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Because I didn't want Kenny and Annie looking at me with pity?

Because I was tired of being the successful, single woman everyone assumed must secretly be miserable?

I'd told a lie. Then recruited Damon to help maintain it. And now I was sitting here with my heart in my throat because last night I’d crossed a line I couldn't uncross.

Karma was apparently a big fan of irony.

"What does Deacon think about you and his brother getting together?" Mom asked casually.

I froze.

Deacon.

Oh, God.

Deacon.

Why hadn't I thought about that? Besides our business connection, he was one of my closest friends. Hell, I’d grown up thinking he was my half-brother. In the world of an only child, that was like gold.

I did see the irony that he was, in fact, Damon’s half-brother. I was the woman he’d entrusted his family’s legacy with, despite the fact that I was not actually part of his family. Of course he'd have an opinion.

“Hmm?” my mom prompted.

"Nothing." It was technically true. “He doesn’t think anything.”

Deacon hadn't said anything about me dating his brother. Possibly because I hadn't told him. Details.

"Have you told him?"

"Um…"

My mother leaned forward. "Mikayla."

I swallowed. She knew. Of course she knew. Claudia Parsons could smell a secret from three counties away.

"There’s my Kayla!"

Saved by the aunt. Auntie Cherise appeared beside our table with her arms outstretched. I had never been so happy to see a woman wearing a floral caftan and enough turquoise jewelry to qualify as a geological exhibit.

"Sweet pea!" she exclaimed as she wrapped me in a bear hug. "You have done such an incredible job putting this whole weekend together. Honestly, it's like a dream."

I smiled. "Felicity deserves most of the credit. She's the event manager."

Cherise waved a hand. "Nonsense. You've gone above and beyond for Jules. And you’re so busy, I don't know how you manage everything."

"Neither do I," I muttered.

She laughed. Then leaned closer. "So, when should I expect a save-the-date from you?"

I stared. "I'm sorry?"

"You and that handsome Lockhart boy."

"Oh."

"You're not getting any younger, sweetheart."

There it was. The family reproductive timeline. Apparently, having a boyfriend hadn't removed me from the interrogation schedule. It had simply advanced me to the next round.