“Fine. Whatever you want to call it,” Bliss said with infinite patience. “But I’ve learned you’ve kind of got a one-track mind.”

“A reporter is nothing if not dogged.”

“Some people might think of it as stubborn or mule-headed.” Bliss winked at Tiffany and Katie rolled her eyes as she fanned herself with one hand.

“For the first time I get why sisters complain about each other.” Katie swept her bangs out of her eyes. “And I thought brothers were bad.”

“I just think you should give Tiffany some breathing space.”

“It’s all right,” Tiffany said, even though she felt decidedly uncomfortable. “My feelings for J.D. . . . Well, they’re complicated.”

“That’s always what people say when they don’t want to admit they’re in love.”

Love? In love? Was it so obvious? “Is that the voice of experience talking?” Tiffany asked and Katie nodded.

“Maybe.”

“I’ve got kids,” Tiffany said, opening up more than she expected. “It’s not so easy getting . . . involved again.”

“Tell me about it.” Katie laughed.

“How do they feel about their uncle?” Bliss asked.

“Christina adores J.D. Since he’s moved in she’s always chattering on and on about him. She’s experienced some bad dreams since Philip’s death, but they’ve just about stopped.” Tiffany ignored the rest of her lunch—a chicken salad—and leaned back in her chair. “I’m taking Christina to the park this evening. The local theater is putting on a kids’ play, and she wants J.D. to go with us.”

“Is he?”

Tiffany shook her head. She hadn’t even asked him.

“This is a mother-daughter bonding thing,” she said.

“It sounds wonderful,” Bliss said and for the first time Tiffany realized that the woman she’d always thought of as “the princess” wanted children.

“And Stephen?” Katie ventured. “How does he feel about J.D.?”

“Good question.” Tiffany didn’t understand why she felt she could confide in these two women who, though her half-sisters, were still strangers to her. But, for the first time in her life, she didn’t overanalyze the situation. It felt good to talk things over. “He’s . . . he’s more difficult. He did see J.D. as a threat at first. You know, he thought, after the accident and Philip’s death, that he had to be the man of the house, but then he’s still a kid.” She lifted her shoulders. “As I said, it’s complicated.”

“Look, there’s something I want to ask each of you,” Bliss said and nervously took a gulp of her iced tea. “I know this is odd, considering all that’s happened, but I want you to think about it anyway. You both know that Mason and I are getting married. It’s going to be a small wedding down here and I thought it would be nice if the two of you would stand up for me.”