She patted my cheek and walked away. Penn was laughing and I was going to steal his drink, but he quickly moved and was heading toward Matteo. Soon this yard would be filled with kids, so I decided the adult tent and bourbon were on the top of my to-do list.
Dean was inside talking to Mila. Alex was around. He, Danny, and Toni were my top three guys, so they were making sure everything went smoothly today.
“I’ve never been a bourbon girl. Dean, what else you got?”
“Hmm…wine?”
She pulled a face. “Nah, what about a margarita?”
“Oh,um…”
“I got this.” I snorted. “Rita always has stuff for margaritas, and this is the adult tent so let’s get you one at the bar where there’s a professional working.” I pointed to where most of the adults were congregating.
“I was offering her bourbon and wine from my special collection.”
“Pour me one. Come on, Mila, let’s get you that drink.”
After I ordered her a margarita, she smiled at me. “Thanks. How’s Livy?”
“Great. I think she’s hounding Penn to let her sit on his lap on the go-karts.” I squinted and could see the two of them by the track.
Mila turned to look and giggled. “Sounds like her. She’ll get her way; she’s a smart girl.”
“That she is.”
“Is she a lot like Ella was?” I liked that Mila wasn’t afraid to talk about my wife. Many people didn’t like to bring her up, thinking it would upset me or that since I met Penn I’d be offended, but Ella would always be important.
“She has some qualities. Owen got her love of books, Livy got her attitude.”
Mila snickered. “That’s great. I hope when Alex and I have kids that we have a boy just like him and then a little girl. I’ll be happy with however it all turns out, but if I could choose.”
“Alex is one of the best men I know.”
Her eyes softened. “He thinks the world of you, Gideon.”
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“I’m serious. He talks about you a lot. If I didn’t know how much he loved me, I’d be suspicious.” She giggled.
“Well, I never thought he’d find someone to tame him or match his fire. He’s lucky to have you.”
“We’re both blessed.”
“Here’s your margarita.” The bartender placed the drink in front of her.
“Yum.” She grabbed it and took a sip. “Perfection.”
“Casey!” Matteo shouted from across the lawn.
“Looks like the kids are arriving,” I said. “I need to go get that bourbon.”
Mila went with me to where Dean was talking with whom I assumed was Casey’s dad, since he was holding a gift, and beside him was a blond boy wrestling with Matteo.
Dean handed me a drink and introduced me. Gerald seemed like a nice guy, banker, boring. Boring was good.
For the next half hour, kids descended upon us. Matteo had a lot of friends…either that, or they’d heard about the amazing birthday party and wanted to get invited.
“Is that everyone?” I asked Rita as she stood akimbo, keeping a keen eye on everything.
