Clover Park Bride Read online

Mrs. Marino, a petite blond woman, got up and went over to greet them, first hugging Lily and then giving Missy a hug. Her sister looked surprised.

  “So nice to finally meet you,” Mrs. Marino said warmly to Missy. “Lily was thrilled you could come out for the wedding and be maid of honor.”

  “Thanks,” Missy said. “I’m happy to be here.”

  Mr. Marino appeared at Lily’s side. “Lily,” he said warmly before giving her a giant bear hug. He was a big guy. He offered his hand to Missy. “So happy to meet you, Missy. I hope you brought your appetite. We’ve got manicotti tonight.”

  “Sounds delicious,” Missy said.

  Nico held out a chair. “Lil, you sit here. Missy’ll be next to you.”

  “Thanks.” She sat down and Nico pulled out a chair for Missy too, who quickly sat down, her cheeks flushing pink. She probably wasn’t used to such nice gentleman manners. Her man was the total package.

  Lily quickly introduced Missy to everyone by name, each of them smiling warmly at her. The Marino brothers were all dark-haired, dark-eyed gorgeous Italians. The Reynolds brothers were also lookers—all fair skinned, light brown to blond hair, with dark blue eyes. Except Jared had green eyes from somewhere in the family line.

  Zoe called to Lily from across the table. “Band’s all set for Saturday. And p.s. I got my dad to join us!”

  “Oh, wow, that’s awesome!” Lily turned to Missy. “Her dad is a famous jazz musician.”

  “Cool,” Missy said.

  Zoe went on in her animated way, her brown eyes bright, “I figure you can do karaoke when the band takes breaks. Sound good?”

  “Absolutely,” Lily said. “We want to hear as much from you guys as possible. You’re the professionals.” Zoe was an internationally famous jazz singer.

  “Do you karaoke?” Zoe asked Missy. “Maybe you and Lily could do a duet.”

  “Me?” Missy squeaked.

  “Oh, that would be perfect!” Lily exclaimed. “A sister duet. Please, Missy, let’s do it.”

  Missy shook her head, a small smile playing over her lips. “Sure, why not? Gotta keep the bride happy.”

  “It’s a sister thing,” Lily insisted, leaning in to press her cheek to Missy’s. Missy reached up a hand and held Lily’s head close for a moment.

  “Lily, it’s so nice to see you finally get to spend time with your sister,” Mrs. Marino said. “How long are you staying, Missy?”

  “I fly out the morning after the wedding,” Missy said.

  Lily deflated, her chest aching. She didn’t want Missy to leave. Nico squeezed her hand from her other side—he was tuned into her moods—and she gave him a tight smile.

  A timer dinged and Mr. Marino stood, rubbing his hands together. “Dinner’s ready. Someone help me get the food in here.”

  Lily leaped up to help, as did Mrs. Marino. She followed them into the large gourmet kitchen. “I’ll get the salad.”

  Mr. Marino pulled two large trays of manicotti from the oven. Nico appeared in the kitchen and retrieved some trivets and serving spatulas. Lily set the salad bowl on the end of the table closest to her sisters-in-law, knowing the men didn’t often take salad.

  “Help me with the bread,” Mrs. Marino said to Lily. She followed her back into the kitchen. “Can you get the bread baskets?”

  “Sure.” She retrieved them while Mrs. Marino took three long loaves of garlic bread from the warming drawer and put them in the wicker baskets.

  Mr. Marino left, holding a tray of manicotti with potholders. Nico was poking around in the kitchen drawers, probably looking for another set of potholders for the second tray.

  Lily picked up two wicker baskets of bread, about to head back to the dining room when Mrs. Marino stopped her, a hand on her arm. “Lily, I couldn’t help but notice how sad you looked about your sister leaving. Does she have family back in Seattle?”

  Lily’s throat tightened, her voice hoarse. “No. I’m it for her.”

  Mrs. Marino gave her a sympathetic look that made Lily’s eyes water. “Have you thought about asking her to move back east to be near you?”

  Lily pressed her lips together, trying not to cry. “It seems like a lot to ask, moving cross country, uprooting her entire life. Maybe she’s comfortable there.”

