“Me neither,” Austin said.
“Bri, we know what we’re doing,” Macy said, sliding her hand into Jaxon’s and presenting a united front.
He squeezed her hand back.
“Then explain, please.”
Macy blew out a long breath. “As you know, my stepmother is back, and she served me with papers to get custody of my sister, hot on the heels of me being caught doing the walk of shame out of Jaxon’s home. I don’t trust her or her motives, and a stable marriage and family life with him will help me convince the judge I’m a good parent. That’s my reason.”
Bri’s expression turned to one of compassion. “I am so sorry you’re going through this.” She touched her friend’s shoulder. “But are you sure marrying Jaxon is the solution?”
“It’s good for both of us,” Jaxon answered for her. “It makes it look like Macy was leaving her fiancé’s house, not a one-night stand. And as you both said, marriage and stability will calm management down and help me. It’ll make them realize I’m serious about life and I’m not going to do anything stupid again. We’re helping each other.”
“And you’re sure this is what you want? You really want to marry Jaxon?” Bri asked Macy.
“Hey! That almost sounded offensive.” Jaxon nudged his sister with his elbow.
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Bri muttered. “It’s just sudden and I’m worried about both of you.”
Beside them, Austin just watched in silence.
“And I do,” Macy said. “Want to marry him, I mean. No pun intended.” Her light laughter reassured him they were still on the same page.
Austin leaned against one of the light pillars on the corner of the patio. “Sounds like everyone has thought this through.”
“We have,” Jaxon assured them. “Bri, relax. It’s the perfect solution to everyone’s problems. Can we count on you to pull a wedding together in a week?” he asked.
“Please? I’ll do whatever you need to help,” Macy said.
Bri’s expression softened. “Anything for you and one of my favorite brothers.” She grinned. “If we’re going to do this, let’s do it right.”
“That’s what I said.” Relief filled him now that his family supported him. “I was thinking of having it at my house, since I have the space inside and out. I’m sure we can get family and friends to come despite it being short notice. I’m just worried about caterers and a photographer…”
“Leave it to me,” Bri said. “I have some contacts. We can pull in Faith for desserts,” she said of Faith Dare, Ian’s half brother’s wife who owned a candy shop in New York. She could get them what they needed.
They had a complicated extended family but a loving one. Thanks to Paul, the Precotts had known the Dares for years, only recently discovering they were family.
“I’ll talk to Mom, and between us all, we’ll get it done,” Bri promised.
“Speaking of Mom, I don’t want to set her up for high expectations and hurt her when things come to an end,” Jaxon said, not wanting anyone to forget this wasn’t permanent.
Austin tapped a finger against his cheek before finally speaking. “I don’t think we should put her in the position of having to lie to anyone, either. You’re getting married, we don’t know for how long, so let it be.”
Jaxon nodded. “I agree. Let her enjoy this.”
“If you’re sure,” Macy said, biting down on her lower lip.
“We are,” the three of them said at the same time.
Jaxon blew out a deep breath and relaxed.
He had his family on board. Next up? Macy had to convince her sister to move into his house and allow them to become a family.
A temporary one but a family nonetheless.
* * *
The next day, Macy tried to go about her time as usual. She hadn’t slept well, which didn’t surprise her, given all the changes coming up, but she still woke early and walked on the treadmill she’d put in the corner of the den so she could exercise even on broiling-hot Florida days.
She cleaned the house while waiting for Hannah to come home but was interrupted a gazillion times by phone calls from Bri. What kind of flowers did she want at the wedding? Music? Was she available tomorrow to go to a wedding dress shop because she had to buy off-the-rack if she was going to have a gown ready for Saturday? And on and on.
By the time Hannah was due home, Macy was an anxious mess, in part because of the upcoming nuptials, and the more immediate reason was dealing with her sister. Macy had no illusions her talk with Hannah would go as well as their discussion with the Prescotts. After the shock wore off about their engagement, she’d been welcomed to the family and the planning had begun.
Now, however, she had to face her sister when Hannah came home from being with her mother and break the news that they were moving. After Macy finished making her bed, she heard a car door slam outside. Peeking through the window, she watched as her sister pulled her suitcase from the small trunk, waved to Lilah, and headed up the front walk.
Courage, Macy thought to herself. What was the worst that could happen? A teenage tornado temper tantrum, that’s all.
She met Hannah in the entryway as she entered the house. Her sister wore leggings and an oversized tee shirt, and her hair was pulled into a messy bun. Along with the suitcase were shopping bags Macy hadn’t seen her take from the car. Wonderful, she thought. More attempts by Lilah to buy her daughter’s affection.
“How was your night with your mother?” Macy asked, deliberately cheerful.
“Fun! Nobu is so amazing. I had sushi and this awesome dessert.” Hannah dropped her bags next to her suitcase, and Macy decided not to bring up the subject of her shopping.
“Can we talk?” Macy asked.
“Yeah. Can you help me bring my stuff to my room?” Hannah picked up the shopping bags, leaving Macy with the heavier luggage.
“Sure thing. Let’s go.” She followed Hannah across
