“Must I, Mother?” “Yes, I’d like to meet with Aaron alone.” “May I stay and listen?” “I’d rather you didn’t.” “Fine.” Priscilla breathed out an exasperated sigh. “I’ll be in my room. Once the two of you are through, please come upstairs and tell me what he’s decided.” “I will,” Claudia said. Then Priscilla turned to Aaron. “I know you’ve been upset with me, Aaron.” He made a waffling gesture with his hand. “Let’s not go into it now.” “I’ve been difficult and immature, but I’m trying to improve so I can be the bride you’d like me to be.” How was he to answer such a statement? “We’ll discuss it later.” “I’m praying that you’ll agree to continue with our wedding. If you cry off, I’ll be crushed. It would humiliate me before the entire world”—tears flooded her eyes—“and while you may not care about that, I couldn’t bear it.” He kept his face blank, shielding any reaction. How in the hell had she learned about his affair?