  “She could be comfortable here too. We’d certainly welcome her into the family.” Mrs. Marino gave Lily’s arm a squeeze. “Just an idea. My boys are always telling me I stick my nose in too much, so I’ll just say I know family’s important to you, and it would be wonderful for her to be involved in your growing family too.” She took a basket of bread and sailed from the kitchen.

  Lily stood there for a few moments, joy radiating through her at the thought. She and Nico planned to have a big family, and how she’d love for their aunt Missy to get to know them and be a part of their lives. The best part was she and Missy would finally get the chance to do all the family things they’d missed out on—holidays, birthdays, Sunday dinners, pop-in visits. Amazing!

  When she returned to the dining room, Nico, his older brother Vince, and Vince’s wife, Sophia, weren’t there. She took her seat and everyone waited for them to return. They were probably talking about the winterizing work on Nico and Lily’s old house—Vince and Sophia owned Marino and Capello Construction—though she wasn’t sure why they had to leave the table to do that.

  They returned and took their seats. Nico gestured to everyone. “Sorry, go ahead and eat.”

  Everyone started passing the food.

  “So, Missy, whadda ya do out in Seattle?” Vince asked. He resembled Nico with his dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin, but he was much bulkier, a former football player, now in construction.

  Lily watched her sister closely for signs that she never wanted to leave Seattle.

  “I’m an executive assistant at a tech company,” Missy replied.

  “You any good?” Vince asked, then grunted when his wife, Sophia, elbowed him. “What?”

  Sophia, a fiery Italian beauty that handled the gruff Vince with ease, said through her teeth, “Of course she’s good, she’s Lily’s sister.”

  “That don’t mean—” Vince started and then shut his mouth at Sophia’s significant look.

  “Have you been working there long?” Sophia asked Missy.

  Missy spoke like a total professional. “Three years there as an executive assistant, eight years before that at a few companies as an admin.”

  Sophia nodded. “Vince and I run a construction firm. Well, I’m more historic architecture restoration and he’s more construction.”

  “Speaking of construction,” Vince said, “the energy-efficient windows came in for your house.” He looked directly at Nico. “So when you and Lily are on your honeymoon, we’ll get in there, do the insulation, do the windows, and you’ll be set for winter.”

  “Thanks, Vince,” Nico said. “Really appreciate it. Leave the bill and I’ll pay it when I get back.”

  “No charge, ya dope,” Vince boomed. “It’s your frigging wedding present.”

  Sophia beamed.

  “Thank you both so much,” Lily said, taking Nico’s hand and giving it a squeeze. He was a proud man who believed strongly in paying his own way. “We really appreciate it.” She’d be sure to return the favor one day. Maybe she’d start a college fund for their first child. Vince and Sophia were newlyweds, but she was sure it wouldn’t be long before they started having kids.

  “I saw some of your flyers in town, Lily,” Mrs. Marino said. “Looks like your wedding’s going to be a Clover Park event.”

  “Sure is!” Lily exclaimed happily at the same time Nico muttered, “Sure is.”

  Everyone laughed and went back to eating in happy chaos.

  And then the doorbell rang.

  She and Nico exchanged an alarmed look. Her dad and his lady friend had arrived.

  “Are we expecting someone?” Mrs. Marino asked, checking in with her husband.

  “You didn’t tell them?” Lily asked Nico.


  “It’s Lily’s dad,” Nico said, rising from his seat. “He’s bringing his girlfriend. I thought it would be good for you all to get to know each other before the wedding.”

  Mr. Marino stood, wiping his mouth with his napkin and setting it down. “Sit down, Nico. I’ll go say hello.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Nico felt sweat bead on his forehead as he sat at the dining room table, waiting for George and his possible paid escort to walk in with his dad. He just knew this was going to make everything worse.

  At least he had a plan for Missy now, the moment he’d heard his stepmom butting in, asking Lily about Missy staying, and Lily looking so distraught, her lips pressed together like she did when she was trying not to cry, he knew he needed to change Missy’s mind. He’d immediately pulled Vince and Sophia aside to talk about a possible job. They lived close and had the power to hire. If he could find Missy a job, a place to live, and make a real case for moving here, then Lily would truly be happy. He’d mentioned to Lily last night that her nightmares might be connected to Missy leaving, and she’d agreed it was a possibility, though she also said she had a lot on her plate right now, so it was impossible to know. But he knew.

