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I want to argue, but I can’t. Over a hundred missed calls is a little insane. Even spread out over six different people. Not to mention my possessed phone.

“What if this is just another Maman ploy to force-feed me a tirade?” I mutter. The thought of willingly walking into that is daunting. This is Broussards. It’s a lot of people before you count in Suzette’s husbands and Joseph. Who knows who will be there?

The thought of Asher’s One, or any of his cake, depresses me. I’ll get to meet them, sure. But how much do they hate me already?

Never mind that. I’m not going to play nice and roll over. If they don’t like it, then I’ll deal with it on my own.

I’ll settle this whole mess once and for all with my junkyard dog straining his leash beside me.

ChapterTwenty

Adelaide

“This place is way too fancy,” I protest with a glance at my jeans and tank top.

I felt just fine at home. I did my hair and put on a little makeup. I purposely chose this shirt because it displays my chest tattoo—a not-subtle sign that I’m here as myself, and they can like it or leave the table.

“The food is good,” Poe shrugs a shoulder. “Murphy loves it here.”

“You’ve been here before?” I roll my eyes, trying not to laugh.

“Shh,” he whispers close to my ear. “Racer was in the car last time. You’re going to make it madder.”

I snort and get a lot of curious glances that make me feel uneasy. I used to be okay in crowds. That’s a thing of the past for now. Thankfully, this place is busy with enough space to make it peaceful, and people turn back to their meals quickly.

A hostess approaches us with a polite smile and asks if it’s just the two of us.

“A table for two for me. She’s looking for the Broussards,” Poe answers without looking at her. His pouting over my insistence that he not be seen by any of the family is cute. He sounds back to his normal, closed-off self.

The hostess is gorgeous. Maybe I can get a little laugh out of him before this night goes to hell.

“He’s married.” I show the hostess my wedding ring and smirk as if I’m insanely jealous and proud to be that way. I can see Poe struggling not to smile.

The girl takes in my smile and returns it with an eye roll. “I’m engaged.”

The diamond she flashes me is perfect for her slender fingers. I ooh and ahh over it, getting distracted by chatting with her. Once she realizes I was joking around, she joins my excitement about her happy ever after.

“Siren,” Poe says with a sigh. “You’re delaying.”

“Nu-uh,” I lie with a frown. “We’re best friends now. She passed the possibly crazy, jealous wife test with flying colors. She’s natural best-wife-ever vibes in the flesh. Sit and stay, yappy dog.”

He cups the back of my head, pressing a hard kiss against my lips. “You have this handled, trash panda. Go in there and let them know the hate is stopping now, or they’re cut from the roster permanently.”

I pout and shuffle away from him. How dare he call me out in public?

“The Broussard party is in the back. And you want aseparatetable?” She looks at Poe in confusion.

“I’m her backup.” He gives her his intense stare along with the grim words. It makes her uncomfortable enough to start hurrying. He’s way too solemn to be carrying around a plush raccoon as a date.

A waiter takes over for her, leading Poe to a table set to the side. I catch him pulling out a chair for Racer like he does at home, and smile. It’s a little one because nerves are starting to make my hands shake. It feels like everyone is staring at me.

My family is in a back room with a closed door. This must be a personal hell right here.

“Enjoy your meal.” The girl opens the door with a pleased smile. I try to return it, but I feel pale and sweaty, not happy.

I walk in and take in the quiet chaos of the Broussards. I haven’t seen them all together in years.

Maman is sitting with her back to me at the head of the long table. Her hair is longer and streaked with gray that wasn’t there before. She and Daniella are whispering to each other with frowns. Suzette has her men wrapped around her fingers, keeping her comfortable on Maman’s left, next to Daniella. All three men are between the two sisters but turned to face their wife. I notice that Sophia, on the right next to Joseph, has a man beside her. He’s blond, too. A perfect fit for the family. There can be only one reason that someone outside the family is here, too. He’s marrying in.