But even if it was debt, Francis found it unbearable. Why should their hard-earned Tanner family money go to Nolan?
Regina simply wouldnât ask for help; once sheâd decided to repay the debt, she wouldnât let her father interfere with her plans.
Just then, Imogen, with her baby bump showing, made her way downstairs. âWhatâs this about? Your daughter finally comes home for a visit, and youâre driving her away? Canât a family sit down and have a proper conversation?â
At the sight of Imogen, Regina nearly rolled her eyes so hard they mightâve spun right out of her head.
But she had questions for her sister, so she bit her tongue for the moment.
Francis turned away in disgust. âDo you know what sheâs saying? She wants to pay back the Harris family! Can you believe it? My daughter, has she lost her mind? As if the Harris family needs the cash.
The loose change they drop would feed the Tanners for a week.
Regina, canât you think about someone other than yourself for once? Think about the little brother in Imogenâs belly. How can you be so selfish?â
Francis shoved Regina hard, and she stumbled before regaining her balance.
All she wanted was to stand before Nolan with her dignity intact, but to her father, this act was sheer selfishness.
Imogen, ever the gentle soul, came to Francisâs side and soothingly rubbed his chest. âSheâs young, she doesnât understand. She doesnât know how much youâve done for this family.
Regina, your father has been worried sick, and you know heâs gone grey just planning your wedding.
Now that youâre the lady of the manor at the Harris place, you canât forget who got you there.
Come on, apologize to your father, and letâs put all this behind us. Weâre family, after all. What canât we get through together?â
After her spiel, she turned to Francis. âReally, you too. Sheâs home for once, and before youâve even heard her out, you lay into her. Whoâll want to come home after that?â
âHmph! As if I need her to come home!â
Imogen laughed helplessly, âWho was it that kept wondering if Regina was alright out there, if she was being mistreated by her in-laws? Now your daughterâs right here, and you canât wait to push her away with harsh words?
âDonât sweet-talk me. I was never worried about her.â
Francisâ voice was as chilly as ever. Regina didnât know if Imogen spoke true or false; had her father ever cared for her while she was away?
Or was it just about the money he could wring from the Harris family since she married in?
This thought soured Reginaâs heart. She wondered what had happened in the short span of a year to make her distrust her own father.
âAlright, both of you give a little. Regina, Madelineâs back from school, too. Sheâs upstairs. Call her down for lunch, will you?
Youâve come home at the right time. Emmaâs whipped up a honey-glazed ham; I donât know why, but ever since I got pregnant, I just crave these hearty dishes.â
She touched her belly, appearing the picture of gentleness, and Francis immediately supported her by the lower back.
He reminded Regina, âGo get your sister. Imogenâs hungry. We adults can wait, but the little one inside cannot.â