Sweet Fortune

Constance and Lilian a distant but approving glance. “On the whole, I think it was a good idea for the two of you to put in an appearance. Failure to be supportive at times like this can cause irreparable damage to the parent-child relationship later on.”
    “I don't think they need your approval, Mom,” David said in an undertone. “They're here because they care about Jessie just as much as everyone else does. Even if they do think she's making a mistake.”
    “How true,” Constance drawled. Then she smiled at Hatch. “I do hope you find a job soon. Lord knows Jessie isn't a reliable means of support. She can't hold a position longer than six months.”
    Jessie grinned. “Hey, I resent that. I may not be able to hold a job, but I can sure find them. I've found more jobs than you can count.”
    Lilian groaned. “That's the truth.” She turned to Hatch. “Well? Have you got anything lined up yet?”
    “I'm still figuring out how to collect unemployment,” Hatch murmured. “It's rather complicated. I had no idea there was so much paperwork involved. But if I don't get it sorted out fairly soon, there's always welfare.”
    “ Unemployment? Welfare ? You mean you haven't even started looking for another job? And you're going to marry my daughter?” Lilian stared at him, clearly aghast.
    “Relax, Mom.” Jessie chuckled. “That was a joke. Hatch has a little trouble with jokes. Or maybe I should say people have a problem with Hatch's sense of humor.”
    Lilian rolled her eyes and looked at Constance for backup. “Just what I need. A son-in-law with a warped sense of humor.”
    “Better than one with no sense of humor at all,” Constance pointed out.
    “Come on, you guys,” Elizabeth interrupted. She seized her glass of orange sparkling water. “We were just about to drink a toast to Hatch and Jessie. I've never gotten to drink a toast before.”
    Hatch picked up his glass. “Let's try this again. We are here tonight to officially announce the fact that Jessie and I plan to marry as soon as possible. I thank you all for being here to celebrate this momentous event with us. I know it isn't easy for some among you to accept this situation, but who the hell cares? This is the way it's going to be. First, to my lovely, loyal, beloved Jessie.”
    Jessie blushed warmly under Hatch's searing gaze. There was so much love and possessiveness in his eyes that she trembled under the onslaught. A deep certainty welled up within her. There was no doubt about it. She was doing the right thing.
    Everyone at the table was in the process of hoisting his or her glass when David halted the toast for a second time. Once again his eyes were on the restaurant entrance. “Wait,” he said softly. “We've got one more late arrival.”
    “Who on earth?” Frowning, Glenna turned her head to glance toward the door.
    “Well, for heaven's sake. Who would have guessed?” Lilian shook her head in silent wonder.
    “I'll be damned,” Constance stated, her eyes warm.
    “I always knew he was as stubborn as a rogue elephant,” Hatch said with cool satisfaction. “But I never said he was stupid.”
    Jessie was already on her feet, Elizabeth right behind her. They both raced toward the big man standing near the hostess's desk.
    “ Dad .” Jessie reached Vincent first and wrapped her arms around his waist, laughing joyously. “I'm so glad you came.”
    “What the hell else could I do, Jessie? You're my daughter. And if you insist on marrying that stubborn sonofabitch, then I guess he and I had better find a way to get along.”
    Elizabeth clung to Vincent's arm and grinned up at her father as he bent to kiss her cheek. “I knew you'd come, Dad. Just like I knew you'd come to watch me when I won first prize at the science fair.”
    Vincent smiled benevolently down at his offspring and then looked at the curious hostess. “My daughters,” he explained proudly. “The elder one's getting engaged tonight.”
    “Yes, sir.” The hostess smiled. “Congratulations. I believe everyone at the table is waiting for you.”
    Jessie led the way back to the big table and took her seat beside Hatch as Elizabeth plunked herself down in her own chair. Hatch got to his feet and eyed Vincent.
    “Glad you could make it, Benedict.”
    “Always said you were a damned marauding shark.” Vincent sat down between Lilian and Constance, who each leaned over to give him an affectionate peck on the cheek. “Should have known once you made