themed wedding.”
Barbara glared at her. “Have you lost your mind? Why would I want to do that?”
Stephanie grinned. “You wouldn’t. My point is it’s been a long time since we had a wedding in this family. When Mackenzie and Rhys got married, they wanted something simple. Only friends and a few family members.”
“I remember,” Barbara said, remembering the small but elegant event. She and Mackenzie had planned it all together, from the menu to the music. Mackenzie had even recycled Barbara’s old wedding dress into something more stylish. “It was beautiful.”
“But small and low-key,” Stephanie pointed out. “You’re going to want to make more of a statement.”
Her daughter’s perception surprised her. “You’re right—I am. Not gaudy, of course, but with maybe two or three hundred people.” She drew her lips together. “Nothing rushed, like your wedding.”
Stephanie startled her by glancing at her watch and chuckling. “Ten minutes, Mom. Impressive. I thought it would take you at least twenty to bring up the fact that Kyle and I got married because I was pregnant. It’s nice that we can still surprise each other.”
“Are you being smart with me?”
“Would I do that?” She was still smiling as she pushed the magazines across the table. “These will help you get into the wedding swing of things. Once we know when, where, and how many guests, we can start narrowing down options.”
Barbara nodded. “I want the wedding and reception here,” she said. “Of course if it’s over the holidays, it has to be indoors and I’m not sure we have a big enough space for that. Yes, you’re correct. Those are the three most important decisions.”
She paused for a moment, then added, “Don’t talk to your sisters about this. I don’t want either of them influencing you. Lori has the taste of a kangaroo and we all know that anything Catherine suggests would drive me mad.”
“Don’t worry. You’re the bride, so you decide.”
Barbara eyed her. “Are you seeing anyone? If you’re not, you might want to get on that. You’ll want a date for the wedding.”
Stephanie laughed. “So that’s the reason I should start seeing someone?”
“It’s as good a reason as any. Plus, it’s nice to have a man in one’s life. I’d forgotten.” Giorgio made her feel so many wonderful things, and not just in bed. Although she wouldn’t discuss any of that with her daughter. “Let me know if you get involved with someone and it seems serious. I’ll have him investigated.”
“I can’t decide if you’re kidding or not.”
“I’m not kidding. Why would I kid? If you get involved with someone and there’s a chance the relationship might go somewhere, we will need to know about his background. Who is he? Who are his parents and siblings? What about his past? Is he a criminal? Did he do drugs?”
“You’re assuming I couldn’t figure that out for myself. Why would I date a drug-dealing criminal?”
Barbara waved away the question. “This isn’t about you, darling. It’s about being safe. I had Giorgio investigated when I realized we were going to be seeing each other when we came back to the States. It’s a sensible thing to do.” She smiled. “Giorgio understands how things are. He’s already offered to sign a prenup. I didn’t have to ask.”
“How romantic.”
Barbara narrowed her gaze. “Despite what you think, it’s very romantic. Giorgio loves me and wants to take care of me. Not just in bed, but in every way, including protecting the family and the winery. I would think you would appreciate that. The land and the children are what matter.”
“In that order,” Stephanie said dryly.
“Children leave. The land is forever. But speaking of children, is Avery still seeing that boy?”
“Alexander?”
“Is he the blond one? Is he the least bit intelligent? You’ve talked to her about birth control, haven’t you? We don’t need another unplanned pregnancy in the family.”
“Wow, Mom. When do you slow down enough to catch your breath?”
Barbara heard the hint of annoyance in her daughter’s tone.
“I know you don’t appreciate me butting in,” Barbara said sharply. “But I’m saying all this for your own good, and for Avery’s. You’ve always been a decent mother. This isn’t the time to relax and simply let things happen. You have to stay firm and guide her.”
“Because that worked so well for us?”
Barbara stared at her daughter, not sure if the comment was meant sincerely. She looked at the wedding magazines and the linen samples and knew they still had the rest of the meeting to get through. Perhaps