Hallie’s blond hair shook. “And like I asked—is that so wrong? Men view things differently than we do. Didn’t you go to college? They should have made you read all those books on psychology on how men are dumb and don’t know how to process their feelings.”

“I didn’t have to go to college to figure that out,” Sera replied. “I lived with Zep and Remy all my life. Though Harry is surprisingly good with his feelings.”

“Which is a miracle considering he shares DNA with Celeste Beaumont,” Hallie added. “You know, have you considered that Rene runs in that world? Not only is he a man, he also has been in that real wealthy world all his life. There’s a lot of judgment there. That many eyes looking at you all the time can have an effect.”

“Rene’s parents were wonderful.” She’d never heard Rene complain about his parents. Of course, she hadn’t asked. She’d seen what he’d wanted her to see. Had he been doing that all their lives? Had he hidden his pain?

“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t still hard on him,” Hallie countered. “And it doesn’t mean he knows how to express himself. Rene isn’t all huggy like most of this town is. That came from somewhere. Have you talked to him about it? I personally would jump into bed, but maybe you should talk to him.”

“Do you want this to work out?” Sera asked.

She wasn’t going to lie or prevaricate. She wanted Rene. “I do.”

Sera looked her way. “Why?”

“Because maybe he’s right. Maybe it is time. I worry if I don’t settle down soon, I might not at all.” It was the reason she’d given her mother, who’d shaken her head and told her she was good at lying to herself.

Sera had turned, propping herself up on her elbow. “Seriously? If that’s true, then what is the problem?”

Hallie was staring at her, too. “Yeah, why all the angst? He’s nice, has a ton of money, and he wants to stay married to you. If this is about his family, Remy really does know a lot of people who are surprisingly good with murders.”

“Because I don’t want to get married simply because it’s time,” Sylvie argued. “Shouldn’t I want the man I marry to be in love with me?”

“Of course,” Sera said quickly.

“It depends.” Hallie’s answer was far more intriguing.

Sylvie always had liked to hear from the other side. “How so?”

Hallie’s normally happy expression turned distinctly thoughtful. “It depends on your definition of love and whether or not you have to have everything your way.”

Sylvie didn’t like the sound of that. “What is that supposed to mean?”