Family Ties (Morelli Family 4)

“I’m afraid it’s a firm no,” Ethan says.

Adrian waves him off. “You’ll see. Mateo excels at turning a hard no into an enthusiastic yes.”

Sal snorts. “That’s a goddamn fact.”

Adrian nods. “By the time we’re all dancing at your wedding, you’ll be on our side.”

My gaze automatically drifts to Willow’s hand. She sees it, so she offers her hand up for my inspection. “It’s so pretty,” I tell her. “Have you guys set a date?”

She shakes her head. “Not yet. We’re not in a hurry. I think theirs will be first.”

“Whose?”

Now Adrian ducks his head, rubbing the back of his neck. Willow covers her mouth, gray eyes widening. “Oh no, did I out you?”

I turn wide eyes on Adrian. He’s still bashful, but Elise isn’t—she thrusts her hand right out for me to see.

“Oh, my God, why didn’t you tell me? Does Mateo know?”

“Maria and Cherie know, but we haven’t told the family yet,” Elise says, shaking her head. “What with the funeral stuff and you guys getting married…” She shrugs, then looks at her hand and grins. “He did really good, didn’t he?”

I know Adrian isn’t a hugger, but I can’t resist. I give him a big, stuff hug anyway. “I’m so happy for you. You should tell Mateo.”

“I will now that you guys did your thing.”

Rubbing his arm, I shake my head. “You’re too considerate. You’re family; we’re as excited for your engagement as any of ours.”

“Not according to the DNA test,” he says lightly.

“Thank God,” Elise adds. “I didn’t want to have to kick Mateo’s ass.”

I snort, but Adrian raises an eyebrow and nods. “Don’t underestimate her. She’s quick and she’s got the element of surprise; she might be able to kick his ass.”

They’re clearly joking, so I roll my eyes. “Yeah, okay.”

“You better not let Mateo know you told Ethan first,” Sal says, grinning at Adrian. “You’ll make him jealous.”

I nod my agreement. “Then Ethan’ll be the one getting his ass kicked.”

Ethan looks at Adrian like we’re making his point for him. “And this is the guy you want me to work for. No thanks.”

“They’re just kidding. Mateo doesn’t really get jealous.”

“Tell that to Vince,” Sal states.

“Poor Vince,” I mutter, shaking my head. I glance around to see if I can find him, now that I’m thinking about him. “We should go find them. Mia had to slow dance with Mark, so he’s probably pissy about it.”

“Everybody’s pissy about something with her,” Sal states, shaking his head. “That girl’s a curse.”

“You’re telling me,” Adrian says, rolling his eyes.

Rolling my eyes, I say, “Whatever, you both love Mia.”

“I like her, but she’s a pain in my ass,” Adrian states.

“Mateo is a pain in your ass,” I argue.

“I lose sleep over the pair of them.”

“We should start a club,” Sal tells him.

“Or you guys could just not worry about it, since I guarantee Mateo doesn’t lose a wink of sleep over any of us,” Elise suggests.

I cock my head, unsure whether I’m offended or impressed. “Damn, Elise.”

Sal shrugs. “I’m gonna go with the club idea. We can order T-shirts and have meetings.”

I smile, leaning in to kiss him. “I like you.”

“I hope so,” he says lightly, wrapping an arm around my waist and tugging me close. “It’s a little late to change your mind now.”

Chapter Fifty

Francesca

We stop by a couple more tables on our way to Vince and Mia—Sal’s guests, not mine. Ordinarily more of my relatives would come, but with Dad dying recently and this being a smaller wedding, we didn’t really invite any out-of-town Morellis. Sal invited more guests than I did, but that’s fine by me. I didn’t need a huge wedding. I couldn’t possibly be happier than I am with the one I had. Three hundred Morelli and Castellanos associates scattered around drinking and socializing sounds absolutely horrible. That’s what Mateo’s wedding will be like if he ever firmly lands on a bride. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t want to get married. Can’t fault him there.

“Why are you smiling?” Sal asks.

“Because I’m funny,” I tell him.

He laughs shortly. “You are pretty funny.”

A waiter carrying a tray of drinks is circulating near us, so I stop him to grab two flutes of champagne on our way to Vince’s table. We decided not to do a bridal party table and force everyone to sit together, so Vince and Mia are sitting at a table strategically placed far, far from Mateo and Meg.

I can already see Vince is not in a good mood, but I paste on a big smile as I approach.

“Hey, guys.”

Mia manufactures a smile. Vince does, too—kinda. It’s more pained than convincingly happy, but I’m sure it’s been a long day for them, following a long night after the rehearsal dinner.

“Enjoying your reception?” Mia asks.

“Everything about our wedding was perfect,” I assure her. “Thank you so much for your help. When we get back from our honeymoon, I’m buying you an awesome present.”