It hurt so much to see Grace cry and know it was something he'd said that had caused it. He wanted her to smile again... and to that end, though he probably should have taken pains to address what she'd said about doing whatever she could, he didn't. It was probably emotion talking anyway, he thought, more than real resolve — it wasn't going to make much of a difference now, he thought, whether she was trying her best or not. It certainly wasn't going to change the way he managed this sinking ship that was their family.

So he offered her a small smile, as though he believed her. "So long as everything doesn't include getting married tomorrow," he joked. "I don't think we could weather the competition."

---

Grace managed a weak smile, relieved that Ford was able to crack a joke right now. She didn't think she could. Weddings were stressful even without doubting her brother's enthusiasm, and Grace was certain she wouldn't be able to breathe properly until they said their vows. The only thing worse than a too-brief engagement was a broken one.

"I will do my best to keep the spotlight on you and Miss Farley," she promised. She could do that at the very least.

---