Page 23 of The Fallen Man

“I…” Dominique looked at her cousin, and Jackson smiled. “You’re not going to unlock the car until I agree, are you?”

“I mean, I’m not saying I would hold you prisoner forever, but… I will DoorDash food to the car.”

Dominique let out a frustrated breath and swiped at her cheeks again. She probably looked like a disaster.

“Fine. I will go if only to shut the two of you up.”

“Works for me,” said Jackson.

“Completely fine with that,” agreed Evan.

“You’re fine with being jerks?” she demanded, even though she knew the answer.

“Yes.” Their answer was in unison.

“You won’t tell Grandma, will you?”

“Of course not,” said Jackson. “Who do you think you’re dealing with here?”

“Sorry, I just… I feel like Grandma will put me on injured reserve if she finds out, and I can do all the things. I’m just having one little issue.”

“Injured reserve?” repeated Evan.

“Football,” said Jackson.

“Well, there’s your issue. Stop watching football.”

“You’re such a dork,” she said. “Oh, I meant to ask Olivia if she wanted to look at wedding dress stuff on Sunday?”

“Uh…” said Jackson. “Are we sure that’s a good idea?”

“I just said I can do the things!” said Dominique fiercely. “And I am happy for Evan and Olivia.” She glared at Jackson.

“Well, Olivia did say she was delighted to have your help,” Evan said, but she could hear the new Evan in how he spoke. He was making a measured response, but at least he wasn’t flat-out telling herno. Dominique took a deep breath, feeling relieved. She didn’t think she could stand if the family started tip-toeing around her.

“But wewillbe hiring a wedding planner because neither of us is psychotic, and you know Grandma is going to make it a thing.”

“I know several wedding planners that would do wonderfully. I will send you an email. And I have been making progress on the wedding dress. Although, really, I don’t think the House of Amery will do. I didn’t care for the way he treated his employees.”

On Evan’s side of the line, a door slammed. “Did Nika talk to Max?” chirped Olivia. “Are they coming to dinner?”

“No, they’re staying in,” said Evan. “Nika was asking about your wedding dress.”

“Is she on the phone?” There was a muffled rustling. “You can’t find anything, can you?” Olivia demanded, her voice doubling in volume and worry.

“I’ve narrowed it down to three designers.”

“Really?” Olivia squeaked excitedly.

“I have pictures. I was going to see if you had time to talk on Sunday.”

Olivia breathed out a gusty sigh of relief. “I’m so lucky. Ya’ll know I cannot be doing this on my own.”

“Of course, I’m helping you,” promised Dominique. She felt her shoulders drop and took another breath. “We’ll look at pictures on Sunday at dinner.” Sunday dinner was always good these days. Everything would be fine there.

“Yay! I am handing Evan’s phone back to Evan now.”

“Thanks,” said Evan drily. “Jackson, are you on your way over?”