“And why would I not approve a visit from my father?” Luke motioned to the office. “Please, let’s sit, and I’ll stoke up the fire.”

“Your man already did that.”

Luke nodded and brushed past his father to claim the seat behind his desk. “I take it you arrived this morning on the Athena. I hope your journey was smooth.”

“It was.” His father moved slowly to the chair opposite the desk.

“I wish you had let me know you were coming. It’s going to be hard to find you accommodations. The Clark House is finished, but we already have quite a few visiting dignitaries occupying it at the moment. Duluth is growing at a maddening pace.”

“Why can’t I simply reside with you?”

Luke smiled. “Because I live in a fisherman’s cottage at the moment. I am building a house, but it won’t be complete before summer. But never fear. I shall find you accommodations.”

His father folded his hands. “I suppose you know why I’ve come.”

Luke shook his head. “No, not exactly. My guess is you’ve come to see how I’m doing and perhaps to meet your granddaughter.”

“I’ve come to take my granddaughter back to Philadelphia.” He fixed Luke with one of his no-nonsense expressions. When Luke was a boy, it was this look that always let him know there was no room for negotiation.

“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but my daughter is staying with me . . . and her mother. You see, I’ve adopted Sally and will soon be married to Gloriana—the woman your daughter-in-law asked to raise her baby.”

His father’s eyes narrowed. “You had no right to adopt the baby. Not without consulting me first.”

“I had every right, Father. I was appointed guardianship by the baby’s dying mother. In front of witnesses, I might add. I’m the only father the child has known, and Gloriana has been her only mother. It just so happens that through our ordeal and sorrows, Gloriana and I have fallen in love. We intend to be married very soon.”

“I will disinherit you!” his father growled.

“Do as you will, Father, but remember what happened the last time you acted out of haste and anger. You can’t undo the past. Would you make the same mistake again?”

“I have a right to that baby. She is my flesh and blood.”