"The room looks unbalanced. The lilies need to go."
"Where?"
"I don't know. Somewhere else. Another room. Outside." She picked up the vase and thrust it toward him. "Just not here."
Sebastian took the lilies without argument and disappeared down the hallway. Aria turned to me, slightly wild-eyed.
"I swear, I'm not crazy. The lilies were wrong."
"The lilies were fine."
"You're supposed to be on my side."
"I'm on the side of truth." I smiled gently. "Which is that you're nervous about the wedding planner and taking it out on innocent flowers."
Aria opened her mouth to argue, then closed it. She sank onto the sofa. "I hate that you're right."
"I usually am."
The doorbell rang. Aria shot up like she'd been electrocuted.
"That's either the planner or the wine. Please let it be the wine. I need alcohol before I can deal with a professional asking me about centerpiece heights."
It was the wine.
Matteo stood on the doorstep with a dolly stacked with wooden crates, his hair slightly windswept, wearing a navy sweater that brought out the golden warmth of his skin. He smiled when he saw me and it made my stomach flip.
"Bella. I didn't know you'd be here."
"Surprise."
"A very good one." His eyes held mine for a moment longer than necessary. "Are you going to let me in, or should I conduct the tasting on the sidewalk?"
I stepped aside. He wheeled the crates past me, close enough that I caught his scent—cedar and something citrus, familiar now, making my pulse quicken.
Sebastian reappeared, lily-free, and helped Matteo set up in the dining room. Six bottles emerged from the crates, each one labeled with handwritten notes in elegant script. Matteo arranged them with care, explaining the selection as he worked.
"I brought a range. Two whites for the cocktail hour—one crisp, one with more body. Three reds for dinner, different profiles depending on your menu. And a dessert wine for the cake."
"You brought options," Aria said, relief visible on her face. "I love options."
"I remember." He glanced at me again, quick, almost shy. "You mentioned at the launch party that you liked having choices."
The doorbell rang again. Aria's face went pale, all the blood draining from it.
"That's her. That's the planner." She grabbed Sebastian's arm. "Come with me. I can't do this alone."
"You've met her three times already."
"And I've been terrified every single time. She has very strong opinions about table linens." Aria was already pulling him toward the door. "Isabelle, you'll be okay here? With the wine?"
"I think I can manage."
"Matteo, don't let her drink all the good stuff before we get back."
"I make no promises," I said.
They disappeared. The front door opened, voices murmured greetings, and then footsteps retreated toward Sebastian's study.