  It physically hurt him to watch Lily suffer. The nightmares were taking their toll, already she had dark circles under her eyes, and it was only going to get worse. Lily would have to say goodbye to Missy in six days.

  George stood stiffly at the entrance to the dining room, wearing a blue blazer over a crisp white dress shirt and gray pants. His girlfriend/paid escort wore a bright yellow dress cut low in front. It was so short it barely covered her ass.

  Nico stood and shook George’s hand. “Thank you for coming.”

  George looked past him to Lily. “You didn’t dress for dinner?”

  “I’m not naked, am I?” Lily quipped. His brothers chuckled quietly. She stood and hugged her dad, who patted her back stiffly. George seemed to be brand new at hugging. She pulled her dad over to where Missy sat. “This is my sister, Missy. See the resemblance?”

  George looked down his nose at Missy. “Nice to meet you.” He went back to his girlfriend. “Lily, this is Bunny,” George intoned. “Bunny, my daughter, Lily.”

  “Hi!” Bunny smiled brightly. “We already ate, but I told Georgie we had to stop by.” She leaned around Lily’s shoulder. “Hi, everyone!”

  A chorus of greetings followed.

  “We’re still eating,” Nico said. “Would you like to take a seat in the living room? I could get you some coffee. Everyone will join us when they’re done.”

  “I’ll join you too,” Lily said. “I just finished up.”

  Nico sent her a look. She was not done eating. Neither was he, but he’d caused the problem and he’d run interference and fix it.

  “Great!” Bunny exclaimed. “I love after-dinner coffee!”

  Nico went to fetch the coffee and mugs while Lily showed them into the living room. He joined them just as Lily asked in a cheery voice, “So how did you two meet?”

  George and Bunny were sitting thigh to thigh in the center of the burgundy leather sofa, not leaving enough room on either side for anyone else. Lily was in the adjacent leather chair.

  He quickly set two full mugs on the coffee table. He knew Lily couldn’t drink coffee after dinner, it made her hyper. “Cream or sugar?”

  “We both take it black,” her dad replied.

  Lily smiled at Nico. He couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss her cheek. She cupped the back of his neck and whispered in his ear, “My dad said he was sorry about the hoedown comment. He’s sure our wedding will be lovely.”

  They grinned at each other. Lily didn’t know Nico had prompted the apology, and she didn’t need to know. It was better all around if she thought her dad had done it on his own.

  Nico took a seat in the other leather chair across from Lily. Hoedown problem solved, now on to the Bunny problem, then convincing Missy to stay, then…shit, he hoped there weren’t any more problems heading their way.

  “Do you have espresso?” Bunny asked.

  What did she think this was, a restaurant? “No, sorry,” Nico said.

  “That’s okay.” Bunny sipped her coffee and made a face. Nico had no idea why. His brother used freshly ground beans. Picky, picky.

  “Dad?” Lily pressed. “How did you meet?”

  Her dad pulled his collar from his throat. “At the club.”

  “Is your family a member?” Lily asked Bunny. “Maybe I know them.”

  “No,” Bunny said. “I was there with another friend.”

  “Uh-huh.” Lily shot Nico a look that said, bingo! Paid escort!

  Now that he thought about it, George was probably a catch purely for his money. He certainly wasn’t winning points for personality. And he resembled, well, a grandfather.

  “You know about the prenup, right?” Nico asked Bunny. George had shoved that in Nico’s face from the moment he took out his daughter. Lily trusted Nico and had insisted they didn’t need one.

  Lily shot him a warning look, which he ignored.

  Bunny tittered, a chirpy little laugh. “We’re not getting married. No worries!”

  George coughed and took a sip of coffee.

  Lily cocked her head, studying Bunny. Nico tried to decide if this was going to be a problem or not. Bunny smiled to herself like she knew something they didn’t. Lily turned to her dad, who was turning an interesting shade of pink.

  Lily broke the silence. “So-o-o, you two are just dating. That’s nice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen dear old dad on a date. How old are you, Bunny, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  Bunny set her mug down. “I’m thirty. I know, I know, I have a young face. I still get carded! Though I’m off alcohol for a while. Right, Georgie?”

