Page 11 of Moonlight & Matrimony
“See what I mean?” Her lips curl into a mischievous grin and she winks.
Once Sofia is safely stowed in the back seat, I glance around the truck to find Luca loading a beautiful wood rocking chair over the tailgate.
“Holy shit. Did you make that?” His cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink and he nods without sparing me a glance, his attention fixed on his task of securing the chair with bungee cords. “It’s beautiful.”
“Thanks,” he says. “Let’s get back to the party before Paige wonders where we are.” As if summoned by the mere mention of her name, my phone chimes with a message from his sister.
Paige: Everything ok? Did Luca kidnap you?
Yeah, I’m tied up in his basement. Do you think he’ll wear a mask? ??
Paige: Gross. Where are you?
On our way back now.
Luca
I’ve never been very good at taking compliments, and Ivy’s face when she saw the rocking chair was so captivating, I had to look away. I followed in my dad’s footsteps when I went into construction, but woodworking is my real passion. I’ve always treaded lightly where my parents are concerned. Paige’s rebellion caused enough of a stir for both of us, so I kept my head down and did as I was told, following the path that was laid out for me.
There was never any question that I would join my dad’s company, but it all came to a screeching halt last year when I told him I wanted to open my own custom woodworking business. He always planned to make me a foreman, and it was a disappointment when I turned down his offer.
We arrive back at the cabin with our two special packages in tow, the noise of guests drifting around from the backyard while soft music plays. “You two go on in.”
After carefully unloading the rocking chair, I place a big pink bow on top, then motion for Ivy to lead the way through the house. I place Nana’s hand in the crook of my arm, holding her steady as we step out onto the deck.
Paige has her back turned, but Cade’s eyes lock with mine, a subtle smile forming when he takes in the scene before him. Glancing down at Paige, he places a gentle kiss on her forehead, then whispers something in her ear. Ivy moves to stand with Mags, both with huge smiles plastered on their faces as they watch Paige slowly turn towards us. She meets my gaze briefly before looking down at the small woman on my arm.
“Nana!” she squeals, a look of utter shock washing over her face as a line of tears forms along her lashes. She likely would’ve crumpled to the floor if not for Cade’s arms holding her steady.
“Hi Poodle. Just look at you!” Nana says, pulling Paige into her embrace — or as much of an embrace as they can manage with Paige’s belly smooshed between them. “And how’s mypiccolina?”Little one.
“She’s kicking up a storm.” Paige sniffles and swipes at her tears as Nana places her hands on the bump, her face lighting up when the baby kicks. My sister meets my gaze with a soft expression, mouthing a quick thank you, and it warms my heart to know such a simple gesture could make this day that much more special for her.
“You ever gonna tell us this little one’s name?” Nana asks.
“You’ll have to wait to meet her,” Cade replies, sliding his arms around her in a move so natural it almost makes me long for kids of my own. Almost. “What do you say we let everyone find a seat so we can get this party started?”
Paige huffs out a breath. “You just want me to yourself again.”
She spins in his hold and he kisses her forehead. “Can you blame me?”
“Ok, lovebirds,” Ivy cuts in, taking control of the situation. “As disgustingly cute as this is, we’re on a timeline here.”
The roughly twenty guests take their seats and Cade follows my sister over to the peacock chair near the large balloon archone of their friends strung together earlier — I think her name was Cara.
“Where are you sitting, Cowboy?”
Before Cade can respond, I cut in. “I can help with that. Give me one second.” I dash into the den, giving the piece a final inspection before returning to the party with the rocking chair in tow. Paige’s eyes glisten as she takes it all in.
“Luca. You’re spoiling me. It’s beautiful.”
“Only the best for my niece,” I say, placing the chair down between Cade and Paige. There’s a little sunrise etched into the back, a nod to Cade’s nickname for my sister. I have a lot of years to make up for where our relationship is concerned, and that starts now, by embracing this new chapter in our lives and supporting my sister and her family in every possible way.
“Did you build this?” Cade asks. I nod in response. “Impressive. Thanks, man.” Cade reaches out to shake my hand and pulls me into a side hug, patting my back. As soon as he releases me, my sister throws her arms around my waist, giving me a tight squeeze. I’ve never been very open with affection, but I don’t hate it. I think back to the way Ivy felt in my arms the other night. I don’t know what compelled me to hold her, but it just felt right.
“Thank you, big brother.” Paige looks up at me, a tear tracking down her cheek. “Ugh, ok. Does anybody else have any surprises that’ll make me cry? I’m not sure how much more I can take.” The crowd laughs and Paige sits, leaning over to whisper in Cade’s ear.
I scan the area for a seat, noticing an open chair beside Ivy with Nana seated on the opposite side. The rest of the party passes in a blur and, to no one’s surprise, my sister tears up no less than 6 more times throughout the evening. As the party winds down, I’m certain of one thing — my niece is surrounded by love and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of that.
