Kate's lips pressed together, her voice quieter this time. "That doesn't matter. He has known me my whole life. What we have is different."
"I think," Vivian said carefully, "that he cares for you as a sister.. because of your brother and their friendship. You've been like family since you were children. Don't set yourself up for heartbreak, Kate. Please."
Some silence and tension lingered, but finally, Kate broke it. "We'll see," she said, her voice firm. "I know William better than you think, Mom. He just can't say no to his grandmother..that's all this marriage is. A favor. Once the dust settles, he'll move on."
Vivian set her glass down, expression tightening. "Kate…"
But Kate didn't stop. "You'll see. He's not happy. I can tell."
Vivian exhaled again, rubbing her temple. "Chris will be home soon. I'll tell him to talk to you about this, because he knows William better than anyone, and maybe he can make you listen."
Kate gave a small, dismissive shrug. "He won't change my mind."
At that, Vivian turned toward the other end of the table, where her husband Wayne Harrington and her father in law Charles Harrington Sr. were seated, quietly observing the exchange.
"Wayne," she said pointedly. "Dad. Are you two going to say something? Or will you just sit there and let her daydream herself into a scandal? Talk to your daughter. She needs to give other men a chance."
Wayne looked up from his plate, his tone loving, but firm. "Kate, your mother is right. William is a good man, but he's married now. You need to respect that."
Kate rolled her eyes lightly. "Dad, I do respect that. I'm just saying..."
Charles Sr. interrupted, his deep voice carrying the weight of age and authority. "You're saying too much, young lady. The Whitmores are family friends, and you don't want to ruin that with gossip."
Vivian crossed her arms, looking both exasperated and amused. "Exactly. And for once, your grandfather and I agree. You need to give the other men a chance. Adam, for instance, I like him."
Kate leaned back in her chair, her tone teasing. "He's not William."
Vivian's expression faltered, but before she could respond, Kate stood.
"Dinner was lovely," she said. "But I've got an early morning. Goodnight."
She left the table with quiet grace, her heels clicking across the floor.
Vivian watched her go, her heart heavy. She turned back to Wayne and her father in law and sighed. "She's going to get her heart broken, isn't she?"
Wayne reached for her hand gently. "You've done your part dear."
Vivian nodded slowly, staring toward the empty doorway. "I just hope she changes her mind before it's too late."