“So let me get this straight. YOU—” she pointed at Beth, “got drunk, got married to HIM—” she pointed at Bryce, “yet Dad—” she now pointed at Donald, “is not worried about it because you trust she’ll turn it into something amazing? Meanwhile, I—” turning her finger on herself, “only got engaged and I’m the family trainwreck?”
Throwing her hands up in the air, exasperated, Lynn moved to the counter to pour herself a coffee… sneaking in a quick splash from the flask in her crossbody bag.
“Maybe he’s just worried you’ll end up like me.”
“Then why invite you two for lunch and not Rick?”
“They hadn’t met Bryce yet. You’re acting like they’re playing favorites.”
“Aren’t they?”
“No!” Donald and Sue answered in unison.
“Only in your mind. Besides, do you really want to subject your fiancé to tofu wraps?”
“Hey, what’s wrong with tofu?” Sue protested.
“It’s gross, Mom!” the girls chorused.
“Actually, I tried it and didn’t think it was bad,” Bryce offered.
“Can it, Doc,” Lynn shot back with a grin.
“Yes, ma’am.” He mock-saluted.
“So, you’re really the man who finally dragged my sister to the altar? I always figured someone would have to get her drunk first.”
“Hey! Just because you don’t want to stop and pray about your decisions doesn’t mean you get to mock me for doing it.”
“Yeah, it does, I’m an equal-opportunity mocker,” Lynn grinned. “Besides, without prayer, I only got engaged.” She did a little shimmy on that note, liking how the tables had turned.
“Exactly. Without prayer, I got married. This is why I pray about everything. Now, either sit down and eat or leave, I’m done arguing and I’m starving.”
“Ha! Leave and miss getting to know my new big brother-in-law? Not a chance.” Lynn plopped down on the stool next to Bryce, forcing Beth to sit across the table.
“If you stay, you’ll have to endure my horrible tofu wraps,” Sue warned.
“Sorry, Mom. We didn’t mean to be rude,” Beth said, kissing her cheek. “Lynn, this is Dr. Bryce Jensen. Bryce, this is my pesky little sister, CaroLynn.”
“It’s just Lynn. Wait—you’re THE Dr. Bryce Jensen, huh?”
“Yes. Although you may know me by my nickname—Dr. Handsome.” He winked at Beth as he shook Lynn’s hand.
“Actually, I do! I cannot believe Beth told you that.”
“Your mom did.”
“There you have it. That makes more sense.”
They both shared a laugh at Beth’s expense.
“Change the subject or I’ll sit on you,” Beth warned.
“Is that a promise or a threat?” Bryce teased, not passing up the opportunity to flirt with his wife. Watching her blush was his new favorite thing.
Mortified, Beth’s jaw clenched as she answered, “I was talking to HER, not YOU!”
“Pity.” He shook his head with a click of his tongue.
