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It was either that or we'd be living in Europe somewhere close to Darency had their mission control That would depend on where Alexa wanted to work She had a drea for the UN, either in New York or one of the European capitals That e, Netherlands

It was a good problem to have and I kneas lucky

While I was conteed to indicate an inco text

I ree

MOTHER: Where are you, dear? I called you three times this week and you didn't answer Your father and I were expecting to have you over for dinner when you arrived back home We've hardly spoken since you left on your trip Are you co to the Marshall Family Gala at Cipriani's on the weekend? As one of the two heirs, people expect to see you

I had seen my mother's number come up on my missed calls but hadn't called her back yet That was one part of ain For the eight months, I'd mostly been free of her machinations and hadn't felt deprived Now, I'd have to rown man, I had responsibilities to them and the Foundation in my parents' names The Marshall Family Foundation, worth several billion dollars, which was known for its support of medical and scientific research Dana and I were the only children my adoptive parents had, and ere set to inherit their money when they died

So as much as my adoptive parents drove me crazy at times, they had provided us both with a safe, more-than co money could buy after my real parents died

I owed it to the foundation to make a show of support now and then

LUKE: I'd be happy to coala but just so you know, I'll be bringing Alexa withto match me with the latest debutante, okay So, no Felicia or Jenna

MOM: Luke, I know that I've long since given up finding you a suitable wife As long as you show up for a while so people can see you and be glad that the Marshall Fa There's a dinner and then the annual presentations to staff It would be wonderful if you could make a presentation I'll send you the list of awards and you can decide which one you want to do Love you!

It wasn't lost on me that she said suitable wife That was, no doubt, a direct reference to Alexa Of course, my mother wouldn't approve of Alexa as my wife She wasn't from money, like the Marshall Faed to Alexa I could almost see her face when I told her In fact, while I had been thinking of ways to bow out of attending, the occasion gave ive ed to be ood reason to attend It would put to rest all the sche attempts of etting hters

In fact, Cipriani's would be the perfect opportunity and venue

It here I met Alexa

LUKE: I would love to attend See you Saturday

I didn't respond with a 'Love you!' like I knew she wanted Did I love her? Not the way I loved ical mother, but she did her best by me and Dana and I appreciated that If she hadn't been such a social butterfly, so ht have loved her, but she was She was totally about appearances