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“Wait!”
I turned back to him.
“Give me Patti.”
“Okay, now you’re being really fucking peculiar.” A shadow of a smile played over his face when I handed her over. Shaking my head, I went to answer the door. “How do you even open this damn thing?” I asked myself as I pressed some buttons on the security system, hoping I was doing it right. The heavy front door clicked, and I could pull it open. “Oh, my god!”
Dante, Lucy and little Sophie were on the threshold, big smiles on their faces. I threw myself at Dante, hugging him tightly, feeling my throat clog at the sight of them all. “What are you doing here?” I asked, when I finally let go of my brother.
“Well, Grayson’s been keeping Dante up to date on your progress. As soon as we knew you were up for it, as if wild horses could keep your brother away.”
“Aaw, thanks, Luce. But how are you doing? And what about my little squishy?” Sophie reached her arms out for me and I tookher from her mom, pressing a giant raspberry to her forehead. She burbled in delight, making me smile. “Yes, I love you too! And boy, do I have a surprise you’re gonnalove.We’re just through here.”
I led Dante and Lucy through to the living room and as soon as they entered, Grayson got to his feet, holding Patti in one hand so he could shake theirs.
“Rivers.”
“Moretti.”
I glanced at Lucy, because what the fuck was this about? But she just shrugged and stepped forward. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I’m glad you felt well enough to make the trip.”
Oh, the formality.
After shaking Grayson’s hand, Lucy stroked a finger down Patti’s head, smiling when she purred. “She’s adorable.”
“She’s Stefania’s.”
“Oh, well, isn’t that something?”
“Would you like to hold her?”
“Of course!”
Grayson handed Patti over, shot me an odd sort of look, then said, “I’ll leave you to it.” He gathered his things from the table and left the room.
Lucy looked around the living room. “Well, this is all pretty amazing,”
“It is,” I agreed, my tone flat. I’d just remembered that my sister-in-law was one of the most perceptive people I knew. I swear she was almost a mind reader; she was that damn good. And the last thing I needed right now was to have my mind read. “But tell me, how are you doing? You’ve still got your morning sickness bands on.” I gestured to Lucy’s wrists.
And there it was. That shrewd look.Don’t squirm.“I’m doing well enough to fly down here in a billionaire’s private jet to check on my favorite sister-in-law.”
Oh yeah, I was in for it. Pressing a kiss into Sophie’s hair, I said, “And how long will you be staying?”
“Just the two nights. Dante has to be at work after that, to make up for the time he’s had off, looking after me.”
“Well, that’s just great! How about a coffee, while Sophie and Patti make friends?”
“Patti? Who the fuck is Patti?”
“Dante!” Lucy admonished.
“Sorry. Who the fudge is Patti?”
“The kitten, you weirdo. Don’t overthink it. Anyway, how about that coffee?”
“Yes, please! Decaf for me, if you’ve got it.”