Page 73 of The Rented Bride

Cassie grimaced. “You’d think by now I would know better.”

“Yeah, one would think.”

The doorbell rang and a moment later, Danny called out, “It’s Uncle Bobby.”

Cassie gathered with everyone else to hug the oldest member of their family—aside from Grandma Rosa—when the doorbell rang again. “I’ll get it,” she called. Cassie hurried to the door and opened it to find Antonio waiting.

His eyes lit. “Cassandra, bella,” he said in a strong Italian accent. He entered and hugged her before she could stop him.

Cassie drew back and took two steps away from him. “Antonio, what are you doing here?” As if she didn’t know.

Sophia appeared in the foyer. “Antonio. Well, this is a surprise.”

Cassie shot her a dark look.

Sophia held her hands up, palms facing out. “Don’t look at me.” She smiled at Antonio. “It’s wonderful to have you.” Then she looked at Cassie. “But I didn’t invite him.”

Cassie had to have a talk with her mother.

The evening wore on. By the time they sat down at the dinner table, Cassie’s tension had eased, despite her mother’s matchmaking. She’d missed this. They were loud, they loved to tease, and they were family. As usual, dinner was a major production. Mom’s homemade marinara and meatballs.

“Someone’s going to have to roll me home, I’m so stuffed,” Cassie said.

Sophia leaned over and whispered. “Someone we should call, maybe that sexy man—”

Cassie snapped her gaze onto her cousin.

“Bella,” Antonio said, “more spaghetti?”

Cassie turned to her attention to Antonio, who sat to her right. She shook her head. “No. I’m full.”

“Full?” he repeated.

Cassie pointed to her stomach and repeated, “Full.”

“Ah.” He nodded.

“He’s trying so hard,” Sophia whispered on her left.

Out of the side of her mouth, Cassie said, “Shut up, or I’ll take you outside and tie you the tree like I did when we were eight.”

Two of the younger children raced into the living room.

Mia jumped from the table and hurried after them. “Wash your hands,” she scolded. “If you get grandma’s couch grubby, she’s going to put you out on the porch.”

Cassie’s mother stood. “It’s time for dessert and coffee.”

“We’ll help, Auntie,” Sophia said. “Come on, Danielle. You, too, Cassie.”

Cassie and Danielle stood, then Antonio stood.

“No,” Cassie said. “Antonio, you stay here.” She gently pushed him back into his seat.

His brow furrowed, and Cassie wasn’t sure if he didn’t understand her or didn’t agree. He hurried from the dining room into the kitchen.

“The zabaglione is in the refrigerator, Cassandra,” her mother said.

“You made zabaglione?” Cassie said. “I haven’t had that in years.” She pulled the zabaglione from the refrigerator. Her mouth already watered.