Must-Have Husband

in broadcast news someday and had the pretty face and nicely even-toned voice to carry off being an anchorwoman. He learned that Ollie had gained entry into a prestigious film production master’s program near Los Angeles, and that Linda was an accountant and Beau was in medical school. The Olivers were one incredibly ambitious and educated family. On the way here, he’d learned that Connie was still figuring out what she wanted to do. While she’d majored in studio art with a concentration in photography in college, she’d never quite found the fit for her art. More than anything, she loved to photograph food, which Mac found both quirky and charming. Linda had assured him that Connie was also a fabulous baker. She made the most wonderful cakes and pies, very detailed too. She’d even styled a cake like a human brain for Beau’s birthday when he’d been studying anatomy, complete with a prefrontal lobe and all. Since she’d not yet found a market for her competing and unusual talents, Connie worked as a docent at a children’s museum in order to pay her bills.
    Especially after seeing the lavish lifestyle she’d come from, Mac couldn’t imagine Connie having difficulty with finances. He found it admirable she aspired to stand on her own two feet, even though she’d unmistakably come from money. All of the Oliver children appeared to share that trait. Elizabeth and Wendell Junior must have done something right. In Mac’s case, he’d never considered that he had any option other than forging out on his own. He’d grown up with a hardworking yet loving single mother who’d worked double shifts at the bakery to pay for school extras so he could stay enrolled in the most competitive courses. Her support and his own dedication had paid off by landing him a full scholarship to the forestry program at Berkeley. Mac had never wanted to do anything but work outdoors. He’d initially considered working for the National Park Service but ultimately found running his own business—and being his own boss — to be the perfect fit. That was until everything went up in smoke.
    His dinner plate was cleared and a flaming dish was placed before him. “Bananas Foster,” Connie explained with a sweet smile. Mac couldn’t believe they were serving dessert again. Not after having cake and champagne as appetizers… then a summer squash bisque to start … followed by the apple, pecan, and goat-cheese salad… wrapping up with prime rib and lobster…
    “I don’t know how you girls can eat like this and still keep your figures.”
    “StairMaster,” Linda assured him with a grin.
    Connie nodded in agreement, eagerly digging into her second dessert, but Mac didn’t believe he could fit in one more bite. Already, he was bursting at the seams, particularly in this too-tight jacket. A server came around with coffee as the band picked up its tempo. The music was saucy and upbeat, and Connie must have liked it. He could hear her tapping her feet in time to the rhythm under the table. Wendell Junior silenced the band and took his place center stage. “Honored guests, friends, and family, we’re delighted you could join us tonight for my father’s very special celebration. And in honor of the man of the hour, I hope you’ll all fulfill his request to dance until your shoes fall off.” A ripple of laughter erupted from the crowd as Grandpa Oliver watched, beaming, from the sidelines. He motioned for his son to hand him the microphone, then took it to address the room.
    “It was very kind of you to come this evening. Very kind of all of you, indeed. And I can’t thank you enough for your donations to my chosen charities. The art museum and community playhouse will both benefit greatly from your generosity, and will hopefully keep entertaining others long past the time this old man is gone.” As if to prove his frailty, he broke into a wheezing cough. Elizabeth appeared and took the microphone while Grandpa Oliver continued to breathe hoarsely. “Thank you. Thank you all again.”
    He beckoned Elizabeth toward him and whispered something in her ear as she held the microphone at her side. She brought the cordless mike to her mouth and her face warmed in a smile. “The birthday boy has a special request. Before we begin the general dancing, he’d like to welcome Connie’s new fiancé to the fold with a special introductory couple’s dance.”
    Mac’s coffee sloshed sideways as he rapidly set his cup down on its