Nix lifts a shoulder. “We could drop you off on our way to the gym.” Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more uncomfortable. And it’s obvious from the smirks both boys wear that they know I’m stuck. There’s no good reason for me to refuse—and considering Mom’s intense stare, I have no doubt she expects me to accept. It would look childish if I didn't.

She must get tired of my sputtering because she answers for me. “That is such a generous offer. Leni is so lucky that she’ll have brothers like the two of you. I always wished she’d have somebody to protect her the way a brother would.” The woman is even tearing up, for god’s sake. It’s one of her best performances. I wonder if anybody would think it was odd if I started to applaud.

“Sure,” I murmur. “That would be great.” And now I have no appetite for the rest of the food on my plate, which I move around with my fork while Mom changes the subject to the wedding. I’m fine with that since it means nobody’s paying attention to me anymore.

Even if I can’t shake the feeling that the guys never stop paying attention to me. I catch Nix grinning at Colt, and a pit forms in my stomach. They’re already planning something. I’m tempted to suggest they both get a life.

“Let me help you with that.” I almost jump up from my chair when Mom stands and starts gathering the plates.

“See?” James points out to his sons. “This is what it looks like to be helpful around the house. The two of you could take a lesson from your sister.” I have to force myself not to look at either of them since I wouldn’t be able to wipe off my smirk. No doubt they don’t appreciate hearing him talk about me that way. Hell, I don’t appreciate it, either. At least he’s trying, unlike them.

Before long, we’ve cleared the table. Once we’re alone in the cavernous kitchen with its shining appliances, Mom launches once again into wedding talk. “It’s all such a blur!” she says with a laugh. “A whirlwind. But when you’ve got enough money, you can plan things like this at the last minute. James is so generous. He wants to make sure I have everything I want. I won’t have to miss out on a single thing, even if the vendors insist on charging extra in rush fees and all that.”

“You’re absolutely sure you want to do this?” I whisper. I know it’s a risk, but I have to know. She’s known this man for, what, less than three weeks?

“Don’t tell me you’re going to start in on lecturing me about how quickly this is all going.”