Page 60 of Highball and Chain

“She’s done a fine job with Joe’s kids and little Ella. Does she cook?” Hildie made the sign of the cross when she mentioned Enzo’s deceased brother. I smiled, thinking only Evelyn did that.

“Maggie loves to bake, especially when she’s angry…”

She chuckled. “She’ll be doing a lot of baking being married to that rascal Gabriel.”

“He’s changed, grown up a lot. They are really good together.”

“Being a father will do that to a man.” She set a pot of gumbo and a muffuletta sandwich on the table. “I can’t wait to see the wedding pictures.”

“I’ll send you some candid shots I took on my phone.”

“I’d like that.”

Enzo came into the kitchen and drew a deep breath. “You made your famous gumbo?”

“Started it when you called and said you were coming home.” Hildie winked at me. “It’s his favorite. I’ll give you my recipe.”

He pressed his hand to his chest. “Miss Hildie, my mother didn’t tell me you were dying.”

Her smile widened. “I’m a little slower these days, but I’m not planning on meeting my maker anytime soon.”

“I figured you must be terminally ill since you swore to take the recipe to the grave.” He smirked. “Five minutes alone with Shanna, and you’ve thrown me over as your favorite. I see how it is.”

“You will always be my favorite, but I can’t tell you my secret ingredients or you’ll never come home to visit.” She motioned for him to follow her.

Watching the two of them in action warmed my heart. Enzo might have felt like an outsider with his brothers, but he hadn’t grown up without love.

They stopped at the door leading to the patio. Hildie said something to Enzo that made him blush and glance at me. He shook his head, and she pinched his ear.

I did my best not to pay them any attention, but it was obvious they were talking about me.

Enzo returned to the table, and Hildie hurried down the hall.

“What was that about?” I tried for indifference, but I couldn’t stop grinning.

“She was lecturing me on the merits of marriage and children. She likes you.”

My mouth fell open. “She told you to marry and impregnate me?”

“Pretty much.”

Why isn’t he as freaked out as I am?Sure, I longed for someone to love me enough to stick around, but I knew better than to believe a piece of paper and a baby were guarantees. “But she works for your mom. Evelyn would never approve.”

“They’re more friends than employer-employee, but Hildie has a mind of her own.”

I shivered. “No offense but I can live without both. If my biological clock ever starts ticking, I’ll hang out with Maggie’s bunch for an hour. That’ll cure it.”

“Agreed.” He laughed. “I had Rupert put your things in the room beside mine.”

“We aren’t sharing a room?”

“Yes, but I thought you might want some privacy.” He took a huge bite of gumbo.

Not really. “I do, thanks.”

Enzo slung his arm around me and tugged me close. “You’re cute when you overthink things.”

“I’m not overthinking.”

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