Page 48 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“Lovely,” Vivian answered.

“I had lots of fun,” Rachel added. “Your mom is the best shopping buddy. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life.”

“She finds my observations funny—” Vivian explained. “I’m just calling them as I see them.”

Rachel simply pointed to her. “She’s a hoot. I’m telling you.”

“Where is Kim?” Vivian asked.

“Lucy invited her over,” Holly explained. “I think they might be planning something. I figured I’d stay out of the way of their bonding and let them have their fun.”

“You know when I first met Kim back in New York, I think she was afraid of me.” Vivian raised her brows and nodded.

“What?” Holly giggled. “No, she wasn’t.”

“I guessintimidatedis the right word, then.” Vivian waved a dismissive hand. “She was pretty quiet and kept looking at me like I was going to yell at her.”

“Maybe she just didn’t want you to think she was corrupting your daughter,” Holly said.

“Or,” Nick began, “maybe she knew you were the only person who could convince Holly to leave the city, and Kim didn’t want to lose her.”

Vivian’s eyes went from Holly to Nick. “Well, I’m delighted it was you who led her from the city, and for good reason. She’s much happier now.”

“All right, chatterboxes.” Eddie approached, holding a roasted turkey on a platter. “Dinner’s ready. Everyone, grab a seat.”

“It smells delicious,” Holly said. “Can I help?”

“Sure. You can bring the mashed potatoes over.” Eddie gestured to a serving bowl on the counter.

Nick emerged from the far end of the kitchen with a casserole dish full of stuffing, which he placed on a hot plate in the center of the table. Rachel opened a bottle of red wine.

Avery hovered nearby. “Mom, can I sit next to Vivi?”

“Only if you behave.” Rachel shot her daughter a playful warning look.

“Okay.” Avery’s giggle implied the opposite.

“It might not be Avery who has to be told to behave,” Holly said as she took a seat. “I suspect my mom’s been slipping her a piece of candy or two before dinner.”

Vivian and Avery exchanged a secretive look as they sat beside each other. The rest of the group found their places and began filling their plates.

“Your house is beautiful,” Vivian said to Rachel and Eddie. Her quick change of subject hadn’t gone unnoticed. “So big. I bet I could fit all my brothers and sisters in it.”

“Oh?” Rachel passed the bowl of mashed potatoes to Nick. “How many brothers and sisters do you have, Vivian?”

“I’m the second of ten.” Vivian beamed.

Rachel’s eyes widened. “Ten? That’s incredible. Your mother must be quite a woman.”

“Having that number of kids is pretty unheard of nowadays.” Mr. Mason chuckled. “I do remember a time when big families were the norm. I’m the youngest of four myself. Unfortunately, my older sister, Julia, and I are the only ones left. But we sure did have a blast growing up together. You were guaranteed friends when you had a big family.”

“That’s true.” Vivian laughed. “I do hope having lots of children might be in the cards for our newlyweds here.”

“Mom!” Holly lifted her wineglass to her face to hide her blush.

“What?” Vivian’s lips shifted into a faux pout. “All I’m saying is you could consider it.”

Holly fidgeted with her silverware. “You and Dad only had me.”

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