"He could get one of those mail-order brides, couldn't he?" Tiffany said.

"Nah, not his style. With the people he associates with in his business, he'll want someone who is educated, can speak intelligently with his clients, and will be a terrific hostess. And Kimbrough Hall would be a wonderful place for him to entertain. We both know that Ashley isn't going to give up her home for anyone, and besides, he'd be nuts not to want to live there. It's a perfect venue for a guy in his field."

"So now all we have to do is get Ashley to agree," Tiffany said.

"No, first Ray speaks with his client, and then if the man is agreeable we set up a meeting with our client. They might not even like each other, Tiff, and they have to at least like each other to make this work," Joe said to his wife.

"How could any man not like Ashley?" she replied. "She's gorgeous."

"A lot of men have liked her, but for all the wrong reasons," Joe reminded her. "At least with this guy we start with an even playing field. She's rich; he's rich. So we know he's not after her money. Still, I'm going to run a check on him just to be certain. We can't be too careful, and Ashley has got to be protected."

"When will you talk to Ray again?" Tiffany wanted to know.

"This afternoon," Joe replied. "Don't call Ashley."

"Why not?" Tiffany wanted to know.

"Because until Ray's client says he is willing to meet her we have nothing. I don't want her getting her hopes up, only to dash them. She's had enough sorrow these last few years. She doesn't need to be rejected by someone who hasn't even met her."

"You're right," Tiffany agreed. "Poor kid.