Kat smiled, her cheeks pink. “Only the stones. He’s having his sister teach him how to make the setting.”
“Wow,” I gushed, my imagination sparkling with all kinds of strawberry rubies and blackberry-colored gemstones. Every time she looked at it, she’d remember how much he loved her.
“Home-made jewelry?” Mom covered her eyes for a second. “Oh, Kat. You’ve known each other for what, six months?”
“Normally, I’d agree that it’s too fast for an engagement. That we couldn’t possibly know each other, we’re only in our twenties, and we’re just honeymooning too hard to realize what fools we mortals be.”
“Is that a Shakespeare reference?” I asked.
“Maybe.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she flipped her dark hair. “But we’ve already faced some pretty serious trials, and he’s shown me whata wonderful partner he can be. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being curious about what he’s thinking—and the same goes for him with me. Plus, Jinx likes him.”
“Your cat? You’re going to marry a man because your cat likes him?” Mom asked.
“He’s a great judge of character,” Kat said.
That was probably true. I wondered what he’d made of Angel after our disastrous breakfast. Hopefully, he’d enjoyed some of that spilled whipped cream.
Kat swirled the ice in her glass. “Besides, just because we get engaged doesn’t mean we’re getting married right away.”
That was true. She’d probably want an October wedding.
“Congratulations,” I said, grabbing and shaking her arm. “Have you decided where you’re going to live?”
“His house has more space, but I might sublet my apartment just in case we need it.” The way she averted her gaze was more indicative ofmyliving situation than any doubts about her relationship.
Angel strode by, and we exchanged small, secret smiles.
I was happy where I was. Even if we wouldn’t have permanent reign over his mother’s house, I wanted to be with him every day, so I understood my sister’s eagerness to get there with her boyfriend.
Mom sighed. “I’m guessing Victor doesn’t plan to ask your father and I for our blessing.”
“That’s not really our thing.” Kat plucked a piece of food off her fork with her teeth.
Mom tugged at her pendant. “I know things aren’t perfect in our family, but we’ll always be here for you, whatever you need.”
“We really don’t need anything. I appreciate the lunch, though,” Kat said.
“Would you be willing to do a celebratory dinner with the whole family?” she pressed.
“Including Jen?” I clarified incredulously.
“That way, she can apologize in person. It’ll be the perfect chance to make amends. You can even invite your boyfriend,” Mom said.
Kat snorted. “Perfect. He can be a witness. I’m sure Jen will love celebrating that her two younger sisters found happiness while she’s miserable and pregnant by some creep.”
“We could invite her boyfriend,” Mom hedged.
Kat laughed. Hard.
“I think it’d be better if you metmyboyfriend in a slightly less hectic setting,” I said.
“Such as?”
“How about…here?” I caught Angel’s eye and waved him over. “Are you free for the main event?”
“One second.” He snatched the flowers from a centerpiece on a nearby table.
Mom laughed at the novelty. “What is he…?”
