Page 240 of Barinov

She dials.

Nothing.

“He didn’t answer,” she says, clicking her phone off and shoving it back into her pocket. “Let’s just go ahead and eat without them.”

“You sure, sweetheart?” I ask, reaching out for her. “We can wait if you want.”

Bella glances down at the fresh ink on her forearm and runs her thumb over the words. “No, it’s okay,” she says, letting out a quick sigh. “Let’s just eat.”

Chapter 62

BELLA

The Whitmore’s

25 days since we’ve been back.

If I’m being honest, Dad not showing up with Luciana does give me a sense of relief. There’s already enough chaotic history packed into this backyard without tossing my stepmother into the mix. Irina has finally stopped being a raging bitch to me and I’d really rather not test that progress by parading the woman who unofficially started this whole drama around in her face.

Not to mention the fact that I’m super fucking nervous about meeting Luciana. It’s difficult to know what to expect after all these years.

Relief, however fleeting it may be, doesn’t erase the tiny ache in my chest that Dad still isn’t here for the guys.

Plates begin making their way around the patio while Daniel keeps another round of burgers coming off the grill. Beer bottles clink together as conversations overlap each other in a loud clatter that oddly enough, calms my nerves a little. Grandpa Bennett has somehow managed to corner poor Cade again, gesturing wildly as he launches what I’m sure is another Wall Street story. Cade catches my eye from across the yard and suddenly mouths help me.

Haley’s ended up halfway in Knox’s lap while they quietly talk to Savannah. The emerald on her finger glowing in the sunlight every time she moves her hand.

I can’t believe she’s married.

And before Ellie.

A laugh breaks free as I spot Ellie stealing a fry off of Caleb’s plate. She’s sitting at a small table with the Briggs triplets, no doubt ordering them around like the drama queen she is.

Warmth rushes over my back as Lex’s strong arms pull me into him from behind. “You okay, baby?” he breathes into my neck.

I nod, looking over at this crazy family we’ve created. “Yeah it’s just—”

Clink. Clink. Clink.

Clay taps his glass of scotch as he pushes back from the table. “Alright, everyone,” he says with a smile that immediately quiets the conversations around him. “Before we get too far into anything, I figured I’d say a few words.”

Just as everyone turns their attention toward Clay, the back door of the Whitmore’s mansion swing open.

Every head pivots.

“Sorry we’re late,” Dad calls as he and Luciana step onto the patio.

She’s not what I had imagined. Though, I’m not really sure what I pictured if I’m telling the truth here. I’ve only had vague descriptions of the guys’ short time with her in Rome to go off of.

She’s beautiful, I’ll give her that. Dark chocolate waves fall over her shoulders, framing a face softened by honey-brown eyes. The lightweight fabric of her pale blush sundress gently sways in the breeze.

Dad flashes me an apologetic smile as they near the table. “Manhattan would apparently decide that today’s the day everyone forgets how to drive on the one day I forget my phone at the house.”

Savannah lets out a delighted laugh before hurrying over to them. “Roman!” she beams, throwing her arms around him. “I’m thrilled you could make it, dear.”

Dad returns the hug easily before his steel gaze finds mine. “Wouldn’t have missed it.”

He returns his hand to Luciana’s back before addressing the group. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet my wife, Luciana.”