Read Online The Marriage Agenda by Sarah Ballance - Free Book Online Page B

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    Katherine tapped the polished granite with a perfectly manicured nail. “When he called to tell me of your engagement, he was the happiest I’ve ever heard him. It wasn’t just a good mood, either. His feelings were far more than superficial.”
    Chloe’s gaze shot to Katherine’s face, and she prayed her guilt didn’t show in her eyes. She’d been worried about hurting Knox, but she hadn’t considered that she’d be hurting his mother. Arguably, neither of them deserved it, but Knox at least knew what he was getting into. He knew the marriage was fake. Katherine, on the other hand, actually believed Knox cared for Chloe. As much as Chloe wanted that to be true, the fact that their deception would affect other people hit her with force. “I didn’t realize I could have…affected him so.”
    “Honey, he’s marrying you. And I can’t say I didn’t have my suspicions about your intentions, but one fact remains undisputable. Any other woman who has dated my son has landed herself on the front page of the social section within the week. But he tells me you dated for months, and until yesterday I didn’t even know your name. I can’t begin to know what’s between you two, but when he says you’re different, I have to believe him. I’ve already seen that much, and while I don’t know that I approve of his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps to the Senate, you seem to be the kind of woman he needs to stay grounded while he’s on that path.”
    Chloe swallowed, taken aback by Katherine’s words. “I—”
    “Did you bring the whole store?” Knox walked into the kitchen, bouncing off the doorway with a grunt. His voice was muffled, his torso invisible from behind a tower of books and boxes.
    Chloe released the breath she’d been holding and rushed over to relieve him of some of the pile. “You can’t make more than one trip?”
    He scowled. “There’s more.”
    “Can I help?”
    Katherine stood. “Be assured, dear, he’ll be glad for the escape. I know my son—he’s not going to care one bit what color table linens we choose for your reception.”
    Knox snorted. “I wouldn’t dream of insulting you ladies with my uninformed opinion. Besides, I’m due for a phone conference.”
    “I’m on my way out myself,” Katherine said. “I know you two are still getting settled. You’ll look through these things, Chloe, and then we’ll finalize plans? I know I’m not giving you much time, but on such short notice…”
    “It will be beautiful, Mother.” He kissed her on the cheek. “And you’re right. I couldn’t care less about place settings. As long as there’s food on the plate, I’m in—though I’m afraid I’ve gotten word that a mere eight green beans won’t cut it. Insist on at least nine, no matter the cost.”
    Katherine looked at him as if he had descended into utter madness.
    He ignored her incredulity. “And speaking of dinner, I’m going to order a pizza. Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”
    Katherine gathered her things so quickly, Chloe thought the woman must have been repelled by the very thought of food served from a greasy box. “No, no. See to your conference. Chloe, it was lovely to meet you. We’ll talk tomorrow?”
    Chloe nodded. “Of course.”
    “Good. I’ll stop by midmorning.” She put a hand on Chloe’s arm. “I mean it. Welcome to the family.”
    Chloe followed her to the door, watching as Katherine got into a gleaming Mercedes-Benz. It was the same cream hue as her clothes. Chloe shook her head. She was lucky to have a matching pair of shoes, and Katherine Hamilton managed to accessorize all the way down to her automotive paint.
    “I think she liked you.”
    She jumped at the sound of Knox’s voice so close to her ear. She turned, finding the length of his body mere inches from hers.
    He pushed shut the door with one hand, the motion positioning him even closer. “Pizza?”
    Of course. Never mind that they’d gone through