“I’m not here for dinner,” I say, looking around the room and smiling and nodding at whoever is looking at me. I spot my father sitting at the head of the table. He leans back in his chair, his linen suit perfectly tailored to him. I look a lot like him, but that is where it stops. “Father,” I say, “I was wondering if I could have a word with you.”

“Now isn’t a good time, son.” He smirks. “We have company.”

I look at him. “I have no problem saying what I want to say in front of everyone if that is what you want.” He must see that I’m livid, and he just laughs.

“It’s hard passing the reins over.” He puts his linen napkin from his lap on the table. “If y’all will excuse me, my son needs me. He’s a chip off the old block always working to make the town perfect.”

“Really, Beau?” my mother says between clenched teeth, a smile on her face. “You are ruining my dinner.”

“I’ll be back, dear.” He kisses my mother’s cheek, and she just nods. My father leads the way to his home office. He opens the door and waits for me to walk in before closing the door behind me.

“Now, what has ruffled your feathers, boy?” he asks, walking toward his liquor cabinet. Taking his crystal tumbler in his hand, he pours a whiskey.

“Was it you?” I ask, and he just looks at me. “Were you responsible for Savannah’s accident?”

He looks at me and then turns back to his drink. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’m asking if you were the one who made sure Savannah’s truck was forced off the road.” I watch him. He smirks to himself, picking up the glass and bringing it to his lips.

“Son.” Just the way he says it makes my skin crawl. “It’s not my fault that woman has made enemies.” He takes a gulp of his whiskey. “It’s just sad that her son was mixed up in it.”

“You mean your grandson.” His eyes fly up, and he looks at me, glaring.

“Watch your tone.” Any other time, I would have just walked out of the room, but not this time. Not after everything that I found out.

“I’m going to marry her.” I watch his face. “I asked her to marry me, and she accepted.”

“Your brother’s sloppy seconds,” he says, and I step toward him.

“You should choose your words wisely, Father. I would hate for someone to hear the secret that you’ve gone to great lengths to keep.” I advance more now. “You’ll also show my future wife respect.”