  Nico’s stomach rolled. Please don’t let it be what I think it is.

  George nodded stiffly, staring straight ahead.

  Lily looked back and forth between them. “Dad? What’s going on? You’re acting very strange.”

  They both stared at George, who remained close-lipped.

  “They’re going to find out soon enough,” Bunny chirped. “I’m pregnant with the Spencer heir!”

  Nico’s gaze shot to Lily, the current Spencer heir, completely prepared to bring her back to consciousness if she passed out from shock. This was much worse than Bunny being a hooker.

  Lily turned to her dad. “Is this true? You’re going to be a dad again?”

  George took a deep breath in and out. “If you must know, through the use of modern technology, I was able to assure a son was implanted in Bunny. She’s a surrogate. Everything is legal and aboveboard. Bunny and I have an agreement.”

  Shudder.

  George had arranged for the male heir he’d always wanted. Lily had to be devastated. She’d always thought her dad would’ve preferred a boy. Nico crossed to her and put a hand on her shoulder. She remained sitting in shock, her gaze riveted on her dad.

  Bunny explained further, though he and Lily were still too shocked to ask any questions. “Georgie selected an egg donor—a Harvard medical school student no less—plus his sperm makes baby. Normally I don’t hang with the donor parent, but Georgie and I found we enjoy each other’s company. Anyway, this is my second journey. That’s what I call my surrogate pregnancy. Third time being pregnant. I also have a nine-year-old daughter.” She beamed. “I just love being pregnant!”

  “Your husband doesn’t mind?” Nico asked.

  Bunny shook her head. “I’m a single mom. That loser has never been part of the picture.”

  Nico checked in with Lily. She gazed back at him, a slow smile dawning. She turned to her dad and Bunny. “I’m going to be a big sister?”

  “Yes,” her dad said.

  Lily shot out of her seat. “Omigod, what a wonderful wedding present!”

  Nico reeled, trying to wrap his mind around Lily’s completely unexpected reaction; then he just decided to roll with it. That was Lily in
a nutshell, exuberant and loving, always looking to the bright side of new experiences.

  He hugged her, knowing her dad wouldn’t, and she snuggled in, whispering, “I’m so lucky. I’ve got so much family now.”

  He smiled. “And soon we’ll have our own.”

  She lifted her head, her electric blue eyes jolting him like always. “I can’t wait for you to knock me up.”

  Her dad cleared his throat. Like he had room to judge. Mr. Tech Baby over there.

  Lily grinned, looking at Nico, but speaking loud enough for her dad to hear. “I mean, have hot sex and impregnate me.”

  Nico threw back his head and laughed. Bunny giggled.

  George stood. “Thank you for the coffee. I need to get Bunny home. It’s important she get her rest.”

  “Oh, you!” Bunny said affectionately. She turned to Lily. “He’s always looking out for me.”

  “And the baby,” Lily put in.

  Bunny smiled. “Of course, honey, that’s what it’s all about.”

  Lily kissed her dad’s cheek and gave Bunny a hug. Nico shook their hands.

  As soon as the door shut behind them, Nico cradled Lily’s jaw and kissed her. “Now that they’re gone, be honest, aren’t you even a little upset? You’ll have to share the Spencer inheritance.”

  “Are you kidding me? The Spencer legacy has been a noose around my neck forever. I’ll happily share, and we’re going to make sure that baby is part of our family too. Dad’s going to do better this time around with my guidance. You probably haven’t noticed, but he’s been making a real effort with me. Did you see him hug me back earlier?”

  “Yeah.” He decided not to mention how stiff and formal the hug looked.

  “That was a huge step forward. We never used to hug. It’s all because he almost lost me when I finally put my foot down and told him he had to treat me right.”

  “Damn right,” he said, refraining from taking credit for his part in their reconciliation, though he had a lot to do with it.

  Lily nodded once. “He’s making a real effort to keep that connection. Maybe he’ll be a doting grandfather too.”

  “Fucking crazy talk, woman.” He kissed her because she was just so adorable.

  “Mark my words,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Big things are happening in the Spencer family tree.”