“You okay, little?” Owen steps up next to me while I’m smothering pancakes with syrup. They’re not Rebel’s banana pancakes, but with the way I’m feeling, I would shove them in his face if they were.
I don’t know why he’s being standoffish. He can’t kiss me without it seeming like he regrets it. When all I want is to know he still wants me.
“Trying to catch diabetes?” Owen crosses his arms over his barrel of a chest and glares at my man who has stopped to talk to Ethan. He seeks out his son next. Owen’s mini doppelgänger is running in between the guests. He looks like his daddy with his black hair, dark mischievous eyes, and penchant for making women jump by thrusting a large frog in their faces. Oops. There it goes into Bianca’s purse. “Ernie could give you some tips.”
“I have no doubt.” I add some strawberries for the vitamins. And a dollop of yogurt for the calcium and protein. Then I addone of the best bagels I’ve ever tasted to my plate. Add cream cheese and bacon because I’m eating for three, and I’m an emotional and unsexy wreck.
“You need me to talk to him?”
“Do I need you to talk to my boyfriend about my relationship? Hardly.”
Besides, how would Owen getting involved help if Rebel doesn’t find me attractive in my bloated state? And I’m not about to explain to him that I found an engagement ring in Rebel’s belongings prior to Christmas, when all they’ve done since we got here is harass him about the lack of a ring on my finger.
He bought the thing, so he has a plan. But what the heck is the plan? It’s been months. What is he waiting for? Is he having second thoughts?
“I’ll do it,” Owen says.
Oh, I know he would.
“That would not be a good idea.” I carry my plate to the table where Jett is already eating. “You’ve all razzed him enough about not proposing when he knocked me up.”
“Because that’s not how we do things around here, little.” Jett puts down his knife and fork. His green eyes are sharp. “The man is disrespecting our sister.”
“Our family,” Owen says darkly.
“We should do something about it.” Storm comes up beside me. He wraps an arm around my shoulders and farts.
“Storm.” I give him a shove.
He doesn’t budge. His arm around me tightens. A smug grin widens his face.
“You’re disgusting.”
He laughs as he takes a seat next to Jett.
Brothers. Ugh. I pull myself up to my full height, which isn’t much in comparison to them, and prop a fist on one hip.“You will not interfere in my love life. Do you hear me? My relationship with Rebel is none of your business.”
“But, little.” Jett runs a hand over his darkly stubbled jaw while he and Storm share a look. “We can’t—”
“Shut it.” I mime zipping my mouth. “I don’t want to hear why you feel obligated to start something. I don’t want your excuses. I’m asking you to please leave my relationship to me to handle. Promise me you’ll respect my wishes on this.”
“Summer,” Owen starts on me.
“I mean it, Owen.” Going toe-to-toe with him, I narrow my eyes and stare him down.
This week is going to be hectic enough without them causing trouble. We have a party tonight. Then there’s the final fitting. A bridal shower. Rogue is flying in a spa team to pamper Ivy and make sure she’s as blissed out as possible.
On top of that, vows and speeches need to be finished. There’s a rehearsal dinner. And the boys are supposed to be spending a night bonding under the stars. My brothers have been invited.
I can’t keep an eye on them the whole time we’re here. It’s impossible. I want some reassurances before I leave them alone. “I need you to promise you’ll keep them in line.”
Owen’s gaze narrows too, but I’ve mastered the art of the stand-off from my position as family short ass. His focus drops to my rounded belly. “Fine. I promise not to harass your boyfriend.”
“Uh-uh.” I push my finger into his chest. Hard.
He groans. “I promise none of us will do anything to harm a hair on the head of that untraditional bastard as long as he doesn’t make you cry.”
“Good.” I’ve been weepy recently, but nothing I can’t handle. There’s no reason my brothers should see me cry, aside fromduring the wedding ceremony. It’s all going to be beautiful and sweet and romantic.
