Page 64 of The Enforcer

“Absolutely.” The truth was that I was more certain about this than I had been with anything else personal in my life. I kept her going the right direction toward what my mother liked to call the real entertainment wing. That included a commercial-sized kitchen, a butler’s pantry, another pantry that could rival any bedroom, and direct access to both the dining room and one of four patios outside.

“This is a gorgeous house,” she said as I made the turn toward the kitchen.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” We didn’t need to get but so close to the main kitchen before we both able to hear our mother barking directions in both Greek and English.

“Do not burn these.Tha apolytheíte an to kánete.I don’t like when my beautiful food is burned. This is a special day. My son’s rehearsal dinner. And his lovely bride.”

“What was the part in Greek?” Valencia whispered.

“She said she’d fire the person if the food was burned.”

“Oh, she is tough.”

“You have no idea.” I finally pushed us both into the doorway where we stood watching my mother scurrying around. We stood silently watching as she moved from station to station where the catering staff was attempting to do their jobs.

Willow noticed us first. She grinned and popped Kara on the arm, nodding toward the doorway.

Kara lifted her head, scrutinizing Valencia before turning her attention on me. She walked closer. I knew her well enough to realize she was doing her best not to smile.

“You must be Dr. Laurant. I’ve heard a great deal about you. Let me be the first to tell you that you’re too good for him.”

I hadn’t expected that and choked on my own saliva.

“What is the meaning of…” My mother was about to snap, her head immediately lifting in our direction. Instead of the amusement Kara had shown, she acted perturbed.

“Oh, no,” Valencia whispered.

“Mama Nomikos,” Willow said. My mother had insisted the two women call her that. “This is the woman who saved Christos’ life.”

I could never know what to expect from my mother. When she took long strides instead of her usual ladylike ones, I braced for impact. She grabbed Valencia, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Kara was laughing as she walked toward me, Willow beaming.

When Kara bumped me as she stood next to me, I shook my head all over again. “So, you brought her to the wedding. Does that mean we should make room for a double wedding?”

“Do not go there, Miss Kara,” I told her.

Mama pulled away, taking Valencia’s face into both her hands. “Eíste méros aftís tis oikogéneias tóra. Sósate ti zoí tou moroú mou. Tha se kratoúsa gia pánta stin kardiá mou.”

“She said that you are part of this family now. You saved her baby’s life. She will forever hold you in her heart.” Willow was impressed with herself for learning as much Greek as she had in a year and a half. Hell, I was too.

When my mother pulled away, she kissed Valencia on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here. I was hoping you would come.”

Valencia glanced over her shoulder at me. “Hey, I made the mistake of mentioning I’d invited you to one brother. You see how it spreads like wildfire. Never offer a secret if you don’t want everyone to know.”

“Hush, my boy. These are times of celebration. Now, go. Get out of my kitchen. All of you. Go enjoy being young. If I were young again, I’d wipe the floor with you.”

“You’re certain I can’t help? I’m not a very good cook, but I take direction well,” Valencia offered.

“No, sweet angel. You go rest. Be with my son. I can tell he loves you. Go for a walk on the beach. The rehearsal and dinner can wait.”

Love. My mother would forever push me into marriage.

“We do have a priest coming for the rehearsal,” I reminded her.

“I will keep him busy. It’s important you spend time together. Now, go. Now.”

I scratched my head as Valencia pulled away. When she turned to face me fully, she had a sheer look of amusement on her face. “Love, huh?”

---