Dani physically took a step back. "I don't think so," she murmured. "I'm not ready for that. Your wife doesn't know about me and-"

"Nonsense. Katherine is an amazing woman. She'll understand and want to welcome you into the family. Alex and Julie don't live at home but there are still six Canfield children for you to meet." He frowned. "Not blood relations, of course. Katherine and I adopted all our children, but then you probably know that."

"I did some research on the family," Dani admitted.

And found out there was plenty of money, Alex thought cynically.

"You could have a few meetings here," he said. "Before you take Dani home.”

But the senator had made up his mind and he was rarely convinced to change it. "No, dinner will work. Dani, you might as well find out the chaos you're getting yourself into right away. Besides, Katherine will adore you." He glanced at his watch. "I have a meeting I can't be late for. Alex, give Dani the address. Say six tonight?"

Alex nodded. "Are you going to tell Mom or should I?"

Mark considered the question. "I'll do it. I'll leave a little early." He smiled at Dani. "See you tonight, then."

"I, ah, all right," Dani said, sounding a little shaken.

Mark left the office.

Dani clutched her handbag so tightly her knuckles turned white. "The family. I didn't expect that."

No, she'd probably thought she could weasel her way into Mark's good graces without having to face his children.

She turned to him. "What about your mother? Is this going to bother her?" She briefly closed her eyes, then opened them. "Stupid question. Of course it will. I know they weren't together when he had his relationship with my mother, but still. A kid from his past can't be easy to accept. I don't want to make trouble."

“Too late for that."

She tilted her head. "You don't approve of me."

"You don't want to know what I think of you."