The Kiss that Sparked it All

As she grew older, she wisely chose another room, making her visits to that particular room less frequent.

But on significant days, she’d still spend a few hours there. It was her sacred space to be alone with her mom’s memory, where no one else was allowed to disturb.

When Francis brought up that room, it was his way to use her mother’s memory to remind her to visit home more often and remember her roots as a member of the Tanner family.

But hearing this from Madeline was a different story. She seemed to forget her place in the family, acting as if she had a say in these matters.

“Don’t worry, Dad. Just because I’m married doesn’t mean I won’t come back. I’m here now, aren’t I, having dinner with you? But now that I am married, I think it’s important to set some boundaries. We can’t let certain people think things are the same as when I was single.

I think I’ll just come back alone for dinner unless it’s a special occasion. Nolan has his own family to spend time with; it wouldn’t be fair to expect him to come with me every time.”

If Nolan had it his way, he’d accompany Regina back every time; but since she voiced her preference, there must be a reason.

“This is unacceptable!” Madeline blurted out in panic, fearing she’d lose any chance to be close to Nolan if Regina started coming back alone.

Everyone turned their eyes towards her, while Nolan kept his head down, focusing on the mountain of food Regina had piled onto his plate as if she thought him a bottomless pit or wanted to spare him from speaking.

“How is this not acceptable?” Francis looked sternly at Madeline, well aware of the selfish motives she harbored.

Regina married Nolan already; it was only wise to resign those ideas.

Instead of obsessing over Nolan, he thought, she should consider what benefits the Tanner family could still draw from the Harris family, grabbing whatever advantage they could.

“Uh, I mean…” Madeline stumbled to explain.

Imogen cut her off sharply, “Why are you even speaking, child? Just finish your soup and stay out of adult conversations.”

Then, turning to Francis with a smile, she said, “You’ve spoiled her. Now, she finds it’s okay to talk nonsense in these important occasions She’s just a child; what does she know?”

Francis scoffed internally but maintained a gracious facade, “How is she still a child? She’s only slightly younger than Regina.

Now that Regina’s married, it will soon be your daughter’s turn. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to find someone you approve of.”

Imogen looked at him with feigned surprise, her eyes soft, “Then I’ll have to rely on your judgment.” Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Changing the subject, Francis turned to Nolan, “Do you have any friends around Madeline’s age? Someone suitable for her?” He believed that Nolan, being as commendable as he is, surely had friends of equal caliber. It could tighten the two families’ bonds even further, making any thought of separation impossible.

Regina’s expression darkened at her father’s words. Wasn’t it enough that the Tanner family benefited from their connection to the Harris family? Now he aimed to extend that influence to Nolan’s friends!

“Let’s just enjoy dinner without delving into such topics today.” she said, trying to steer the conversation back to a peaceful family meal.