As Emma tossed her bouquet and the evening wound down, I watched my new son\u2011in\u2011law work the room with the efficiency of a seasoned con artist. He clearly had elaborate plans brewing in that handsome head. Too bad for Marcus, I\u2019d spent seventy\u2011two years learning that the most dangerous opponents are usually the ones everyone underestimates. And this old widow was about to become very, very dangerous.<\/p>\n
The post\u2011wedding aftermath lasted exactly forty\u2011eight hours before the real show began. Emma called daily, each conversation a breathless symphony of marital bliss and how wonderfully Marcus was treating her.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s so thoughtful, Mom. Always thinking ahead about our future and financial security.\u201d<\/p>\n
Security. The word floated through our conversations like smoke before a fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow lovely. Sweetheart, a husband should definitely think about money constantly\u2014especially other people\u2019s money.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing, dear. Just that financial planning is so romantic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma missed the sarcasm entirely, which was probably for the best.<\/p>\n
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