Family Ties (Morelli Family 4)

—

I’m feeling pretty cheerful as I sit in the wing chair in front of Mateo’s desk. There’s only one chair and I made it there first, so Mia had to walk over and stand next to Mateo’s chair, right beside him as she flips through the binder on his desk to show him the financial breakdown of all her plans.

At one point her hair falls over her shoulder and he must catch the scent, because he turns his head and looks directly at her. She ignores his eyes on her like it’s her job, but I’m not discouraged. They can’t both be strong for the rest of their lives. He’s with the wrong person. Fate will correct this mistake. I refuse to believe otherwise.

I still wish I could make them walk down the aisle together at my wedding, but having her walk down the aisle with Mark may be just as effective. I don’t think he’ll like the realization that as long as he lets her float around in the world, other men will have Mia. He knows Vince isn’t going to last forever. He’s known that since day one when he decided to break them up. He also told Mia she could leave our family when that happened. He may have wanted to let her go when he thought that’s what she wanted, but I can’t believe he’ll remain firm in that decision knowing she has feelings for him. If he does, I’m going to be so pissed off at him. I’m not even going to feel bad for him down the road when the maid stops loving him; I’m just going to say I told you so.

That’s probably not true. I’ll feel really bad, because I’m a sucker.

I just want my difficult brother to have peace and happiness. He hasn’t had anyone who fit him the way Mia does in his whole damn life. I want them to stop being stubborn and just go to each other like the perfect little heart magnets they are.

Mia is giving me a dirty look. I must be mooning at them. Yep, Mateo looks utterly amused. I’m definitely mooning.

I try to stop, but they’re dancing at their wedding in my mind and I can’t.

They’re going to make adorable babies. Their son can have baby play dates with my little Alessandra at our house in the suburbs. We’re all going to be so happy.

As if she can read my mind, Mia’s blue eyes narrow at me.

“I have to pee,” I announce, pushing up off the chair.

Mia’s mouth opens and closes twice before I turn my back and abandon her alone in the study. I don’t even feel bad. She’ll thank me someday.

Or, she would’ve, but she comes running out after me.

“You’re the worst buffer in the world. Next time I’m bringing Vince.”

I snort. “That’s a lie if I’ve ever heard one.”

“You totally blew my cover. I couldn’t be subtle. Now he definitely knows I just didn’t want to be alone in there with him while you went to pee.”

I lean in and sniff her hair. “Why do you always smell so good? You smell like a Hawaiian vacation—and Mateo loves the beach.”

She tries valiantly to bite back a smile, but laughter escapes her. “You have to stop. If Meg and Mateo ever break up on their own, then we’ll talk. But I don’t see that happening, and unless it does I’m not interested. They are happy together. I will not get in their way, no matter how much you try to convince me.”

“But that could take years,” I argue.

“Then it takes years.”

“You and Vince do not have years left,” I state, shaking my head. “Maybe you should date Mark. It would keep you in the general vicinity until Mateo gets his shit together.”

Mia blinks. “What now?”

I wave her off. “Never mind, don’t worry about it. I’m making various tentative plans for your life, just sit back and relax; I’ll let you know if I need you to do more than look pretty.”

Now Mia rolls her eyes. “God, you are such a Morelli.”

—

Mia returns to the study with me but leaves as soon as she possibly can with the excuse that she needs to pick up groceries so she can make Vince dinner.

I remain in the study with Mateo. He watches Mia leave, then leans back in his chair and waits. I know he’s expecting another speech. I’m tempted to give him one, but I still haven’t asked him to walk me down the aisle and that’s more pressing.

“I need to ask you something,” I begin.

“I figured,” he replies, lightly.

It’s not what he’s thinking, but I’m suddenly nervous and I want to fidget. I don’t even know why. He’s the head of our family and peace between the families is a large part of all this; he probably already assumes I’ll ask. It still feels intimidating.