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of it. And secondly, I know you and I are going to last. If we’ve survived through all the bullshit so far, nothing will stop us. I have faith in us and I know you do too. So let’s just do it, Sean.”
    He stared at me, hesitation in his eyes. “I will as long as you understand I didn’t want you to sign it.”
    “I know,” I said as I patted his thigh. “Don’t worry about that.”
    He turned back to his parents. “There. You happy?”
    Andrew looked down then met my gaze. “You know it’s nothing personal, Scarlet. I love you like my own.”
    I nodded. “Yes, I do.”
    Diane looked at me. “We really have both of your best interests at heart.”
    I didn’t believe that one but I nodded anyway.
    “Can we get back to dinner now?” Sean asked.
    It was still awkward for the rest of the meal. Ryan tried to break the tension by discussing the crazy characters that came into his shop. Andrew asked him questions about the process of making a tattoo and he cringed when Ryan went into the details.
    “You still want that tattoo?” Diane asked him.
    “I’m a man. I can handle the pain,” Andrew said. “Ryan, do you have any tattoos?”
    “Nope, not yet.”
    “Is it because of the pain?” he asked fearfully.
    Ryan laughed. “No. I just haven’t found something I like.”
    When we were finished eating, we took our cocktails into the large living room. There was a strong hearth against one wall that wasn’t lit due to the summer heat, and a large flat screen was mounted on the wall. Sean sat down then pulled me into his lap. I moved away and crossed my legs, trying to be a lady.
    Sean gave me the eye, irritated that he didn’t get his way.
    Everyone formed their small groups, talking quietly. Diane talked about the rehearsal dinner with Ryan since he was the maid of honor, telling him what she needed him to do. I wasn’t looking forward to that part at all. Even though the day was about me, I just wanted people to ignore me.
    After Cortland finished talking computers with Andrew, he stood up to get another glass of wine. I took advantage of the opportunity and made my move.
    “Having fun?” he asked as he poured himself a glass.
    “As fun as possible.”
    He chuckled. “Sean’s dad is cool—really cool. His mom—eh.”
    I smiled. “She’s not my favorite either.”
    “How are you holding up? That prenup conversation made me angry.”
    “Don’t let it bother you. I’ve forgotten it.”
    “It doesn’t piss you off that they are forcing him to get one?”
    “No. I know Sean doesn’t want one. That’s all that matters.”
    Cortland looked around the house, ey eing the furniture. “This is a nice place.”
    “Yeah. It’s beautiful.”
    He grabbed another glass and poured the w ine. “I’m sure you need this.” He handed it to me.
    “Cortland, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
    “Your wish is my command.”
    “Sean is considering taking over the company.”
    “Really? Since when?”
    “A few weeks ago.”
    “What’s stopping him? It sounds like a good gig.”
    “Me.”
    He stared at me, waiting for me to elaborate.
    “Sean refuses to move because of Ryan. He won’t separate us.”
    “That makes sense.”
    “So I suggested he commute but he rejected that idea.”
    “Then what are you going to do?”
    “I asked Ryan to move with us and he agreed if I could get both you and Janice to agree.”
    He placed his glass on the table then leaned against the counter. “You want me to move to New York?”
    “I want all of us to move to New York.”
    “Scarlet, I have family, my job, and most importantly, I have Monnique. I can’t just move.”
    “I realize that. But what if Sean gave you a job at the company?”
    “But I have a job.”
    “A better job, better pay, better hours, and even a partnership?”
    He looked into my eyes, gauging my features. “He said that?”
    “No, but I know he would. It’s a big company. He needs all the help he can get. With his logic, the