Ethan pushed open the door of the family estate to find his father sitting at the dining table, his face arranged into a broad, ingratiating smile.
"What is it?" he asked, his whole bearing carrying a chill.
Patrick gestured to the empty seat across from him. "I had Mrs. Walton make all your favorites. Sit down first."
"I'm busy." Ethan's expression didn't change.
Patrick pressed on quickly. "Ethan, you and Ava have been together a long time now. Are you thinking about marrying her?"
"If not, I happen to have some profiles here — some very suitable young women. Take a look, maybe."
"You're not getting any younger. It's time to settle down. Your mother up in heaven won't rest easy until you do."
So that was what this was about.
Patrick's stream of words poured into Ethan's ears and
