“This is the best part about moving back,” Coop says, covering his mouth. “You’re the greatest cook in the south, Regina.”
“It’s really impressive,” I say, flattening the napkin in my lap. “I can’t wait to visit Nectar.”
Josephine finishes chewing and looks at Coop. “You think that’s the best part about returning to Whisper Falls?”
“One of the best,” he says, his tone dulled.
Regina’s eyes narrow, bouncing between Coop and Josephine. “Say, this is brunch, right? I could whip up some Bloody Marys and mimosas.”
“That’s distasteful this early on a Sunday,” Josephine replies, shooing at her with a fork.
Regina tilts her head to the side and guzzles her lemonade. “Maybe if Roman were here.”
Beside me, Coop’s face reddens. I know he wants me to be comfortable around his family, an impossible feat when they can’t be at ease around each other. Regina’s suggestion has merit; I sense Douglas family functions run smoother when alcohol is involved.
“What are your plans at the Gazette, Cooper?” Josephine asks.
“It’ll be a busy week. My calendar is already filled with a slew of community events and meetings.”
“Your father would be so proud,” she says, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “He always knew you’d be the best person to run the business.”
I hear a sigh coming from Regina’s direction, but I don’t look. Coop told me his maternal great-grandfather started the Whisper Falls Gazette, and the publication has remained in the family ever since. When Coop’s father died, his second-in-command took over until Coop could.
“I feel guilty for the time I’ll be stealing from Madison,” he says. “I’d like to establish a routine before the wedding rolls around.”
“I’m happy you mentioned the wedding,” Josephine says, holding up her glass. “We have loads of planning to discuss.”
“Here we go.” Regina rolls her eyes, but I sense she enjoys watching the family tension unfold.
“There’s not much left to do,” Coop says.
Josephine turns to me. “Cooper booked First Presbyterian for the ceremony. I assume you have a dress.”
“I do,” I say. “We finalized most of the decisions before the move.”
She looks at Coop. “You still need flowers and decorations and entertainment.”
“Madison is capable of planning her own wedding,” he says.
“Yeah, Mom. Give the girl a break,” Regina says. “She’s not working right now. She’ll have loads of time on her hands.”
We all stare at Regina. I feel slighted by her unnecessary comment, but I don’t think she can help herself. In the half hour I’ve known her, I’ve picked up on her innate ability to aggravate people.
“It’s not about that,” Coop says, jerking his head away from his sister. “This is Madison’s big day. She should be free to do as much or as little as she wants.”
“I’ll give you the names of some event planners I’ve used in the past,” Josephine says, turning to me. “Most are based out of Knoxville. You wouldn’t want to use anyone in Whisper.”
“That would be great. Thank you,” I say, hoping this will end the conversation. Josephine is straddling the line between helpful and intrusive. I squeeze Coop’s knee under the table, signaling him to stand down.
The back door opens, and Roman, the oldest of the Douglas children, walks onto the porch. It must be him because he looks just like Coop, minus the blond locks. He’s tall with thick hair that hovers over his eyes in curly brown tufts. “Sorry I’m late,” he says, rolling up his sleeves. “Did I miss anything?”
“We’ve covered religion, the wedding and Coop’s job,” Regina says, crossing her legs. “What’s next, Mom? Politics?”
“Relax, Reggie.” Roman rustles her hair a bit too harshly. “It’s Sunday.”
“I’m Madison,” I say, standing to greet him.
“So, you’re the woman who stole ol’ Cooper’s heart?” He gives me a hearty hug, lifting my feet into the air.
“Easy,” Coop says, helping me back into my seat.
“It’s great to finally meet you,” Roman says, before he starts stuffing his face.
“Are you still managing Mom’s rental properties?” Coop asks him.
Roman nods. “Yep. And I’m in charge of the landscaping around the house.”
“This property is beautiful,” I say, turning to take in the complete view. “Josephine, you have a gorgeous home.”
“Thank you,” she says, scanning the faces of each person at the table. “I’m just happy to have everyone back. The place feels complete now.”
After our meal, we enter the library—a symbol of privilege in itself. I’ve never been to a home that had an entire room dedicated to books and trophies. Roman walks to the bar cart by the fireplace and pours a drink. Given his ruddy complexion, I don’t think it’s his first.
“Before you get settled, I have a small surprise,” Josephine says, walking up behind us and placing one hand on Coop’s shoulder, the other on mine. “I’ve asked Roger to snap a picture of the happy couple.”
“A picture?” I ask.
“Do we have to do this now?” Coop asks, his irritation from earlier rekindled.
“Hush it up. You’ve been engaged for months,” she says, tapping his shoulder. “We need to put your announcement in the social’s section.”
“They’ve just moved back,” Roman says. “Madison doesn’t even know anyone.”
“It’s only a declaration of your engagement,” she says. “We like to feature those sorts of things in the Gazette. And this is a particularly important announcement. You’re the first Douglas to get married.”
Both Roman and Regina flinch, as though the comment was intentionally meant to hurt them. Clearly Coop is Josephine’s golden boy, in more ways than one. She exits the library.
“Roman’s right. Madison doesn’t know anyone,” Coop says, sitting in a velvet armchair. “I was thinking maybe you could show her around, Regina?”
Regina looks at Coop, then me. “Sure. It would give us a chance to get to know each other. How’s Friday?”
“Great,” I say. “Hopefully I can unpack between now and then.”
“It’s a date.” Regina returns to whatever she was doing on her phone. Moments later, Josephine escorts Roger into the room, a slender man in his sixties with a camera in his hands. She introduces him as her house manager and most loyal confidante.
“Where do you want us to stand?” I ask, wanting to appear a good sport.
“By the fireplace,” says Roger. “We’ll get a nice sliver of the bookcase in the back.”
“Sounds perfect,” Josephine says, stepping behind Roger so she can see the frame.
Coop stands behind me, placing his hands on my waist. I put my left hand atop his, making sure the ring has all the attention it deserves.
“You both look wonderful,” Josephine says before Roger starts clicking.