You want to know the secret to everlasting happiness?

Never fall in love.

That was the wisdom my father imparted to us James boys after our mom died, and it's a piece of advice that's served me well.

Until dear old Dad asks me for a favor over Sunday brunch. No big deal, right? I love making my old man happy. Except this “favor” is a lot more complicated than picking up his dry cleaning. Dad wants me to marry and provide a few heirs for the James empire, and he's even done me the courtesy of handpicking my bride-to-be. Lucky me.

But if I'm being honest, I've grown tired of the endless cycle of dating, the constant small talk, and the ever-shrinking pool of women I haven't already invited for a sleepover.