Page 9 of The Problem Child (Emerson Pass Historicals 4)

Mama had risen and now embraced Shannon. “Take care of him tonight. He’ll be upset. His temper got the best of him, that’s all.”

“I will.” Shannon shuffled across the room and out to the foyer. I jumped when the front door slammed.

After she left, we all sat in silence for a moment. I didn’t dare look at Viktor. What he must think of us. Of me. Of Flynn, who made it sound as if I were some kind of sick cow being offered to an unsuspecting farmer.

“I shouldn’t have pushed so hard,” I said, finally. “I’m sorry to have ruined dinner. I’m sorry I can’t seem to be like everyone else.” I lifted my gaze to Viktor. “I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you.”

Viktor jerked up from his chair to fall on his knees in front of me. “Listen to me, Cymbeline Barnes. You’re not to make yourself small because you think that would deter a man in any way. If a man wants you to be something other than your splendid self, then he has no right to be in your life. Your dreams and ambition are part of what make you special. Special to me. To everyone in this room and our town. Do you understand?”

“I think so,” I said, meekly, overwhelmed by his declaration in front of my entire family.

“With all due respect to your family, your brother’s wrong. Half the men in this town wish you would choose them, including me. But if it’s not me you want, please, I beg you, don’t ever let a man make you feel ashamed for wanting more than what’s expected of you. I’d never be ashamed, only proud, to see you conquer all your dreams.”

I once again teared up, making the large Norwegian man in front of me blur as if I were looking out a window dripping with water.