“That’s because you haven’t experienced it.”

“Maybe not,” she agreed reluctantly. “But I will someday.”

“With Zach,” he said with complete assurance and a wide grin.

Janine didn’t bother to argue. Gramps was being obstinate and arguing with him was pointless. The only recourse she had was time itself. Soon enough he’d realize that neither she nor Zach was going to fall in with his scheme. Then, and only then, would he drop the subject.

* * *

A week passed and Gramps hadn’t said another word about arranging a marriage between her and Zachary Thomas. It was a cold windy March evening and the rain was coming down in torrents. Janine loved nights like this and was curled up in her favorite chair with a mystery novel when the doorbell chimed. Gramps had gone out for the evening and she wasn’t expecting anyone.

She turned on the porch light and looked out the peephole to discover Zach standing there, a briefcase in his hand. His shoulders were hunched against the pelting rain.

“Zach,” she said in surprise, throwing open the door.

“Hello, Janine,” he said politely, stepping inside. “Is your grandfather here?”

“No.” She held the book against her chest, her heart pounding hard. “He went out.”

Zach frowned, clearly confused. “He asked me to stop by. There were some business matters he wanted to discuss. Did he say when he’d be home?”

“No, but I’m sure if he asked you over, it’ll be soon. Would you care to wait for him?”

“Please.”

She took his raincoat, then led him into the library where she’d been reading. A fire was burning, and its warmth hugged the room. The three-story house, situated in Seattle’s Mt. Baker district, was a typical turn-of-the-century home with high ceilings and spacious rooms. The third floor had once housed several servants. Charles was their only live-in help now, and his quarters had always been an apartment over the carriage house. He worked exclusively for Gramps, driving the limousine. Mrs. McCormick arrived early in the mornings and was responsible for housekeeping and meal preparation.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked, once he was comfortably seated.

“Coffee, if you have it.”

“I made a fresh pot about twenty minutes ago.”

Janine brought him a cup from the kitchen, then sat across from Zach, wondering what, if anything, she should say about Gramps and his idea of an arranged marriage.

She doubted that Gramps had broached the subject yet. Otherwise he wouldn’t be sitting there so calmly sipping coffee. He’d be outraged and infuriated, and studying him now, she concluded that he wasn’t even slightly ruffled. It was on the tip of her tongue to warn him about what was coming, but she decided against it. Better that he learn the same way she had.

Lacing her fingers together, she smiled, feeling awkward and a little gauche. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“You, too. I’ll admit I’m a bit disappointed, though.”

“You are?”

“On the drive over, I was trying to guess what you’d be wearing this time. A dress made from bread sacks? A blouse constructed out of men’s socks?”