Page 102 of The Rented Bride

Trent pushed upright and stared as more people filed into the foyer. He recognized Cassie’s mother, her sister Mia and cousin Sophia, and her brother Bobby. An elderly woman gripped her mother’s arm. Cassie had said Grandma Rosa. He remembered her mentioning Grandma Rosa and the warning that if she ever found out about their marriage, he be stuck with her for life. Hello, Grandma Rosa.

“What is your husband doing lying on the floor?” her mother asked.

“I tripped.” He rose. “Maria.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Maria’s lips pursed. “You should be more careful. You’ll crack your head open.” She shifted her gaze to Cassie. “You don’t answer your phone for your mother, either.” She turned to Trent. “We heard the news about your grandfather. We’re so very sorry.” She hugged him and Trent met Cassie’s gaze over Maria’s shoulder.

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth.

Maria drew back from the hug and motioned for the distinguished gentleman standing nearby to come closer. “This is Cassie’s father, Franco. Franco, this is Cassie’s husband, Trent Weston.”

Trent extended a hand. “I’m very happy to make your acquaintance, sir.”

Franco grasped his hand in a firm handshake. “I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances. I thought I’d meet Cassie’s husband before the marriage. I expected to be there to walk my daughter down the aisle and listen to Father Victor bless the union. But I’m here now.”

Trent nodded. “That’s my fault. My grandfather’s prognosis wasn’t good and I wanted him to see us married before he died. I asked Cassie to keep things quiet. We had hoped to tell you in person, but I should have insisted that Cassie phone you immediately.”

Cassie stepped up beside them. “Mom, Dad, what are you and—” she glanced around “—everyone doing here?”

“We’re here for you both. Now hug your father,” her mother scolded. “You haven’t seen him in four months.”

Cassie blushed. “Of course.” She put her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. “I missed you, Papa.”

“Missed you, too,” he said.

They separated and she said, “I still don’t understand what everyone is doing here.”

Her mother smoothed her hair back from her face, tucking a few strands behind her ear. “Cassandra, Trent’s grandfather died. I wish we would have had the chance to know him because he was part of your family, our family. You and your husband need us. Where else would we be? Now, come, Grandma Rosa needs to sit down. This has been a long trip for her.”

“Of course,” Trent said. “Upstairs in The Blue Parlor would be comfortable for everyone.”

Maria glanced toward the stairs.

“We have an elevator,” Trent said. He grasped Grandma Rosa’s arm and started at a sedate pace across the foyer. “Maria, why don’t you come with me? If the rest of you want to take the stairs, Cassie can show you the way.”

“I don’t know where The Blue Parlor is,” she blurted, “And, as you know, I was going out.”

He glanced over his shoulder. “With your family here, I think you should delay your plans.” He turned around. “The Blue Parlor is three doors down from the ballroom. Take the stairs to the second floor then turn left.”

She didn’t reply, and he refrained from looking back. She wouldn’t make a scene in front of her family, would she?

“Come on, everyone,” she said.

When Trent arrived at The Blue Parlor with Maria and Grandma Rosa, Cassie waited with the rest of her family. He seated Grandma Rosa near the hearth. “Let me get a fire going and have some tea brought up. I’ll let Ace know that we have guests for lunch.”

He started to leave but Maria stopped him. “Show me where the kitchen is. I’ll make lunch. We are here so that you and Cassie can rest. You need to feed the feelings.”

Meg and Doris entered.

“Meg, Doris, please come here.” The two women reached Trent, and he said, “Everyone I would like to introduce Meg, my personal assistant, and Doris, the lady who manages Brettonwood.” He introduced those he knew, then said, “I’m afraid I don’t know the rest of you.”

The redheaded man stepped forward and extended a hand. “I’m Danny, Cassie’s older brother.”

A young brunette stepped forward. “I’m Leeza, Cassie’s older sister.”

“Doris, could you please let Ace know we’ll have guests for lunch. And we’ll need guestrooms made up for everyone.”

Maria shook her head. “No, no need to go to any trouble.” She patted Trent’s arm. We’re here to help, not to impose. We have rooms at The Regency. We’re already checked in. Have preparations been made for the wake?”