“Lizzie, I understand that you were here for a business meeting. I hope it went well,” Andrea said as Duke took a seat beside his father. Ned reached an arm across the back of the couch, and Duke moved closer to him.
Lizzie couldn’t look away from the two men with their heads leaned toward each other as they talked quietly, Ned’s grown son tucked safely beneath his arm. She longed for the closeness Blue’s family clearly came by naturally. In this house, with love in every corner, somehow the failed meeting no longer felt very important.
She realized that Andrea was waiting for her answer and finally said, “It didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, but that’s okay. It was a pipe dream.”
Blue kissed her temple. “You didn’t need them, babe.”
“Was it a meeting for your flower business? Are you thinking of branching out?” Ned asked.
Lizzie’s stomach clenched. She really didn’t want to lie to his parents, but after coming clean to her parents and dealing with the aftermath of her father’s reaction, she didn’t want to take the chance of inciting the same type of reaction the first time she met Blue’s family, even though they seemed so accepting.
Blue came to her rescue. “It was for a baking show she has online.”
He always knew just what to say or do. His answer sounded simple enough without being a lie, but now she felt like she was making him cover for her, and that didn’t feel good either.
“Well, I’m sorry it didn’t go well, but I’m glad you came to New York. The wedding will be so busy, I wouldn’t have time to get to know you there.” His mother stood, and Ned held on to her hand. “Would anyone like a drink? I’m going to get some lemonade from the kitchen.”
“Siena?” Cash asked Siena.
“I am kind of thirsty, but I’ll get it.” Siena rose to her feet, and Cash pulled her down for a quick kiss. Again, Andrea’s smile warmed at the sight. “Do you want one, Cash?”
“No thanks,” Cash answered. “I’ll grab a beer with the guys in a little bit.”
“Babe?” Blue asked Lizzie.
“I think I’ll join your mom and get a drink.” Blue smiled as Lizzie rose to her feet. “Would you like something?”
“Just you.” He stood and nuzzled against her neck. She felt her cheeks flush, and his mother laughed softly.
“Lord, it is good to see my sons so happy.” She glanced at Duke. “Now, if we could only find the right woman for our eldest bachelor.”
Duke scoffed. “You have three other children you can harass, Mom.”
“Oh, please. One day Gage and Sally will realize they’re meant for each other.” She leaned down and kissed Duke’s forehead. “You know Trish is planning on taking some time off soon. I think she’s starting to think about settling down, and Jake? Well, a mother can always hope, but that boy is always looking for the next adventure. I don’t know if he’s ever going to truly settle down.”
“And that’s okay, too,” his father added. “Not everyone has to get married, even if we think there’s no greater happiness than finding the one person who makes every day brighter and more meaningful.”
Lizzie could hardly believe the conversation unraveling before her. Her father zipped up at the thought of his daughters having boyfriends.
Siena looped her arm in Lizzie’s, then she took Andrea’s hand and said, “Girl time. Yay.”
They went into the kitchen, and Lizzie helped fill glasses with lemonade.
Andrea touched her shoulder. “I’m glad you came in to chat with us.”
“The guys will talk about sports and work,” Siena added. “Lemonade is our code for girl talk.”
“Oh, I like the way you think.” Lizzie followed them out to the back porch, where they each sank into rocking chairs overlooking the yard. The house sat on the top of a gentle slope, giving them a beautiful view of acres of woods and the sun setting just beyond. The air was crisp and woodsy, with an undercurrent of pine and happiness.
“Are you nervous about your wedding?” Lizzie asked Siena.
Siena laughed. “I wish. That would make me more normal, wouldn’t it? But I am so bad at preparing for anything that I don’t really get nervous about anything anymore. With modeling, the wrong step can mess up an entire shoot, and if I worry, I almost always mess up. Besides, thankfully, Cash and Andrea planned almost the whole wedding, with my mom, of course.” She reached out and squeezed Andrea’s hand. “As long as I know I’m marrying the man I love, that’s all I care about. I know the wedding will be beautiful.”
“You didn’t mind?” The words slipped out before she could stop them. “No offense, Andrea, but doesn’t every bride want to plan her own wedding?”