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“I would think after a four year engagement she would’ve proved to you all that it’s your dad she loves, not his bank.”
“Maybe.”
She gave up an aggravated little huff. “So, are you guysevergoing to trust her? Accept her? Like at least after the wedding, once everything is official and she’s part of the family?”
“You’re asking the wrong guy. Why don’t you ask Brandon?”
“I’m asking you. Because you’re the only one who hasn’t confirmed that you’re coming to the wedding. Brandon RSVP’d for himself plus one and he had his damn suit fitting. Like a supportive son.”
“It really doesn’t matter if I support the wedding or not. Like you said, it’s happening. And I really don’t care who Jacob marries.”
“So what’s the problem, then?” she demanded, exasperated.
I almost felt sorry for her. She really did look hungover.
“I guess that’s personal, Jolie. You know, family bullshit.”
“You just don’t support your dad, then?”
“Maybe he’s never supported me.” I turned away, pacing around again. I wasn’t even sure why I wouldn’t just put her out of her misery and tell her I was going to the wedding.
Maybe I just liked having something she wanted.
Behind me, she sighed. “Unfortunately, you’re right.”
I turned back to her.
“My mom is stuck up. She’s also very faithful, loyal, and family is really important to her. I’m a grand failure, as you can imagine. So I get it, okay? Parents can be jerks. But I’m sure Jacob wants you at his wedding.”
“Right,” I said dubiously. “Miss Princess is a failure. That’s a good one.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Princess?”
“Yup. Princess.”
“I’m no princess.”
“You are now. The Ellis family princess.”
She hugged herself, looking confused. “How the hell do you figure that?”
“Well, none of the boys are married. None of them have even a prospect of marriage yet, or much interest. Dad hates that. You’re everything he ever wanted.”
She looked uncomfortable with that. “Maybe. But only because he never had a daughter before.”
“You know what, you’re right. Enjoy it while it lasts. As soon as Joss or Brandon or Darcy bring home a daughter-in-law for him, you may become the forgotten stepchild.”
She opened her mouth like she was going to argue that, but then she didn’t.
“Take it from the adopted child,” I told her. “You’re only golden when you make them look good. Someone shinier comes along, you’ll tarnish real fast in their eyes.”
She stared at me.
“Hello!” The door opened, sunlight and music pouring in, and Danica came in carrying two sundae dishes. Instead of ice cream, each one was loaded with berries and slathered with whipped cream, a cherry and a spoon sticking out the top. “Breakfast!” she sing-songed. “Mireille had a catering disaster so she cancelled brunch today! I can’t stand the tension out here so I’m feeding you!” She pressed a dish into my hand and one into Jolie’s with an uncertain smile, then dashed out the door.
When Jolie and I were alone again, her eyes crashed into mine.
“Be nice, okay?” she hissed, as if she thought I was gonna spit on the food and chuck it out the window. “Danica is very kind. She thinks we’re having a normal family-type disagreement about who sits at the head table or something. She doesn’t realize how thick the hatred really is.”
