From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

"Sherman, let's go! Don't waste your breath on people like her," Karen snapped, grabbing Sherman by the arm.

Sherman gave a small nod and followed her, leaving Rebecca scrambling after them.

"No! Grandma, please, don't go! I'm begging you, please forgive me!" Rebecca pleaded, chasing at their heels.

But Karen didn't even look back.

Smack.

She slammed the car door in Rebecca's face.

The driver started the engine, and all Rebecca could do was stand there as a cloud of dust settled around her.

"Ah!"

A guttural cry tore from her throat. Rebecca collapsed, sobbing in utter despair.

In the car, Karen glanced at Sherman, worry creasing her brow. "Listen to me, you stubborn boy! Don't let that manipulative girl Rebecca fool you. I only accept Ann as my granddaughter-in-law, got it?"

She'd seen enough schemers in her day, and she wasn't about to let Sherman get tangled up with one. Truth be told, her nerves had been especially on edge ever since she'd read that romance novel last week-the one where the male lead was completely duped by a conniving vixen.

poor girl suffered endlessly-betrayed, heartbroken, humiliated. And the worst part? In the end, the heroine actually forgave

had nearly ground her teeth to dust reading that nonsense. If she could, she'd have jumped right into the pages to knock some sense

if it meant marrying into the Christensen family. Karen's biggest fear was that Sherman would end up like Daniel from that book: blind to the truth

not allow

misunderstand Ann, or treat her badly, I swear-I'll knock some sense into that thick

raised an eyebrow. Grandma love,

you even listening to me?" Karen demanded, punctuating her words with a

the cross around his neck.

a second. Had she heard that right? My God. For once he hadn't launched into his usual speech

That never getting married.

one thing: Sherman was truly

her excitement in check. She stifled a laugh behind her hand-wouldn't do to jinx things if her future

a thought struck her. She turned to Sherman, her tone sharp. "By the way, what's going on with that Robinson boy? Did he lose his mind or what? Do you know what he said to me

"What did

him in on Daniel's little visit, recounting how he'd come by just to

darkened, a dangerous glint flickering in his

to stand up for Ann. She's a wonderful girl, and I won't sit by while some two-faced brat

his cross. "Don't worry. I'll take care

in satisfaction. "Good. I'm counting on