Ma stood on her tiptoes, putting her mouth next to my ear. “I told them not to scare Race,” she whispered.
I gave her a brief nod.
Ma wasn’t always a pain in the ass. More often than not she was, but there was also a thoughtful side to Fran DeLuca.
Times like these reminded me why I was thankful she was mine.
I put my arm around Race’s shoulder as she glanced up at me. “You’re going to be fine,” I told her as we walked into the living room.
“Morgan!” Izzy bellowed, handing one of the babies off before walking over to us. “Race, it’s good to meet you.” She smiled at Race and hugged her. “Good to see you too, cousin.”
James held both boys in his arms, looking content. “Yo!” he said, sounding a little like Mike.
I nodded then turned my attention toward Uncle Sal.
“Son,” Uncle Sal called out as he approached me, holding his hand out.
I placed my hand in his and shook. “Hey, Uncle Sal.”
He pulled me against him and gave me a hug. “I’m glad you’re here, Morgan. We missed you the last month.”
“I know. I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened.”
He shook his head and stared at me, rubbing his chin. “Don’t be sorry. You’re here now.”
“Morgan,” Auntie Mar chimed from the kitchen doorway. “I made your favorite.” She winked.
“You’re the best, Auntie Mar.” I blew her a kiss.
An elbow smashed into my ribs. “Hey now,” Ma warned, poking me again with that bony thing.
“I’m kidding, Ma,” I lied. Then gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“How are you, dear?” Auntie Mar asked Race as she hugged her.
“I’m well, Mrs. Gallo. I head back to work tomorrow, which is a little scary.”
“You’ll be fine, dear. Keep your head held high,” Auntie Mar said as she rubbed Race’s back.
Race waved as everyone stared at her. “Hey, everyone. I’m Race,” she said as she elbowed me in the ribs. “Morgan seems to have forgotten his manners.”
I grimaced. “Sorry, princess.”
I’d just been so happy that I’d totally forgotten she hadn’t met everyone.
To my utter disbelief, I felt more content than I had in…well…forever.
“Ienvy you,” Race told Mia as we sat on the lanai after dinner.
I could barely move.
My stomach hadn’t consumed that much food for as long as I could remember. It was hard to resist my aunt’s cooking, especially when she’d gone above and beyond this week because of Race.
“Me?” Mia asked, placing her hand on her chest.
Race nodded as she took a sip of her wine. “You have your own business. You don’t need to deal with anyone’s BS.”
“Mama, mama,” Lily, Mia’s daughter, whined next to her, holding her arms out and shaking them.
