“I should have used a driver,” he mumbles. “I’ll need a beer or ten to survive today.”
I can’t help giggling because he’s so dramatic and over the top at times.
A wide gray stone path leads from each parking lot to the relevant house, bordered by an abundance of shrubs, leading to a circular paved area with a water feature in the middle. On either side of the path are colorful flowered manicured lawns behind little stone walls.
The house on the right is a stunning, large, contemporary ranch-style bungalow. It’s mostly finished though there is scaffolding on one side of the building. It’s magnificent with various peaked roofs, large gray-framed windows, and several black wrought-iron balconies that extend off the bedrooms, I’m guessing.
The house on the left is a modern warehouse style with two stories built in different aspects. Industrial-type pillars prop the property up, painted a pristine white. The roofs are flat, and there is a ton of glass everywhere. Even the large upper-level balcony is made of glass. It’s no less stunning than its neighbor though both are very different houses. I also spy scaffolding around the corner of this house too, confirming neither is fully finished yet but obviously habitable. I’m guessing both couples wanted to be moved in before their babies arrive.
Fiero steers me to a gray path that intersects both houses, walking in the direction of the noise. Childish shrieks and giggles mix with the rumbling of adult conversation and laughter. Contemporary music plays in the background, barely audible over the noise of such a large crowd. I grip Fiero’s hand tighter, grateful for his comforting warmth. I’m not usually nervous at parties, but these are his friends, and I want them to like me.
“Wow,” I whisper when we reach the large combined garden at the rear where the baby shower is being hosted. People congregate on the expansive gray marble patio, standing and talking with drinks in hand or sitting on one of the copious comfy couches or at the outdoor dining tables. Two large bounce houses are nestled on the new lawn. A rectangular marquee on one side shows a catering team busy at work. Long tables are stretched from one side of the marquee to the other with various plates of food being arranged. To one side of the marquee is an ice-cream stand and to the other a candy station. Kids and adults alike are lined up in front of both areas.
Waiters move among guests, offering canapes and flutes of champagne or beers. In the center of the patio area is a large circular wicker couch with a matching coffee table. Copious balloons line the back of the couch, swaying softly in the light breeze. The two couples are there, laughing and chatting with a few friends. A table on the left holds an enormous array of wrapped gifts, and on the other side of the couch is a small table with a cupcake stand. Warmth mushrooms in my chest when I realize they are the cupcakes I baked for today.
“Your friends know how to throw a baby shower,” I murmur.
“That they do.” Fiero looks equally impressed.
“There you are.” Massimo and Cat materialize in front of us. Cat pulls me into a hug before her husband does the same while she greets Fiero.
Massimo glances at our linked fingers. “I thought you were here as friends,” he murmurs in a quiet tone.
I eyeball my husband in a silent “see.” As much as I hate to pull my hand from his, I do. I won’t have Fiero jeopardizing himself, Caleb, or Massimo when we’ve come this far.
“Go greet the Accardis,” Cat suggests. “And then I’ll take Valentina with me. I’ll introduce you to the other women,” she says, smiling.
“Sounds like a plan.”
34
VALENTINA
Fiero grumbles as we walk side by side, without touching, toward the center couch, and I fight to contain a smile. I love that my husband gets grouchy because he can’t hold my hand. He’s a big ole softy underneath that hard lethal exterior, and I’m so happy I listened to my heart and married him. I haven’t regretted it for a second.
I move a little closer, hooking my pinky around his for a brief moment. “We’ll make up for it later. You can put your hands all over me all night,” I promise.
“Not helping,” he growls. “What did I say in the car?”
“You’re acting like a big grump. It’s only a couple of hours. Lighten up.”
“It’ll feel like eternity,” he mumbles.
Soooo dramatic. I giggle and my heart is fit to burst with how much I love this man.
“Maltese.” Caleb hops up as the men and women they were talking to head toward the candy station. Don Accardi walks toward us. “Good of you to come.” He slaps Fiero on the back, noting his grumpy form and grinning wider.
“Hi, Valentina. Nice to see you again.”
“What happened to cutie pie?” Fiero arches a brow, and I shoot daggers at him.
The two gorgeous heavily pregnant women sitting on the couch look over with curious expressions on their face.
“I’m on my best behavior,” Caleb says, winking at me. “But you know I love a challenge.” Sliding his arm around my waist, he pulls me away from Fiero and over to the two mothers-to-be. Pain tries to strangle my heart as I peruse their swollen bellies when they both stand to greet me, but I shove it away.
“Lili, this is Valentina. She’s staying with Fiero right now.”
Elisa beams at me. “You’re the baker,” she says. “Thank you so much for the goodies you gave Caleb for me. They were the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
