settings. We walked through the dining room when we got here. How come you didn’t put me with the Wicked Witch of the West?”
“Finn, she’s your mother.” Millie chided him but Alessia knew Bridget hadn’t been at all nice to her.
“Derek and I did the charts together. Long story how and why. He suggested we do it randomly. He also said he didn’t want to ruin the wedding for you two.”
“I’m going to like that man.”
“I hope so. I want him in my life, Finn.”
“Then make sure it happens.”
Those were words to remember.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Derek walked into the plush interior of The Pine Grove Inn. He’d read up on the place. A 37-room inn, once a hotspot for the likes of Frank Sinatra, was up on a hill overlooking snow-covered grounds. Halfway between Hidden Cove and Brooklyn, it was ideal for both families. The rooms were well stocked, with a mini-bar, a soaking tub, and fridge for food and drink. It boasted 400-count sheets.
Not that he planned to see any of those rooms tonight. As appealing as Alessia Benatti looked in that dress the color of good cabernet, hitting the sheets with her was out of the question. He was already going to face consequences for attending this private event with her.
The restaurant was up ahead and he started toward it when another man came up to him. “You’re Ali’s date.” Hell, her posse was big.
“Her plus one. Derek Davidson.”
“Rafe Casella.”
“The oldest brother. And brave firefighter.”
“Uh-huh. Come on, I’ll walk with you into the restaurant. “So, Derek what do you do?”
“I’m getting my teaching degree at City College.”
“Pretty late in the game, isn’t it?”
“I’m only thirty-seven, but I had a career previously. I saved my money and quit so I could go back to school.”
“I see.”
He quirked a smile. “Any other questions?”
“I know you have twin girls.”
Damn, the lies extended to everybody. “They’re a handful. They’re with grandparents tonight. We all live in Brooklyn.”
Rafe stopped at the entrance. “One last thing?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t hurt Alessia or I’ll break both your legs.”
Captain Rafe Casella didn’t realize he’d threatened a federal officer. Despite that, Derek liked him for his protectiveness.
Alessia joined the two of them just inside the door. Again, the way that dress clung to her under the outer layer, something frothy, and hooked around her neck, made his mouth water. He tried not to drool in front of the two of them. She gave Rafe an askance look, then took Derek’s hand and led him into the private room with a wall of windows overlooking the treed lot. Crystals of snow fell down their branches.
“Sorry about that,” she whispered.
“What?”
“My brother. You’ll probably hear from the other two, also.”
“I’m a big boy. I can take it.”
He looked at her hair. Off her face, it fell in fat curls down her back. She wore makeup he’d never seen her in. “You look lovely, Alessia. I know I said that at the church, but it bears repeating.”
“Thank you. So, do you, in a suit.”
A waiter came toward them, carrying wine. “Would you like a drink?”
“Sure.”
She took white, he preferred red.
“Did you cry?” he asked.
“No. I rarely cry when I’m happy. Both couples deserve their life together. Besides, my brother will move in with Julianne, so we’ll all be on the same street now.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. Billy and I bought a house two down from Mom, Rafe built his six years ago a couple down from me. Julianne and now Seth live next door on the other side.”
“What about the other one? Gideon?”
“His house is, well, was at the end of the block, but after he divorced, Lisa and the kids live there alone.”
“That’s sad.”
“No sadness tonight.”
After they chatted for fifteen more minutes, they were called to be seated. On the way to their table, he leaned in and whispered, “How do you think our seating arrangement will go over?”
“The only wild card is Bridget.”
They found their spots and took chairs. Introductions were made of the people who’d already arrived. Two of the groom’s sisters and one husband. Alessia’s brother Gideon. And Anabelle Sanders. They chatted a bit then Gideon asked, “Do we have two empty seats?”
“Well,” Alessia told them. “I added one for Ronan but Hayley just told me he isn’t staying for the reception.”
Before the other vacant seat could be explained, Bridget Sullivan walked up to the table. Alessia’s aunt, the difficult one, was dressed in a tailored teal blue suit. Her mouth thinned and her brow furrowed as she scanned the