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My only sister, Abby, joined us in the hall. Her eyes zeroed in on Katie’s arm wrapped around mine. She blinked at me and then Katie. “Wait, what? You’re dating Nolan, Katie?”
I nodded and answered before Katie. “Yes. What does everyone find it so hard to believe? I’m a world-famous movie star, for fuck’s sake. I’m quite the catch.”
Aunt Lori clicked her tongue. “Yes, we know that. But, well, usually I sniff out these things sooner.”
She studied us for a few beats. This is it. The first real test.
I silently hoped Aunt Lori would buy our deception.
Katie still had her arm in mine and squeezed me gently. She said, “How about we go help with any finishing touches for dinner? I promised Beck to help with decorating the table.”
Avery spoke up. “Yes, let’s! The sooner we eat dinner, the sooner Uncle Nolan can give me Kane’s autographed picture! I want to hang him on my wall. It’ll annoy Wyatt, and I can’t wait.”
She dashed off. West smiled, shook his head, and followed his daughter. Aunt Lori maneuvered between Katie and I, forcing me to release her, and my aunt said, “You’re going to share your love story over dinner tonight, right?”
I sighed. “Really? Shouldn’t it be more about what we’re thankful for, and you bugging Beck and West over when they’re going to get married?”
Aunt Lori sniffed. “I do that several times a week already. No, tonight is all about you and Katie, lad. I know you don’t like the spotlight once the cameras are off, but we’re family. And if you think I don’t want to learn how yet another of my nephews convinced an amazing woman to date him, then you don’t know me at all.”
Katie snorted, and I glared. But before I knew it, Aunt Lori had me down the hall and folding napkins into fancy shapes. She didn’t ask me questions one-on-one, but I knew the hardest test of Katie’s and my farce was coming. Soon. If my family didn’t believe us, then no one probably would.
Chapter Seven
Katie
Cassie: Good luck.
Samantha: From me, too. Aunt Lori will probably ask for a wedding invitation during dinner.
Me: I know how to butter up Aunt Lori. Have fun with Mom, though.
Cassie: Ugh. She has been talking about wedding plans ALL DAY.
Samantha: Which is why I was out tending the cows most of the morning.
Cassie: You’re the worst sister ever.
Samantha: You mean the best. You hate anything to do with the dairy. I saved you the trouble.
Cassie: I wouldn’t have to do it, anyway. I’m a nurse, remember? I have my own job.
Samantha: Dad still would’ve made you help. But I saved the day. You can kiss my ring later.
Cassie:
Me: lol. I’m both glad and sad to miss dinner with the two of you.
Samantha: If you’re tired of Nolan already, I’ll take your place AND him. Rawr.
Me: That’s not how it works.
Cassie: Enjoy! Although you’re going to miss me asking Kyle about that woman he saved from the fire at the diner. I’m going to make sure Mom thinks there’s something there.
Samantha: Oooh, we need to talk more about this. Have fun, Katie. You’re going to miss something amazing. Kyle doesn’t squirm often.
Me: I can’t wait to hear all about it.
As soon as Abby slowed our pace to let Aunt Lori and Nolan get ahead and disappear into the dining room, I knew what was coming. “Just go ahead and ask me.”
