“Mel, either Ethan handles it, or I’ll find this guy and kill him with my bare hands. Those are the only options on the table.” I lay my hand back on her thigh and give her a reassuring squeeze.
“Okay,” Mel says, raising both hands. She picks up her wine glass, drinks it, and returns to her fish. “Since I don’t want to have to visit you in prison, we’ll let Ethan handle it.”
Everyone exhales and returns to their food. Tara pats Ethan’s cheek and he puts his fork to her lips.
“You guys really didn’t have to go through all this trouble for us,” I tell them, suddenly feeling self-conscious, “but thank you.”
“It’s no trouble,” Tara says. “We have a chef at home, so I only get to cook on the weekends, and that’s only if we don’t go out. Oh,” she says. “Our wedding is Memorial Day weekend, so we want you two there. If you could try to come for a few days before the wedding, we’d love to have you. You’re welcome anytime, though, but try to come at least by the Wednesday before. And my shower is next month, and we’d love for you to come to that, Mellie. It’s girls only, so maybe Ethan, Vincent, and Adam can spend some time together.”
I stiffen. It’s one thing if Mel’s with me but being alone with him is another.
“It’s not girls only anymore, Tara. Your dad and brother got to Vickie, and we changed it. So, Mellie and Adam, you two can stay with me when you come for the shower,” Elizabeth orders.
“Why do they have to stay with you? We have more room,” Ethan says.
“My place is not exactly small, Ethan.”
“You never ever have any food in your fridge. What are you going to feed them? Wilted kale?” Ethan rolls his eyes. Elizabeth picks up a dinner roll and throws it at him, but he catches it and takes a bite.
“Don’t listen to him. I have food,” Elizabeth assures us.
“I like kale,” I tell them. Elizabeth smiles smugly at Ethan.
“Ew. I don’t,” Mel says.
Tara catches my eye, and she smiles while Ethan and Elizabeth continue to bicker over me. Mel squeezes my thigh.
“Why?” I ask, interrupting their back and forth. “I don’t mean to be rude, but why do you care about me? Why go through all this effort for your bastard half-brother. A year ago, you had no idea I existed. I guess I just don’t understand why you care.”
“I don’t like that word. If anyone was a bastard, it was our father. You’re our brother and we want to get to know you. We know you’re reluctant but get to know us before you decide you’re not interested. You might like us,” Ethan says.
“I don’t even like you,” Tara snorts.
Mel looks at me, and even though she’s not talking, I know what she’s telling me with her eyes. She wants me to give them a chance.
“You better like me after all the drama you’ve brought to my life,” Ethan says to his fiancée.
“The dramaI’vebrought toyourlife?” Tara asks, eyes wide while she turns to me and Mel. “Meanwhile I’ve talked to his ex-wife three times today.”
“Are you two friends?” I ask her.
“No,” Tara and Ethan say at once.
“The therapist is the one who suggested Lindsay contact you about Vincent.” Ethan does his best to defend himself. “And thank goodness because I sure as hell don’t want to talk to her.”
“So, I’m in therapy with my fiancé and his ex-wife. Who do you think brought the drama to who?”
“Whom,” Ethan corrects.
“Well, thank you, professor.” He leans over and kisses her softly. “But at least your taste has improved in the wife department.”
He smiles tenderly down at her before kissing her cheek. “It has, hasn’t it?” He turns from her, looks at us, and says, “Just wait until you meet my third wife.”
He bends to kiss her again, but she moves away. Unable to stop myself, a loud laugh escapes, and I cover my mouth with my hand. Tara pretends to be upset, but she can’t stop smiling.
“Come on. You walked right into that one,” Ethan says.
“You did, Tara,” Elizabeth agrees.