“I catered your party last week,” she reminded him.
Logan saw the curiosity in his father’s eyes turn into blatant disapproval. “Emma hired you,” he said. “But I recall having a conversation with you about fraternizing with the guests.”
“Yes, you did.”
“I don’t have to ask what you’re doing here now,” he said with scorn.
Logan was tempted to jump in and protect her, but he sensed if he violated her sense of confidence, she’d never forgive him. Hell, he was lucky if she’d talk to him again either way.
Her gaze never wavered from his father’s. To Catherine’s credit, considering she wore nothing but his oxford shirt, she held her own with the man who intimidated even those who knew him best.
“No, you don’t. But since I’m not on your payroll anymore, there’s really not much you can say. But I would like to tell you one thing before I go.”
“Catherine, you don’t have to put up with this in my house.”
“No, I don’t.” She smiled at him, but there was no joy in the gesture. “Just call this my parting gift.” She turned back to the judge. “The more you try to control the people you love, the farther away they’ll run.” Cat cleared her throat. “Sir.”
Before his father could register her words, she ducked past him. By the time he’d begun to react, Cat had hit the open button on the remote control and ducked safely inside the Jeep.
Pride along with regret swelled inside him as Logan watched the media frenzy that followed her departure. Controlling his anger at his father wasn’t easy and he took a minute to center himself.
“Luck,” the judge muttered. “I remember that name. Big news around every state courthouse. She’s got spunk and attitude. Not surprising given her roots, but admirable just the same.” He met Logan’s gaze. “Now, would you care to tell me what’s going on between the two of you? And how you intend to explain it to the media?”
Anger seethed beneath the surface, but Logan took his lead from Cat. He had to maintain control. Judge Montgomery never lost his cool. Determination and an air of authority would get Logan further than losing his temper, something he’d learned as a child. The best way to reach the man was to meet him on a level playing field. Humor and dry sarcasm weren’t going to cut it anymore. The plain, honest facts were.
On his own time, Logan turned to his father. “I have nothing to explain to the vultures out there. Or to you. I don’t know what it’s going to take to convince you that I call the shots in my life. And in my house.” He drew a deep breath. “And I resent like hell the way you spoke to the woman I love.”
The judge shook his head. “I don’t understand you, son. You’re young and I can see her appeal, much as I hate to admit it. But you don’t throw away your life for love. It doesn’t exist. An equal partnership does. And that’s what a political man needs. A woman capable of looking good and standing by her man. No scandals involved.”
Logan raised an eyebrow. “I’m not a political man. I never will be. Do you hear what I’m saying? You can’t keep circling the issue. I’m not running for mayor. And I’m not going to take a job at a high-powered firm, or move into a luxury building or, worse, back into the mansion.”
His father let out a long-suffering sigh. “You choose to live in this… shack. Your mother and I have accepted it. Obviously, we have no choice. But just because you live below your means doesn’t mean you have to consort with lower-class women, too.”
Now, he’d gone too far. Logan clenched his fists, unwilling to listen to his father insult a woman he didn’t know. His woman, Logan thought, and it was time the judge understood that.
“Listen to me, because I’m only going to say this once. You will not insult the woman I plan to marry. Do you understand? She’s going to be your daughter-in-law. Accept her or walk out of my life because, on that score, there’s no compromise.” Logan’s head throbbed in time to his words. He didn’t care how short a time he’d known Cat. She was it for him.
For all their posturing and arguing, there’d never been a time when he’d completely removed himself from his family. Physically, yes, he’d moved out. Mentally, he was on his own. But emotionally, he’d clung to the hope that one day he’d have the solid family he’d always wanted.
His father grew pale beneath his golfing tan. He grabbed for the wall behind him for support and Logan reached for his father. “Dad?” He’d never had cause to question his father’s health before and fear paralleled his anger.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” His father regained his composure quickly as well as his angry pallor. “The woman ingratiated herself with a senile old woman so she could end up exactly where she is now. In your bed.”
Disappointment and regret lanced through Logan. His father would never see the truth any more than he would accept what was important in life. “Goodbye, Dad.”
“Son, consider your future. You don’t have to ruin your life just to thwart me. Think. Family unity is important. I know that. Why do you think I found a way to use your… lifestyle to our advantage? This photo opportunity would have set you up as the Montgomery who relates to the common man. As usual, you destroyed my efforts. But I tried. You need to do the same.”
Logan shook his head. “If family unity is so important to you, you do the thinking. Think about everything I said here today because I meant it. Give up the need to control me and accept my life. Accept Catherine.”
The judge grunted. “Her appeal will wear thin,” he said, but for the first time, he didn’t sound so certain.
“Never.”
“You have too much of your grandmother in you,” he muttered. “You realize you have the media waiting. What do you intend to tell them?”
“The truth.”
Without another word, Edgar walked out the door.