The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

40 - Thin ice

It didn't surprise Baxter when Danielle announced his father wanted to see him. Baxter recognized his father's power move by calling his son to his office. That and the early hour prepared him for disappointment.

Philip frowned. "What's this tantrum I heard about?"

Baxter scoffed. "I'm not two or Doyle. Mother and I disagree about my personal life, so I moved out of the house. I think it's time, don't you?"

"I never left the Kane family home. What is it about this girl?"

"I love her. You of all people should understand."

"Not to turn from your family."

"I'm not. My parents' are turning away from me. My brother and sisters support me. You haven't given her a chance."

"Your mother is right. You need a wife to support you."

"Ivy supports me. She understands our business. Have you ever looked up at Mother and asked what she thought of a clause? The only clauses she knows are the ones in her prenup. I'm certain there is one about keeping your transgressions private."

"You're on thin ice."

"Am I? She's a smart woman. Smart enough to know you aren't out with your cronies all the time. She never mentions a name. I would like my wife to know the names of my friends."

"You are making a mistake. Your leash is short enough with your business ideas."

"As I told Mother, a vote against me is a vote for Ned, unless you would like to come out of your semi retirement."

"Your mother..."

"Dad, ask your Ellie what she thinks. I bet she doesn't agree with you. Remember, I met Ivy within hours of putting on the Kane Cross."

"Damn cross. It causes nothing but pain."

"I agree, but only if we let it. It'll only be a curse to me if I let Ivy go, but I don't intend to ruin my chance at happiness."

The older man scowled. "You grew up happy with privileges people like this Ivy could never dream of."

"Dad, Ivy doesn't even want the life I'm offering, but it's what she'll get because she loves me. She'll sign anything we ask her to."

"The girl has put you in the limelight more than you ever have before."

"None of it was her fault. The first fiasco, she got caught up in the fray. This weekend, we went out to the suburbs. It's not a crime. She's the one with the limelight only because of her association with me. You're lucky things were different when you dated Ellie. Phone cameras are everywhere these days."

Philip looked at his wrist. "I have to go. I only came to talk sense into you."

"Is Ellie waiting for you?"

He glared at his son. "Your mother. She's upset with your drama. Go back to work and think about the ramifications your choice will have on our family."

"I'm more concerned of the ramifications of not choosing the woman I love. It will be up to Kasper to carry on the name, because I will never marry a woman I don't love. Dad, times have changed. No one cares how rich my wife is. They love a fairy tale."

Baxter left his father's office and stormed into his own. Danielle was smart enough not to follow him.

Later that evening, Baxter took Ivy's hand as they walked to the bar. People turned their heads. Jimmy sat at the bar with a blonde. He stood and shook Baxter's hand before placing a kiss on Ivy's cheek.