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“They’re here.” Carlita ran toward her youngest son, Paulie, who stood talking to his brothers. His triplets and wife, Gina, who held baby Melody, were by his side.

“Paulie, Gina.” Carlita hugged them both, her throat clogging. “You’re here.”

“Better late than never, Ma,” Paulie kidded.

Pete, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, caught up with his wife. He shook Paulie’s hand. “We almost got busted a few minutes ago over at the house.”

Carlita pressed her hand to her chest. “You were at our place?”

“Remember the minor emergency I had to take care of? It was these guys. Paulie didn’t know I planned to surprise you, so they came over.”

Mercedes picked up. “Pete called me and asked if Paulie and the gang could hang out for a few minutes.”

“While we were waiting, we got to meet this beautiful little girl.” Gina cuddled Melody close while placing her free arm around Violet. “Gracie, Noel and PJ couldn’t wait to see their cousin Violet.”

“They brought me a present, Nana.” Violet showed her a new watercolor set. “It’s from New York.”

The group all began talking at once—Tony, Vinnie, Paulie, Mercedes, their families, the kids. It was one big, joyful reunion. Finally, Dernice caught Carlita’s eye and motioned her off to the side.

“Thanks again for inviting Luigi and me to the family fun.”

“I’m glad you could make it. I’m sure whatever Pete has planned will be great.” Carlita rubbed her palms together. “As far as I’m concerned, we could hang out, do nothing, and it would be the perfect way to end the day.”

“It might not be all sunshine and lollipops.”

Carlita sobered. “Uh-oh. You have bad news?”

“Lindsay Sterling’s prints didn’t match the ones on the ductwork.”

“I was afraid of that. I took another look at the surveillance footage a little while ago. If Tracy is the thinner of the two, she was the burglar who climbed the pawn shop wall and busted the window.”

“And broke into Elvira’s place. So, it looks like we need to figure out how to get Tracy’s fingerprints.”

Brittney crept closer, catching the tail end of their conversation. “I’m guessing from the looks on your faces that the prints didn’t match.”

“Nope.”

“We can try to get a set tomorrow,” Brittney said. “Autumn offered to go back to Sterling’s office.”

Carlita felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Mercedes standing behind her. “Hey, Ma. Are you talking about the burglaries?”

“Yeah. Lindsay’s fingerprints didn’t match the ones found on Elvira’s ductwork.”

“Bummer.”

“So, we might have to take Autumn up on her offer to go back to Sterling’s place.”

“And me. I would love to go with her,” Brittney said. “It was fun.”

Beep. Beep. Reese and her trolley rounded the corner. Instead of pulling up at the designated stop, she eased alongside the curb where the group had gathered.

Pete gave her a friendly wave and pivoted. “Hey, guys and gals!”

“Shhh.” Violet held a finger to her lips. “Grandpa Pete wants to tell us something.”

“Thank you, Violet, and thank you everyone for joining Carlita and me for what we hope will be a fun family outing. Most, if not all, of you already know Reese, our designated driver.”

Reese clambered down the steps and joined Pete. She gave the group a mock salute. “Welcome Garlucci gang.”

Pete continued. “When I found out Vinnie and his family, along with Paulie and his tribe, were coming down to visit, I enlisted Reese’s help.” He reached into his jacket pocket and removed a small stack of paper cards. “This afternoon is all about relaxing, cruising around downtown Savannah and enjoying some good food.”

A spontaneous round of applause ensued. Pete waited until it quieted down. “Not Ravello’s or the Parrot House’s delicious cuisine, but other excellent cuisine. Savannah is home to some of the country’s finest restaurants, many of which Carlita and I never have time to visit because we’re always so busy.”

“In other words, you’re all taking a chartered food tour. You’ll be the only group getting on and the only group getting off at each of the restaurants.” Reese reached into her side window, removed a “Private Party. Not in Service,” posterboard sign from inside and stuck it in the display window.

“Without further ado, climb aboard.” Pete stood near the steps, handing out the schedule of stops. Carlita took her copy and studied the list. It was filled with popular downtown eateries, many boasting five-star ratings. “We’re going to each of these places?”

“We are. It’s all arranged,” Pete said. “I’ve reserved times at each location with a set menu. Some with appetizers, some with entrees, others with drinks and a couple with desserts.”

“This must have cost a small fortune.” Carlita’s head shot up. “The Olde Blue House? We’ll have a two-hour wait to get a table.”

“Not us. We have reservations. You’ll see.”

The more Carlita read, the more excited she became. All were top-notch restaurants. As she perused the list, she quickly discovered Pete had knocked it out of the park.

“You even reserved a spot at the Tapas Room, the old movie theater?”

“I did.” Pete patted his pocket. “Remember the other night when we were watching Autumn’s food show, and you said the menu sounded interesting?” He didn’t wait for her to reply. “This is your chance to check it out.”

“Leopold’s. You have Leopold’s Ice Cream on here.”

“Which will be our last stop. For the kids. You know how much Violet loves their double chocolate chip ice cream.”

Carlita shifted her gaze, glimpsing Violet, who was sandwiched in between Gracie and Noel. The children were smiling and chattering back and forth.

“Pete Taylor.” She hugged him. “You stinker. You got all my kids here, booked a trolley with Reese and are treating us to a night out. I can’t even begin to guess how you pulled this off without me having a clue.”

“It was tricky, I must admit.”

“I bet.”

“Isn’t this what Savannah is all about? Good food, good friends, and family.” Pete lowered his voice. “Seeing the look on your face when you spotted Paulie and his family was worth all the effort.”

Carlita could feel her lower lip tremble. She had loved her husband Vinnie with all her heart, had been a faithful wife, raised wonderful children and been his staunchest supporter, but Vinnie would never have planned something like this for her. It never would have even crossed his mind.

“I don’t know what to say.” She clasped his hand, her heart full, when she noticed all three of her sons talking and laughing. The wives sat chatting, smiling, catching up.

“Seeing you happy is all I want,” Pete said in a low voice.

“All aboard!!” Reese waved her hand to get Pete’s and Carlita’s attention. “Are you two gonna stand there all night and make googly eyes at each other or are we gonna hit all the hip, hot and happening restaurants in Savannah?”

Pete smiled, the corner of his eyes crinkling. “Reese is right. The clock is ticking. Shall we?”

“You bet. Let’s get this show on the road.” Carlita boarded the trolley, stepping into an atmosphere of warmth and love only family and close friends could provide. This was what it meant to be a part of the Garlucci-Taylor family.

It would be a night to remember. Of that, Carlita had no doubt.