other sat across from him, a look of concern etched on her face, but Zane was too lost in his thoughts to notice. His mind kept replaying the events at the Vance estate-Carter's outburst, the unco

where it had gotten them-now both families were in chaos, with no wedding in sight. He couldn't believe it. His own mother was pushing for somethin

ice cut through his tho

ned back against the couch. "About what, Mom?

etting any younger, Zane. You have responsibilities. You have a family legacy to uphold. Ethan is younger than you

e about the damn legacy, Mom. I never have. All you ever care about is your

didn't understand, but she was trying. Zane rubbed his eyes tiredly. "I'm

at her words, and for a moment, all he could do was stare at the ground. He did

how far he ran, Carter was always there, in the back of his mind, haunting him. But still, he wasn't ready to let go of the hu

not want to hear it now, Zane, but sometimes, what you think

ns swirling inside him. "Mom, just stop. I'm not doing this. I'm

, leaving his mother to sit quietly, the weight

that e

Her mind was racing, and though she had heard her son's protests, she wasn't one to let things go easily. She had always known that

unter, and her heart skipped when she saw t

but with a touch of something else-an underlyi

The situation with Carter... and well, everything else. I can't help but feel responsible for how things have gone. Perha

erstand," she said, her voice steady. "It's just... we need to do

and the thought of Carter continuing down this path of isolation. He nee

Zane's mother spoke with a touch of quiet resolution. "What if... what if we co

ere was a spark of hope in it. "You mean...

agree. Let's arrange a meeting soon. I'll make sure Zane a

r's mother said, a note of determination in her voi

're both too stubborn for their own good, but it's time to give t

atisfaction. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, but it was the right thing. Zane and C