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No, no. This couldn’t be happening.“By family, you mean?”

“Oh, you know just your Mom, Sage, Ben, and Ollie.”

This is not how I wanted Leonardo to meet everyone.The plan had been to meet at her school.

“Just great. Maybe I can drop Leonardo off at a hotel,” Emmanuel suggested.

“We really don’t have time, Manny. Not if we are going to make it to Sage’s debate on time.” Ivy squeezed his hand. Emmanuel didn’t bother to take his eyes off the road. No doubt she was sending him a look equal parts suck it up and pity.

“Well Leonardo, looks like you are about to meet the family,” Emmanuel advised.

Looking in his rearview, he caught Leonardo’s look of discomfort. Well, every cloud had a silver lining.

The car was barely in park when Frank’s front door burst open.

“Surprise!” Sage sang as she struggled to put on her coat. She probably wouldn’t have if her mom wasn’t in the car. Emmanuel was the first out of the vehicle, followed by Frank.

“Hey Daddy, Uncle Frank.” As Emmanuel walked around to open the door for Ivy. Sage and Frank chatted.

Just as Emmanuel closed the door behind Ivy, he heard a low whistle. “Holy Shit.”

“Are you kidding me, young lady?” her mother admonished.

“Sorry Momma. I know they were twins, but it’s another thing to see them together,” Sage said, pointing to Leonardo.

Emmanuel hadn’t noticed his brother exit the car. Sage walked away from her Uncle Frank and stopped short of Leonardo. She gave him the once over with pursed lips.

Under Sage’s scrutiny, Leonardo finally responded. “Hello, Sage, is it?”

She nodded. Her pretty features contorted into one that resembled an avenging angel.

“I’m Leonardo Baldi,” he said, reaching out his hand.

Sage took it and gave it a brief shake. “Ah huh.” Placing her hand on her hips. “You got some explaining to do.”

“Sage.” Her Mom called.

Her mother’s tone should have been enough to stop his youngest, but she was on a mission. “But?—”

“Sage Ariella Scott!” Ivy interrupted.

Of course, Ivy wouldn’t allow one of her children to speak to an adult with that tone. Emmanuel didn’t have a problem with Leonardo squirming under Sage’s ire, but his wife was right. This wasn’t Sage’s battle to fight.

“Sorry Mr. Baldi,” she murmured.

“It’s alright, Sweetheart, and you are right. I have some explanations to give. For that matter, some making up to do as well.”

Sage nodded at him. It wasn’t exactly a smile, but her features softened. As she spoke, she turned her attention to her parents. “I’m going inside to find something to eat.”

The moment she disappeared into the house. Ivy remembered Nonna’s containers. Frank agreed to allow them to store it in his fridge while they were at the debate. Well, better head inside and get the rest of the introductions out of the way.

“Alright Leonardo, come in and meet the rest of the gang.” Emmanuel instructed.

Frank led them into his foyer, followed by Ivy and Emmanuel. While Leonardo trailed behind. They had barely gotten their coats off when his mom appeared. The greetings were brief but included her signature hug.

“I couldn’t resist tagging along when Sage wanted to meet you here.” That was as close to an apology as his mom would issue for popping up this way.

Leonardo remained quiet throughout the entire exchange. Once his mom finished greeting them, she set her sight on his brother. As she walked over to him.

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