She set her mug down on the small wooden table.

“The whole courtship was staged,” Evelyn said.

“Douglas needed a bailout for his failing lumber yard,” I said.

“He realized Brandon didn’t know about our wealth.

They spun a web, and our boy walked right into it.”

Evelyn rested her head against my shoulder.

“He really loved her, George.

He bought that beautiful engagement ring because he wanted to make her happy.”