“If not, it's fine,” I said.
“I know that,” Lexi said.
“I was just wondering because we might have an opening at my job,” Katherine said, sincerely sounding apologetic. “I work as a nanny, so it wouldn't pay much, but it would at least be something. I think the work's really interesting, too, and you're really making a difference in people's lives. Of course, what you'd be doing would be more like basically administrative work, but I suppose that does help us make a difference in people's lives since if the paperwork didn't all get done, we wouldn't be able to function! Plus, if I had to do all the paperwork myself, I'd cry.”
Lexi laughed again. “Thanks for the offer,” she said. “I'll look into it.” Then, she grinned. “So I guess you're the nice one, and Andrew's the gruff one, is that it?”
Katherine snorted. “I guess you could say that,” she said. Her expression turned introspective. “Andrew's always been more cautious than me,” she finally said, shrugging. “He can't help it. He's the older brother, and he always felt that he had to protect me from the world.”
“Andrew would like it if you would stop talking about him as though he wasn't here,” I said pointedly, but I couldn't help smiling.
I was glad that the two of them seemed to be getting along with one another. I hadn't been too worried, but they were two of the most important people in my life, and I wouldn't have known what to do if they hadn't liked one another.
We all watched Emma in the living room as she colored a picture and chatted away to her new doll.
“I actually didn't know what to expect from you,” Lexi piped up, cocking her head to the side as she stared at Katherine.
My sister rolled her eyes. “Don't tell me, Andrew filled your head with all sorts of strange stories.”
“Actually, he didn't tell me much of anything,” Lexi admitted. “He told me that you were really nice and that I'd like you, but that's about it.”
“Andrew,” Katherine chided, but her eyes were sparkling with amusement.
I was spared from responding by the sound of the oven timer going off. I pulled out the casserole and set it on top of the stove, waving away the smoke. “That just needs to cool and settle for a minute, and then we can eat,” I told them.
“Good,” Katherine said. “Smells delicious, by the way.”
“Thanks.”
Katherine turned back to Lexi, and with some weird sixth sense, I could tell before she even opened her mouth that I wasn't going to like what she was about to say.
Sure enough: “Well, I'm glad you're getting all settled. I think you'll make a nice addition to the family.”
I scowled at her. “Can I have a word with you in the other room?” I asked.
Katherine raised an eyebrow at me but followed me out of earshot. I whirled on her. “You can't just say stuff like that,” I hissed, mindful of my volume even though there was no way Lexi would be able to overhear us.
“Stuff like what?” Katherine asked, genuinely looking confused.
“That she'd make a nice addition to the family!” I snapped. “You basically just implied that I was going to marry her.”
“And?” Katherine asked. She shrugged. “You're the happiest that I've ever seen you. And I've never seen you this charming and thoughtful with a woman before. Anyway, there's Emma to think of. You and Lexi have a child. Don't you think it would be best for everyone involved if the two of you tied the knot?”
I stared at her. “I can't believe you,” I finally said in disgust. “I invited you over here so that you could meet the woman that I'm dating. Dating. Not planning an engagement to.”
“I can't believe you,” Katherine retorted. “What, are you holding out for something better? Or are you still just so
afraid of becoming Mom and Dad that you're not even willing to give Lexi a chance?”
“I am giving her a chance,” I snapped. “But we're not at the point where we're swearing undying love to one another or anything even remotely close to that. Just watch what you say around her.”
“If you were going to get rid of her, you missed your chance,” Katherine told me. “You know you can't just kick them out now, not now that Emma's grown attached to you.”
“No one said anything about kicking anyone out,” I said peevishly. “Not that any of this is any of your business. You're here to meet Lexi and Emma. Not to give me opinions about how to handle my relationships and live my life.”
Katherine rolled her eyes, but she didn't say anything else. Instead, she stomped off to the kitchen. I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. I loved Katherine, and I knew she wasn't really trying to meddle. She just wanted to see me happy.
For a second, I allowed myself to entertain the thought of it: a wedding with Lexi. Emma would make the most adorable flower girl, and I could already picture Lexi in her dress, a simple but elegant affair that did nothing to hide her curves. She'd grin demurely at me, and when we kissed–