Florence barely suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “Justine, you aren’t able to see into the future.”

“No, but I do know people. You’ll see. No man in his right mind would give up on either of my sisters.”

At only nineteen, Justine was wise beyond her years. However, this prediction was too optimistic for Florence’s tastes. She had no intention of ever forgiving Clay, even if he did try to win her back. “A waste of time in Clay’s case. Besides, Granny has agreed to finance my casino and I’ll be too busy for romantic endeavors.”

“Have you told Daddy?”

“No. With everything else happening I haven’t had a chance. Not that it matters. He believes the casino is a mistake, so he’ll disapprove and lecture me about status and reputation again.”

“That won’t stop you.”

“Indeed, it won’t.”

“This past week has certainly tested his beliefs of what’s right for his daughters. I’ve never seen Daddy so upset. I think it’s fair to say that he has no idea what any of us wants at this point.”

“And what do you want, Tina?”

“To save the world, of course.” She lifted a shoulder. “A husband and children, too, I suppose. Though later. I’m in no rush.”

The needles clicked softly in a hypnotic rhythm. Florence fed the yarn and watched as the rows of the blanket took shape. It was relaxing, though she’d go batty if she had to do this every day.

“Would you take him back, if it could all be undone?”

Florence grimaced at her sister’s question. It was a foolish conundrum, not worth even contemplating. “He wouldn’t undo it so the exercise is pointless.”

“It’s not pointless. You can’t see the future or what’s in Clay’s mind. Could you forgive him?”

“Please do not start lecturing me on the power of forgiveness. I swear, I will stab myself with one of those knitting needles first. Furthermore, he doesn’t deserve forgiveness.”

“No, not at the moment. But your anger will fade in the face of his apologies. Are you ready to live the rest of your life without him?”

The back of Florence’s throat burned as her lungs seized. The idea of a future without Clay made her want to lie down and weep, but she’d done enough of that already. This past week her moods ranged from angry and hurt to sad and embarrassed. She was done with all these feelings. It was time to get her future under way.

The door opened. Her mother appeared in the doorway, her eyes alight with a wildness Florence hadn’t seen before. “Florence, you must come downstairs to your father’s office.”