Page 160 of Enzo

“Is the old man invited?” Zach asks.

The room quietens.

We’re instantly reminded of him. For a moment, his absence feels like a presence because of the way everyone hushes and how the mood suddenly chills.

Jett looks at Isabella.

“It's your wedding, Jett,” she says.

He murmurs something to Cari.

Everyone starts eating.

“You put the ghosts to rest with that press conference.” Matteo lifts his glass of water and looks at Enzo.

“Right? That was a smart move.” Zach nods with approval.

“It had to be done.” Enzo shifts in his chair, angling his body more towards me. “I couldn’t have them slander Molly’s name.”

“You killed the narrative. What are they going to do now?” Dex inclines his head. “Nothing.”

“Talking about the man who started all this, has anyone heard from him?” Jett asks.

Enzo's hand stills on his fork. “I had a few words with him last week.”

For a moment, the mood around the table dips. I wonder if he's going to tell them about the photo.

“He's fine,” is all that he says.

I release the breath I've been holding. He chose not to mention it. Maybe he will one day.

Then Brooke asks another question about being a flower girl, Dex makes some ridiculous suggestion about the stag night, and the noise rises again.

Isabella suddenly gasps. She reaches beneath the edge of her plate and pulls out a small black-and-white photograph.

We all stop talking.

Her eyes will with tears. I’m suddenly worried. So is everyone else, I expect. She turns the flimsy paper around so we can all see.

It’s a black and white photograph, and I immediately know what it is.

“Oh my!” Dani gasps, her mouth a huge ‘O’.

“Shoot!” Cari cries. “Is that what I think it is?”

“What is it?” Elizabeth stands up and squints.

“Wow. That’s a … a …” Maya’s words peter out.

I look around the table and see Rio and Raquel sitting quietly grinning at one another. Isabella sees it too.

“Rio, Raquel, did you put this under my plate?”

“Guilty!” Rio smiles so widely, his face crinkles. That’s when I notice Raquel stroking her stomach.

“You’re having a baby.” Mama’s voice turns soft, almost breaking. She clasps her hands together, goes over and hugs them.

Commotion ensues. Everyone descends on Rio and Raquel at once, the room erupting into congratulations, laughter and excited chatter.