Tall, Dark & Hungry(2)

He shook his head at the thought of Marguerite's latest antics. She had always been involved in her children's lives, eager to see them happy, but her latest stunt had shocked even him. Bastien was the last of her children to remain single, and the woman was determined to see him settled in a loving relationship like his brothers and sister. That was understandable, he supposed, but her way of getting it done was madness. His sister Lissianna and her psychologist husband, Greg, had worked out so well, Marguerite had decided to round up a female psychologist for Bastien in the hope that he would fall in love with her. The silly woman had made appointments with every female psychologist in Toronto, ferreted out the single ones, chosen those she liked best and thought he might like, then had announced she was a vampire and put the thought into their heads that they should request to speak to a family member about her "delusions." Bastien had spent weeks running around Toronto, going from psychologist to psychologist, clearing memories and ensuring that no damage resulted from her stunt. Then he'd escaped to New York to avoid getting caught in any more of her madcap schemes.

Yes, his mother was going off her rocker with nothing to occupy herself. He hoped Lissianna's recently announced pregnancy would prove a distraction. Bastien didn't mind the idea of settling down and having someone to share his life with, like his siblings had, but he wasn't holding his breath waiting for it to happen. He'd been alone so long, he began to wonder if it would ever be otherwise. Perhaps Josephine had been his one hope at happiness.

Unwilling to contemplate the memory of the human woman he had loved and lost, Bastien glanced between Lucern and Kate. "So, what is this favor you want?"

The couple exchanged a glance, then Lucern said, "You should have ordered something to eat, brother. It's on me."

Bastien was vaguely amused at the stalling tactic. Much like himself, his brother hated to ask for anything. "It must be a big favor if you're willing to spring for lunch," he teased.

"You make me sound cheap," Lucern said with a scowl.

"You are. Or were," he allowed. "Though you appear to have improved since Kate's arrival in your life. She's managed to make you loosen the purse strings somewhat. There was a time you wouldn't even consider living in a city as expensive as New York."

Luc shrugged. "She's here," he said simply.

"Actually, I'm the one who needs the favor," Kate announced.

"Oh?" Bastien turned to her with interest. He liked his soon-to-be sister-in-law. She was perfect for Luc. His brother was lucky to have found her.

"Yes. My best friend, Terri—well, she's my cousin, really. Well, she's both, cousin and best friend, but—"

"This would be your maid of honor?" Bastien interrupted patiently.

"Yes!" She beamed at him, apparently pleased that he recognized the name. But it shouldn't have surprised her; Bastien was good with details. Besides, the woman was the maid of honor and he was best man. As such, they would be paired off and stuck together for the whole of the upcoming wedding. Of course he recalled!

"What about her?" he asked as Kate continued to smile in silence. When she hesitated, he prodded, "Is she arriving at the same time as everyone else, or a day or two early?"

"Actually, she's coming two weeks early," Kate admitted. "She had vacation time coming to her and took it all in one large lump to fly over here and help with the wedding."

"It's a good thing, too," Lucern muttered, then admitted, "We can use all the help we can get. You wouldn't believe how complicated weddings are, Bastien. First the date has to be picked, the hall reserved, and the invitations chosen and sent. Then there is the caterer to be chosen, the meals decided on, what wine to serve, the flowers to use and in what arrangements, the music in the church, whether you'll have a band or a d.j. at the reception, and what music to play there. The colors have to be picked and coordinated so that the decorations, flowers, tuxedos, and dresses can be chosen and so on." He shook his head. "It's a wonder couples survive all of that and make it to the wedding still together. Take my advice: If you ever find a mate, skip the wedding nonsense and fly to Vegas."

"Skip the wedding nonsense and fly to Vegas?" Kate echoed in disbelief.

"Oh, now, Kate, honey, you know I didn't mean—," Luc began backpedaling in earnest.

"I gather weddings are a pain to arrange, but surely the worst of it is out of the way?" Bastien queried, trying to save his brother from the wrath filling his fiancée's face.

A relieved Lucern eagerly grasped at the change of subject. "Well, yes. Most of the arrangements are made and set, but there always seems to be something cropping up that needs doing. Last week, it was making toilet paper flowers. Who knows what it will be next week?"