“Normally, Dante would handle any toasts or speeches, so I’ll keep this brief. Please raise your glass and welcome the newest member of the Moretti family.”
Champagne flutes raised, and a murmur of congratulations filled the room.
Dad joined us at the railing, practically vibrating with joy. “For those of you that don’t know, I’m Sasha’s dad, Greg Mitchell. First, I want to thank Rosa for hosting this whole shindig.” Rosa smiled and clinked glasses with my mom. The two were thick as thieves after a few weeks of wedding planning. “I don’t think we’d all be nearly as comfortable in my den.” A smattering of laughter from our family and a few polite chuckles from the Moretti’s echoed up to us.
“From the minute Sasha was born, I knew she’d be a hell-raiser.” A shocked laugh burst from my mouth. Not sure why I was surprised, but I thought the swanky surroundings would temper my dad. Not so much. “As she grew up, she found ways to get in trouble that I could’ve never imagined. Like in fourth grade when she set up an underground candy bar store in her desk. We only caught on because she tried to take care of the bill at dinner. We found nearly one hundred dollars in a shoebox under her bed.”
Dante’s mouth hung open as he looked up at me with more reverence than I’d ever received.
“In high school, she told us she was a designated driver when she was actually running a paid service to help kids sneak back into their houses. While I admired her entrepreneurial spirit, we had to put an end to it after a line of parents ended up on our front porch complaining about the money and the fact their kids had been getting away with God knows what.”
I laughed, remembering how awkward the “punishment” conversation had been. Dad couldn’t bring himself to ground me, so he made me promise to stop and give back the money.
I never gave back the money.
“Luca, you’ve chosen one hell of a challenge for a wife. You’d do well to remember she’s an excellent shot and has a mind that can solve any problem.” Dad leveled Luca with a stare that was full of amusement and warning. After a beat, he raised his champagne flute in the air, the glass comically small in his worn hand. “To Luca and Sasha. Good luck to him and every happiness to her.” He chuckled, his cheeks red and his smile wide as he took a sip. Cringing, he wrapped his arm around me and whispered in my ear. “I love you, kid.”
“I love you, Dad.”
Marco took a step, raising himself above the crowd. “I guess I’m next.” He winked up at me. “Luca—”
A series of buzzing and chimes stopped him from talking, and almost all the men drew their phones, including my dad, uncles, and his friends from the firehouse. Luca frowned down at his screen, and then his eyes flashed up to Adriana and me.
“There’s a fire.” Dad looked at me apologetically before visually rounding up his fellow county firefighters. Half the guests moved toward the door, organizing rides. Wives kissed husbands and clumped together, trying to decide whether to stay or go. If they were calling in everyone, it must be a serious emergency. Dad hugged me, then moved to my mom and whispered in her ear. Her face grim, she nodded and kissed him goodbye.
Confused, I turned to Luca for answers, but he was already locked in a quiet conversation with Marco. Morettis scattered out the front door and through the house.
“What’s going on?” I asked, but Luca and Marco either didn’t hear me or ignored my question.
“An entire city block is up in flames. The city’s reached out to the county for assistance.” My mom’s voice startled me.
With my eyes locked on Luca, I asked, “Where?”
“Your dad didn’t say.”
Finally, Luca turned me and jerked his chin toward the hallway. Dread spread through me as I joined him in front of his old bedroom. “What is it?”
“Someone started a fire in Adriana’s home, and it’s spread to the entire block.” My stomach dropped. “I need to go talk to my mom, and you guys need to wind the party down. Get the caterers and all non-Moretti’s out of the house.”
I nodded and turned to go to Rosa, but Luca caught my hand and pulled me to him. His lips were on mine before I could ask what he was doing. The kiss was hard, claiming—a testament to being alive. I wound my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him.
He leaned back, our noses brushing against each other. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Hand in hand, we went to find Rosa, all thoughts about engagements and weddings gone.
FOUR
It took thirty minutes to get the house clear of party guests and caterers. Rosa called to push back the cleaning crew, so Adriana, Luca, and I sat in the kitchen surrounded by party mess.
“So, it’s all gone?” Adriana twisted a napkin in her hand, her knee bouncing.
“It’s not looking good.”
Adriana’s focus stayed on the white linen sliding between her fingers. Luca and I shared a look, neither knowing what to do or what to say. Tossing the napkin down, she pushed her chair back and abruptly stood. “I should go check on Dante.”
Rosa passed Adriana on her way out of the kitchen, the two women sharing tired, tight smiles.