Page 143

“Is that so?” I pretend to be deep in thought before saying, “I suppose she deserves an ice cream then.”

“Ice cream!” Clara squeals, clapping her hands together.

A chuckle escapes me. “You remind me so much of your aunt Madeleine.”

“Why?” Madeleine asks as she appears beside me with Eli close behind. “Because she’s perfect in every single way?”

“No,” I respond, and Madeleine sticks her tongue out at me. “Although, yes, my daughter is perfect in every single way.” Clara copies Madeleine and tries to stick out her tongue. I roll my eyes. “Oh, how lovely of you to teach my daughter a new trick.”

Madeleine laughs, lifting one shoulder. “She was going to learn sooner or later.”

Mauro and Alina make their way over to us.

“It was such a beautiful ceremony.” Alina fans a hand to dry the tears still shimmering in her eyes. Without a word, Mauro slips an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side. The possessive gesture appears second nature to him.

“I can’t believe I have to do this two more times in just a few months,” Mother remarks as she joins us, a handful of tissues clutched in one hand while tears continue to glisten in her eyes.

Vin steps beside her, draping an arm over her shoulders. “It’s not like we’re going anywhere.” He kisses the top of her head. “The Alarie Estate is home. It always will be.”

She nods, dabbing at the corner of her eye. “I know.” A soft laugh escapes her. “These aren’t sad tears. I’m just so incredibly happy for my children.”

Vin’s hand moves slowly up and down her arm.

“I only hope…” Mother trails off, her gaze drifting over the rest of us. “That one day, all of my children make it down the aisle.”

Vin groans. “There it is.” He lets his hand fall from Mother’s shoulder and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Charlotte’s cheeks flush pink and my hand tightens around hers.

I arch a brow. “Laying the guilt on pretty thick, don’t you think?”

Mother shrugs. “A mother’s guilt is one of the most effective weapons in her arsenal.”

“Oh.” Madeleine grins wickedly, looking between Vin and me. “You two are screwed.” She directs her glare at Vin. “Especially you.”

He tips his head back, glancing up at the ceiling. “I need a drink.”

As he strides toward the bar, a server approaches with a tray of hors d’oeuvres, holding it out to us.

“I’ll take one of those, please.” Scarlett rushes up, gripping her dress so she doesn’t trip. She grabs a stuffed mushroom and plops it into her mouth.

“Scarlett.” Alina beams. “This was the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to.”

“You were absolutely radiant, dear,” Mother adds with an adoring smile. “A true vision in white.”

Scarlett blushes. “Thank you.”

Leo slips in behind her, wrapping a protective arm around her waist, his hand settling against her stomach as he presses a kiss on her cheek. “She’s breathtaking.” His gaze darkens as he looks her over.

God, you’d have no idea these two aren’t actually newlyweds.

Scarlett’s blush deepens as she glances over her shoulder and captures his lips in a tender kiss.

“Not that we aren’t happy to see you,” Madeleine says, arching a brow as Scarlett takes another mushroom. “But aren’t you supposed to be taking photos right now?”

“We are,” Scarlett answers through a mouthful of food. “But I’m starving and needed a break.”

Mother eyes her skeptically.