Now the sky was clear, and she could leave. She had a villa waiting for her in Italy. She had a wedding to get to.
“Mrs. Fischer,” Isla interjected, stepping forward. “Or Ms. Is it Ms.?”
Bianca glanced past Monica. “It’s Bianca. And you are?”
“Isla.” No further introduction. “We’re just waiting for your driver, and then we’ll get you settled in a luxury vacation home for your stay.”
“A luxury…” Bianca exhaled happily and threw her arms around Monica. “What a nice surprise.”
“For both of us,” Monica muttered.
Bianca squished her in a tight hug and then, without letting go, whispered, “It’s time I meet your Josh, yes?”
No. But he was right there, so she couldn’t sayhe’s not mine, because that was unnecessarily hurtful. Also, the words felt like razor blades in her throat, even unspoken.
So the only answer was yes.
“Mom, this is Josh.” She twisted towards him, her gaze finding his immediately.I’m sorry, she said, her constant refrain. “Josh, this is my mother.”
Bianca held out her hand. “Why didn’t we meet three years ago?”
He shook her hand firmly. “Because your ex-husband interfered.”
Monica squeaked.
Josh shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
“And the truth will set us free,” Bianca added. “Are you considering some sort of wicked vengeance plot?”
“Mom!”
Bianca sighed. “Monica, have you considered—” She stopped, because one of Josh’s sisters-in-law had returned, and she had a man in tow. And in much the same way Monica had, the sister-in-law—Catie?—dragged this man to the front of the group. He looked pretty willing to be dragged, a humorous expression on his face.
Monica recognized him as the guy who flashed her a handsome smile when she first arrived here at the marina.
Beside her, Josh quirked his head to the side, as if he were trying to think this through, then gave a little shrug. “Bianca, this is my Catie Berton. She’s my sister-in-law, and our town’s resident real estate agent.” He pointed to a Kincaid standing in the back. “That’s her husband Will. Beside him is my oldest brother Owen….” He went through the whole group, naming people who smiled and looked friendly.
And then he finally stopped at the newest arrival. “And this is Trent Aitken.”
“Bianca’s driver,” Isla helpfully offered.
Catie gave her a slow, communicative look. “Yes, exactly. And he will be driving Bianca to…”
Another sister-in-law, January, held up her phone. “The Blue Heron cottages. Just got a confirmation from Olivia Minelli. We’re good to go.”
Trent slid his gaze straight to Bianca, and flicked a brief look back at Monica. Smiled at them both, but his attention lingered on her mother.
What is happening?
“My day just got so much better,” he murmured. “Do you ladies want a tour as well?”
“Not both of them,” Isla said quickly. “Just Bianca. We need Monica here. For reasons.”
“Right,” Monica agreed. “Reasons.”
Josh grabbed the suitcases, the two smaller ones in one hand, the bigger one in the other. “A tour sounds like a great idea.”
* * *
