing the ring in an attempt to diffuse the situation, which is of course stupid because waving sparkling evidence in front of my father's face of the impending wedding only six months from now is probably not the smartest move. My father's nostrils flare at this visual—like a bull ready to charge. And I am one hundred percent certain that if my father charges, Soren will drop the gifts—breakables be damned—and get into an actual fight with him—like the kind of conflict where neighbors call the cops.

“Harold!” my mother says, finally seeing the situation that may be about to unfold.

“And you think you're good enough for Livia?” he asks, blowing cigar smoke into Soren's face—not accidentally.

I'm surprised when Soren says, “Probably not. But I don't think there were any literal princes on her dating roster, so I'll have to do.”

My parents don't know about the roster. Even Macy doesn't know about the roster. She just knew I was dating and keeping it quiet for a while. Of course nobody seems to think this roster talk is anything more than a joke, and my mother is now fully engaged with diffusing the testosterone in the entryway so Soren isn't able to elaborate on my dating hijinx.

“Soren, I'm so sorry, you can put those gifts under the tree. And dinner is ready so if you want to come on back.”

Soren offers her a charming smile and brushes past my father to put the gifts under the tree. At the same time, my mom grabs my father by the elbow and drags him back to the dining room.

“Livia's engaged,” he announces gruffly to the family, none-to-happy about it.

I'm a bit confused to be honest. I mean yes, this is being sprung on him—did I mention my father hates surprises? But still, I saw the flash of recognition at Soren's name. You'd think he'd be happy to know I'll be so well taken care of. Soren can absolutely provide and protect. And we all knew I wasn't going to ever have a nice lifestyle on a veterinary assistant's salary.

Dinner itself is surprisingly pleasant. My brother, his wife, their three kids, as well as my two sisters and their husbands, and my sole remaining grandmother are all much more friendly to Soren than my father was. There are ooohs and aaahs about the ring, and questions peppered about the wedding and the whirlwind planning that's about to ensue and am I worried about securing a venue? I hadn't thought about that, but now I am.

Soren sits on one side of me and Macy sits on my other. She'll be the maid of honor of course. Macy comes to all my family holiday functions because she has no family of her own—at least none she has contact with.

My two and a half year old niece, Vivie looks like she's half in love with Soren when he cuts her ham into tiny triangles for her.

“Do you think Vivie would want to be my flower girl?” I ask my sister-in-law, Anna.

Anna leans closer to Vivie. “Would you like to be in Aunt Livvy's wedding?”

“Yes!” Vivie shouts through a mouthful of ham, even though I'm pretty sure she isn't clear on what a wedding even is.

After dinner just before everyone gathers in the family room for gift exchanges, my father says, “Livia, I'd like to speak with you alone in my study.”

I exchange a glance with Soren, who looks pissed that my father seems to be trying to interfere with his evil plans. But he quickly shifts back to his charming smile as he volunteers to help my mother clear the table. He's at least earning points with her.

Vivie trails behind him with her own plate talking his ear off about flowers and how she's going to be the flower girl, even though I'm sure she has no