Lib Novel Page 52
I tense to rise, but Coop presses our hands down on my thigh.
“No, if you have something to say, you can say it to us both.”
My breath catches, and I want to say thanks but no thanks, but it’s not really an option. Instead, I squeeze Coop’s hand back to let him know he has my support.
Victoria presses her lips into a fine line again before resting her hands on her knee. “Fine. As I was saying, Leighton and I were having lunch?—”
“Because you were always such great friends,” Coop says sarcastically.
“Don’t be rude, Cooper.” She glares at him. “Leighton’s done some digging on your fiancée.”
My already skyrocketing pulse shoots higher, even though there’s nothing to find. I’m no one.
“She has no connections, no money, and barely any future.” Victoria brushes imaginary lint off her skirt before lifting her icy gaze to Coop. “She’s unacceptable and you need to end this engagement at once.”
A laugh bursts out of me. I cover my mouth, but I can’t help it. She sounds like a mother in a period drama. And even with everything else that has happened to me since starting here, this has to be the most ludicrous.
Coop’s eyes dance with laughter as he looks at me.
“Pardon me?” Victoria huffs out. “I don’t see what’s funny.”
Maybe if the engagement were real, I’d feel crushed by her rejection. Instead, it’s just silly. Coop doesn’t deserve a mother like her.
I wipe a tear from my eye as I get myself under control.
“She’s obviously after your money and power.” Victoria gestures at me.
I shake my head. This woman has it so wrong.
“I don’t care about his money or power. I don’t care who you are or what you’re worth.” My smile softens as I look over at Coop. “I love him. He’s smart and sexy. He cares for me like no one else does, but he’s also playful. When everyone takes things too seriously, he pulls us back. I can’t imagine a day without Coop in my life.”
His thumb brushes over the back of my hand.
Drawing in a breath, I settle and feel his love for me. “If Coop wants to marry me, I’d be stupid to say no to him. Not for his money. Not for his power. But for the way he loves me back.”
He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. I remember being afraid to love him for fear he wouldn’t love me in return. But he’s so easy to love, it would have been impossible not to fall.
“While I appreciate your concern, Mother, for once I’m letting my happiness outweigh what you think is proper.” Coop’s words take my breath away. “I’d marry Madison every day for the rest of my life if she’d let me.”
“Cooper Jamison, you know what’s expected of you, and being a fool for love only makes our family look weak.” Victoria straightens even more if possible. “End this before it goes too far, or I’ll bring it to your father’s attention. He knows what needs to be done. You’re lucky Leighton will still have you after this fiasco.”
“Enough.” Coop stands and looks down his nose at his mother. “You have insulted me and my future wife. Leighton isn’t an option. She never was. She was me placating you when I still cared enough to try. But let’s be honest, Mother, no one will ever be ‘good enough’ for the Graham line.”
“Cooper—”
“No, I’m done. You didn’t even try to meet Madison or learn anything about her before you attacked her. She’s intelligent and caring. She loves me with all her heart. And for the first time in my life, I feel loved. If you don’t think that’s worth more than a fancy name and a family history of prohibition smuggling, then I don’t think we have anything more to discuss. Goodbye, Mother.”
Chapter 142
Olive Branch
Coop
My mother purses her lips like she’s tasted something sour. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next words out of her mouth were well, I never as she clutched her pearls.
Instead, she rises and glares at Madison for a second before she turns on her heel. I escort her to the elevator. Her nose is in the air and her shoulders are stiff as she enters.
As soon as the elevator closes, she turns to me.