Page 145 of Unexpected Entanglement

Rowan stormed her way back through the house. Angry tears blurred her vision, and she ignored Rosemary calling out to her. She needed to get out of there before losing it and throwing a punch at Chris’ father.

Chris parked behind a rental car in the driveway and wondered who came to visit. He hung the suit he’d picked up in the hallway closet and walked into the kitchen, then heard a commotion by the pool.

What the hell is going on?

On the patio, Rowan stood toe-to-toe with his father. A horrified Rosemary stood back, unable to say anything, while the two exchanged heated words. The next thing he knew, Rowan rushed inside, wiping tears from her eyes, while Rosemary and his father hurried after her.

“Rowan.” Chris stepped into her path and stopped her from running out. “What’s going on?”

Rowan looked up at him—a mix of outrage, regret, and shock on her tear-streaked face.

“What are you doing here?” Chris held her arms.

“She came to return this, son.” His father produced his mother’s emerald ring in his hand.

Chris searched Rowan’s face for confirmation, and his heart sank. He cast his gaze on his father and Rosemary. “What were you arguing about?”

“Miss Kelly here was just telling me what a horrible father I’ve been to you,” George started as he came closer. “And she is absolutely right.”

Rowan glared at his father with daggers still in her eyes.

“I’m sorry that got out of hand, Rowan,” George said. “I had to see for myself what kind of woman got my son all twisted up.”

He looked at Chris and continued, “I told Rowan I’d cut her a check for the ring back—”

“And I told you to kiss my ass,” Rowan snapped.

His father smiled. “Essentially.”

“What the hell, Dad?” Chris stared at George in disbelief.

Rowan wriggled out of Chris’ arms. “I don’t need to hear this again. You have your ring back. While I still retain my dignity, I’m leaving.”

“Rowan, please stay,” George asked. “My method wasn’t ideal, but it was effective. I meant nothing I said. I only did it to rile you up. Please forgive a concerned father. I genuinely did it out of love.”

“Oh, George,” Rosemary clutched at her chest, looking appalled. “That was a terrible ruse.”

Rosemary looked at Chris and Rowan. “I thought that was so out of character of him.”

His father handed Chris the ring. “She’s a keeper, son. Maybe you want to do it right this time?”

Chris searched his father’s face and saw approval. He hadn’t needed his father’s approval for years, but this felt right. Chris accepted the ring.

“Let’s leave the kids alone to work things out, shall we?” George offered his arm to Rosemary.

Rosemary smiled apologetically to Rowan and Chris before walking out back with George. But apparently, Rowan had a different idea. She moved around Chris and headed to the front door.

“Rowan!” Chris quickly went after her. “Where are you going?”

“Home,” she said shortly.

“You just got here.” He walked backward, facing her, since she wouldn’t stop.

“Obviously a mistake. I should’ve listened to my gut and just mailed the damn thing. I could’ve avoided that theatrical performance. Like I don’t have enough drama in my life.”

“You were going to put my mother’s ring in the mail?” Chris almost choked.

“I didn’t know it was your mother’s ring. I didn’t even know it was real until last night!” Rowan stared daggers at him. “That’scruel for you not to tell me, not to mention stupid. What if I had lost it? What kind of joke are you playing?”

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