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Everyone laughed, and even Drake chuckled. Bitsy shook her head, but the corners of her mouth turned up. “My apologies, Alessandra. You’d think wolves raised my children, not socialites from Lake Forest.”
All three siblings threw their heads back and howled. Drake’s heart felt lighter being around his siblings. Home was a place where he could let down his guard. Allowing himself to be vulnerable and letting his wife see this side of him felt right.
“I didn’t know your family was so much fun, Drake.”
“You don’t know the half of it, bella.”
Affection and desire filled Alessandra’s eyes as she looked at him. Maybe there was hope for them after all.
***
Chapter Nineteen
The dining room table was centered beneath a softly lit crystal chandelier. Decorative plaster molding framed the high ceiling adding character to the room.
Alessandra couldn’t remember the last time she had a comforting home-cooked meal. She’d heard stories about her mother’s amazing cooking. After her passing, a private chef was hired to cook all their meals. At nine, Alessandra began cooking lessons, but she couldn’t cook a meal of this caliber. Alessandra complimented Mrs. Walker on the delicious meal they indulged in.
“I’ll pass your compliments to our chef. We always hire for guests, dear.”
The remainder of dinner passed smoothly. Alessandra joked and laughed with Drake’s family as they charmed her with tales of his misspent youth. She enjoyed seeing this lighter side of her husband.
After dinner, they retreated to the backyard. The comfortable outdoor seating was expertly arranged on the blue stone patio underneath a fairy light-wrapped pergola. Richard lit an enclosed fire pit, and they chatted beneath the twilight sky.
“We were shocked Riley left our poor Drake at the altar. Don’t you think it’s funny you sauntered down the aisle out of nowhere as a replacement bride?” Mrs. Walker began.
“Mother,” Drake warned.
Bitsy waved him off. “But seeing you together, I’m thankful our son has you. He seems happy.”
“We should have a girl’s day soon, Mom! Alessandra, you, and me. We can get mani/pedis, grab lunch, and do some shopping,” Beth suggested.
“I’d like that. It would give us a chance to get to know each other better now that we’re family,” Alessandra agreed.
“I’d like that too, my dear. How about we plan a day next week?” Bitsy pulled up the calendar on her phone.
“Your wife is smoking hot, Drake, and she’s cool as shit. Riley was always such a buzzkill,” Dustin said.
“Regardless of the circumstances that brought you together—we only care about your happiness.” Mr. Walker raised his glass with a smile.
Alessandra’s heart swelled at the blessing from the Walkers. Drake squeezed her hand and kissed her cheek.
“Thank you for inviting me, Mr. and Mrs. Walker. Is there anything I can help you with?” Alessandra gestured to the plates in Bitsy’s hands.
“That would be wonderful, dear, and please call me Bitsy.”
Alessandra helped Mrs. Walker and Elizabeth with the dishes while the men indulged in a nightcap. She smiled, enjoying the warmth Drake’s laughter drifting in from the patio evoked in her heart.
As night fell, it was time to return to the city. Everyone escorted them to the porch.
Dustin pulled her in tight and joked, “Are you sure my brother didn’t find you at Hooters?”
“Do I really seem like a Hooters girl?” she asked.
“You have the rack of one, but you’re too nice.”
Drake knocked Dustin upside the head. “You better watch it, Dustin.”
Dustin threw his hands up. “I yield, Mr. Walker.”
