Page 97

“Three brides!” Alberto exclaimed.

“That’s right. The bridal shop saw the opportunity for the big promotion and we won!” Christine explained. “And there’s no expiration date on the offer.”

“That’s exciting!” Josie said, looking at Vi.

“It is, but not all three of us are engaged.” Cory pointed out.

“From what I understand, CeCe and Alexis are engaged,” Alberto said. “Are you not going to marry my daughter?”

Vi thought Cory’s eyes were going to pop out of her head. “Dad!”

Alberto laughed. “I’m sorry, Cory. You should see your face!”

Cory narrowed her eyes then laughed right along with Alberto. Vi wasn't sure what was happening.

“It’s okay, babe,” Cory said, handing Vi a drink. “Your dad has been teasing me all day about marriage and getting a house and…”

“Kids! Don’t leave out the kids,” Alberto added and laughed again.

“What the?” Vi exclaimed.

Cory stood beside Vi and put her arm around her. “We haven’t really talked about getting married and we’ll talk about it someday, but I’d never let anyone make a spectacle out of something as special as our wedding.”

Vi had no idea what to say. How had this conversation turned so quickly into talk about weddings and marriage?

“Are you okay?” Cory asked quietly.

Vi nodded. “How about those tacos!”

“Nice save,” Alexis murmured.

Vi stepped away from the island so people could build their tacos.

“I think all of this talk about weddings is your fault,” Vi said quietly to Alexis.

“My fault?”

“Yes, you and CeCe had to go and get engaged.”

Alexis laughed. “You didn’t even know us then.”

“I know you now!” Vi exclaimed.

“Listen, it’s obvious we’re going to be one big happy family someday.”

Vi smiled and watched Cory help her mom reach all the taco toppings. The Sloan sisters had accepted her with little drama and so had Christine. She couldn’t ask for a better family. Then she glanced at her parents as they filled their plates. Her mom had never said anything negative about her relationship with Cory. Even though it had started out rather volatile, Josie had encouraged Vi not to be mean to Cory. Vi chuckled at that particular memory.

Alberto and Cory must have had a good morning together because they had laughed and joked all through lunch. All four of them enjoyed the art gallery and Vi was confident Cory would fit in with her family. Her brothers had always supported her even though they were annoying when they were younger. Vi was sure they would love Cory as well.

Vi glanced over at Alexis. “You’re right. Next time it’s our turn to host the family dinner.”

Alexis grinned. “That’s the spirit!” She leaned in and added, “Hey, you don’t have to be married to be family.”

Vi nodded. “Let’s eat.”

Later that night, Vi was lying in bed with Cory’s head on her shoulder. She gently ran her hand up and down Cory’s back.

“Hey, babe,” Cory said, raising her head. “I’m sorry about all that talk about marriage and weddings tonight.”