“You don’t approve?” MacKenzie asked Delphine.
“Whether I approve or not is unimportant. For me, that Jake informs me of your engagement is enough. Do you want to know why, MacKenzie?”
MacKenzie didn’t react or reply because she knew it had been a rhetorical question. She was also quickly coming to realize that Delphine loved the dramatic pause. MacKenzie knew if she waited for a brief moment, Delphine would answer her own question.
“I love these Kingdom men. To be honest, I haven’t made up my mind about that one,” Delphine tossed her head in Jason’s direction.
“Well, I’m not about to lose any sleep over that!” Jason audibly whispered.
“See what I mean, no respect for his elders,” Delphine stated before turning back to MacKenzie. “As I was saying; out of the Kingdom men, I like Jake the best...”
“Delphine you crush me!” Josh piped in. “I always thought I was your favorite.”
“Well, you’re not, so deal with it, and stop interrupting me! Every time I come to this house I leave with a damn headache!”
“Seriously, Del, you need to relax. Have you given any further thought to that retreat I mentioned the last time we had dinner?” Josh asked with an innocent look.
“No I have not, and if you say one more word, I will inform your father of some of the company you keep, and don’t call me, Del, you know I dislike it!”
“Delphine!” Josh rumbled.
“I’m beginning to sound like a broken record; Delphine what’s going on?!” Jackson asked.
“Nothing!” Josh fired back.
“Ask your son!” Delphine snapped at the same time.”
“Relax, dad,” Josh attempted to placate his father. “She’s just trying to push your buttons.” Narrowing his eyes, Josh gave the older woman a threatening look. “Isn’t that right, Delphine?”
“No!”
“Delphine!” Josh exclaimed his warning unmistakable, but it didn’t have the desired effect on his Godmother.
“Last chance, keep quiet and your secrets are safe with me. Annoy or interrupt me once more, just once more, Joshua, and I will happily throw you under the bus!” Delphine told him.
Josh didn’t say another word.
Thinking they were the most bazaar people she’d ever met, MacKenzie looked around the table. Meeting Aviva’s regard, a smile sprang to her face when her friend mouthed, welcome to my world.
To her way of thinking the Kingdom’s may well be from another planet, but MacKenzie was assured that if Aviva could thrive within their midst, so could she.
Realizing Delphine was once again addressing her, MacKenzie returned her attention to the lawyer.
“As I was saying; you will need to change. Jake will do all the speaking. I think I’ve managed to dissuade the whole clan from descending on the reporters’ en mass.” With a pause, Delphine glanced around the table. MacKenzie did the same only to be confronted by four similar looks of defiance.
“I will accompany Jacob and MacKenzie. I know I don’t need to remind any of you that this is a serious matter. The last thing they need is for all of you to be standing around sneering.”
Jason completely ignored Delphine. Instead, he turned to MacKenzie and gentled his gaze. “Is that what you want, MacKenzie?”
“I... I don’t know.” She answered, confused as to the right way to approach the interview. “What do you think, Vee?”
“I say... sorry, Delphine,” Aviva smiled at the older woman in an attempt to lessen what she was about to say. “If it were me, I’d take everybody who was willing to come along. I like the way these guys sneer and from past experience, I can tell you, it works.”
With a nod, MacKenzie’s mind was made up. “They can come but someone needs to stay behind with the baby.”
Aviva volunteered and as far as she was concerned; the subject was settled. Delphine’s displeasure was apparent, but MacKenzie wasn’t worried about what she thought.
“You need to eat something, MacKenzie.” Jake who had remained quiet throughout the discussion finally spoke.
“I’m not hungry.”
“I understand, but you need to try. Remember, all that is required of you is to stand beside me and look lovely.”
Feeling nauseated, MacKenzie pushed back her chair ready to rush from the room her stomach in an uproar. Remembering her baby, she stopped and held out her arms to take her from Jake.
“She’s perfectly fine exactly where she is,” Jake said. Looking over at Aviva, he indicated that she go with MacKenzie.
“What time do I need to be ready?” MacKenzie asked.
“Not a moment before you are entirely ready; this is about you. We’re calling all the shots from now on.” Jake replied.
A nod was the only indication MacKenzie gave to denote her understanding.