“No, we’re not staying,” Susan said pointedly. “Are we, Roy?” She set a fine-boned hand on her husband’s arm.

“Of course not; we just wanted to welcome you home, welcome Kate to the family.”

“And take a picture of Lucas carrying Kate over the threshold,” Jamie said.

Kate had forgotten about the tradition. A stupid tradition. She didn’t want to be cast into the helpless maiden role. “How thoughtful.” She was tired of smiling. She didn’t want to smile for the next week.

“Don’t pressure them, Jamie.” Susan eyed Kate up and down. “Besides, Lucas might not be up to it.”

Score one for the mother-in-law. Kate smiled through clenched teeth.

“No doubt,” Brody whispered to Lucas, wearing a sly smile. “Bet you’re exhausted.”

Lucas elbowed his brother. “Far be it from me to deny tradition.”

“Pick her up, Lucas!” Jamie said. “This is so romantic.” She clapped her hands.

“Scrubbing the floor would be romantic to you,” Brody said.

“Shut up.” Jamie whacked him in the gut with the back of her hand while Bo barked loudly and circled around them as if sensing the excitement.

“I’ll get your bags,” Brody said, walking toward the trunk.

Before Kate could move, Lucas swept her off her feet. She grabbed him around the neck, latching on to his shoulders as he walked toward the cottage and up the three steps. The camera clicked several times.

“You could have warned me,” Kate whispered in his ear. First the next-door in-laws, then the big hairy dog, and now another photo op? Who’d started this dumb tradition anyway? She felt like a worthless sack of beans in his arms.

“Just sit back and enjoy, Mrs. Wright.” His breath hit her cheek.

Another photo snapped. “Don’t call me that.”

He shifted her and pulled open the screen door, then twisted the knob on the wooden door. She should probably help, but wasn’t in the mood. She heard yet another click as Bo brushed by, squeezing his enormous mass past them.

Kate clenched her jaw. Please let this end!

“That’s enough, Jamie,” Susan said. “For heaven’s sake.”

Once inside, Lucas set Kate down and she stepped away, relieved to be on her own feet again. Brody had followed and now handed Lucas their luggage. They stood awkwardly for a moment, Brody looking from one to the other with a grin.

“Well, guess you two love birds want to be alone.”

Lucas looked at Kate. “Guess so.” Kate refrained from responding.

Brody hugged Lucas exuberantly and, after a slight hesitation, did the same for Kate. He clattered down the steps to his waiting family.

“’Bye, kids!” Roy waved.

“I’ll print these out soon and bring them by,” Jamie said, holding up the camera.

Susan merely nodded and turned back toward her house.

“Thanks,” Kate called.