After church, Frankie rode home with his parents, while M.J. went straight to his mom's place to watch his little sister.

Because everyone's schedules clashed that morning, they skipped their regular pre-church breakfast and opted for an early family supper instead.

All of Frankie's siblings were there except for his eldest sister, Penny, who stayed home with her kids due to a stomach bug.

Antoinette swung by right after her shift at the hospital, still wearing her scrubs.

Ian showed up with Tally in tow, which instantly lit up Greg's face with a huge grin. “Frank, honey?” Natasha said, catching his attention.

“Yeah, Mom?”

“Your dad and I were talking last night, and we were wondering if you've given any thought to your future.” “Your mom was wondering,” Greg cut in. “Not me.” “My future?” Frankie echoed, tilting his head.

“Well, you're sixteen now. Have you given any thought about marriage or having a mistress?”

Frankie inhaled a crumb and hacked until Antoinette thumped his back, laughing under her breath. “I…uh, haven't really thought about it, Mom,” he said after composing himself. “Which is why I took the liberty,” Natasha said, sliding a thick stack of papers across the table. Names, ages, and tiny passport photos marched in neat columns. “Every eligible girl in Paradise and our social circle. For the mistress slot, sponsorship’s the modern route. Madison’s the obvious choice since she’s practically family, but Andrea Hallett is a rising star too.”

“Madison's a hot piece of jailbait if I've ever seen one,” Ian added casually. “Nobody likes a creep, Ian,” Antoinette said.

“Hey, just observing and offering my honest opinion,” Ian said with a shrug. Frankie stared at the papers like they might bite him. “Sponsoring Maddy would be…weird. She's one of my best friends.”

“Andrea, then,” Natasha pressed, undeterred.

“Maybe he doesn't want a white girl,” Ian said.

Natasha blinked at Frankie as if the thought never occurred to her. “Oh, well, she doesn't have to be white, sweetie. Just tell me what your preferences are and I'll look into all your options. As far as a wife, I thought Hannah might suit you.” “Mom,” Ian exclaimed, “he can't marry my half-sister! What in the Sweet Home Alabama are you trying to do?”

“They're not blood-related,” Natasha pointed out matter-of-factly. “And she's mixed, if that matters to him.”

“Uh…can I have some time to think about all of this?” Frankie asked. “Of course, but if you can decide before the Ivory Ball, you'll have a better chance at getting what you want,” Natasha told him.