Page 49 of Just for Tonight

“There was never anything maternal about Candace, but in a way, that made it easier. Chances were pretty good that the four of us would hate whoever became our stepmom. That it was Candace meant it was a guilt-free choice.”

“Ouch.”

“Live with her for a week, then tell me that I’m wrong.”

“You haven’t lived with her in almost twenty years.”

“And that’s not an accident.” I cannot leave it there, even though I know I should. “My father got what he deserved, in my opinion, though. She can spend money like no one I’ve ever seen before.”

“That house is incredible.”

I nod. “I know. It has turrets. It has gold-plated faucets in the master bath.” I risk a glance at Mackenzie. She’s fighting a smile. “Even better, they’re swans. Two walk-in closets for her majesty. God knows how many pairs of shoes and how many trophy purses. The amount of money she’s spent is staggering.”

“It upsets you.”

“Yes!” In a way, it’s a relief to say it out loud.

“Why? Are you worried because he didn’t leave her enough to keep her in the style to which she’s become accustomed?”

“No one could leave that woman enough money to do that.”

“You’re pretty hard on her.”

I leave that right where it lands and Mackenzie lets it go. I finish the bottle of water.

“Where did Patrick meet her?” she asks. “She’s not from Empire.”

“She worked as a hostess at some bar here in Havelock. I don’t know which one.” I take another deep breath, then open another bottle of water before wrapping up my impromptu lecture series. I’ve already said way too much, but I can’t stop now. At least I know Mackenzie won’t repeat it. (How do I know that? I’ve no clue, but I trust her, and the reason for that is too dangerous to contemplate right now.) I top up her glass.

“What does a son learn from such a father? Maybe that ambition is a better compass than desire. Patrick pursued my mother for her connections and her money, and she made him a better wife than Candace, who apparently beguiled him then nearly bankrupted him. My mom pulled for the team, while Candace was, like my father, interested only in her own advantage.”

“There’s a lesson.”

“A cautionary tale in love, romance, and marriage,” I say, noting how she nods. “And there’s more. The son of such a man also learns to keep it zipped, to be moderate in his indulgences, to do his best to make sure he doesn’t leave any legacies behind to haunt him later.”

“Legacies like Luke.”

“Legacies like Luke.”

“Are you ever caught without a condom?” There’s no accusation in her tone, just curiosity.

“Never.” I don’t tell her about my vasectomy. In the first place, it’s none of Mackenzie’s business, and in the second, it seems extreme even to me, in hindsight. I’ve thought about getting it reversed, but there’s no real point.

“No line of little Cavendishes behind you, like breadcrumbs after a feast?” she asks, as if she smells my secret.

“Not behind me. My siblings can speak for themselves.”

She studies me. “You’re very sure.”

“I’m very careful.”

“I’ve noticed.” But she’s unconvinced, as if she’s guessed I’m not admitting everything. “But you will marry eventually and have kids, carry on the name, and continue the legacy, right?” she asks lightly and I’m glad she’s changed the subject. “Just waiting for the right girl?”

“There is no right girl. I’ll never marry or have kids. We talked about that last night.”

“I remember. I wondered if you were telling me what I wanted to hear.”

“No. I told you the truth.”