though he owned several other restaurants off-island, he had good managers for those and focused his hands-on attention on the Nantucket one and on Lisa.
“It was a really good day, actually. Our new chef introduced a few items that we are running as specials and if they do well, we’ll add them onto the menu. It’s early to say for sure, but if the response today is anything to go by, they’ll all be on the menu soon.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic. What are they?” As a foodie, Lisa loved to cook and go out to eat pretty regularly. And since she and Rhett had gotten serious, a solid five pounds had crept onto her, as Rhett enjoyed food as much as she did and that’s mostly what they did for their social life, entertain friends or go out to eat. She loved it, but she was trying to make some better choices, which is where eating less red meat came in. But she knew Rhett loved her meatballs, and she had a plan for tonight and wanted him to be in a really good, receptive mood.
“Wasabi crusted tuna with lightly fried avocado wedges and asparagus risotto. Swordfish with a fresh mango salsa, and Caesar salad topped with either fresh lobster meat or grilled scallops.”
“I’ll have to get in there soon to test them all.”
They chatted comfortably over cheese and crackers, and then over meatballs and spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan. Rhett raised his eyebrows when Lisa pulled out the grater and offered him some.
“Wow. We’re going all fancy tonight. Sure, load me up.”
Lisa grated a fine pile of parmesan over his meatballs and then did the same to hers.
“Save room for dessert. I picked up some Tiramisu from that new Italian bakery. You loved it the last time we had it.”
“Have I mentioned how much I love you?” Rhett smiled as he tucked into his pasta and meatballs. When they finished, Lisa added a bit of wine to their glasses and set a generous serving of tiramisu in front of Rhett. After he took his first bite, she took a deep breath and told him what was on her mind.
“So, do you really have your heart set on a big wedding?” She asked.
He paused and set his fork down. “Define big?”
“You’ve said you want to have a big celebration with everyone we know. Are you okay with just people we really care about?”
“You don’t really want a big wedding? I just didn’t want you to feel like you couldn’t do that. I thought every woman wanted a huge wedding? As long as you’re there, I don’t honestly care who else shows up,” he admitted.
Lisa smiled and relaxed a little. “I’ve already done that. I don’t need a fancy dress and everyone in town at my wedding. What would be perfect would be me in my favorite pink sundress, and you in shorts and that aqua blue golf shirt that you love. And our kids and the minister in the back yard, followed by a cookout. Super casual and beachy. How does that sound to you? It’s not very traditional.”
Rhett grinned. “Who needs traditional? I’ll take comfortable and casual any day. When are you thinking?”
“Well, I had an idea. Your birthday is in two weeks and it’s on a Sunday. What if I just tell the kids that we’re having a birthday cookout for you and when they all get here, we can surprise them with a wedding, too. That way they don’t have to worry about getting us gifts or doing anything else.”
“I like it. We don’t need a thing. And they have their own weddings to worry about.”
“You’re sure about this? As long as it’s okay with you, I’ll go ahead and start planning for it.”
Rhett leaned over and kissed her, and she marveled that she still felt butterflies every time he did that. When they pulled apart, he said, “Start the planning. I can’t wait to be married to you. Two more weeks is long enough.”
Chapter 7
Mia was surprised that she hadn’t run into Ben yet at breakfast. Saturday morning, while chatting over a blueberry muffin and coffee, Lisa asked if she’d seen him again. As usual, all her girls and even the baby, Natalie, had joined her for Saturday breakfast.
“No, not since I saw him for about two seconds at his family’s house. I think he is mostly out late and sleeps in.”
Lisa nodded. “If he makes it to breakfast, it’s usually about five or ten minutes before